Summertime means fairs and festivals are in the air to give residents and visitors a chance to amuse themselves on carnival rides, eat cotton candy and candy apples or just while away a warm evening with friends.

The following fests are among those planned for the Mercer County area:

Grove City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Paddle, Pedal & Hoof at 3 p.m. today.

The unique relay race begins with paddling on Wolf Creek, followed by biking on the bike trail and running along Greenwood Drive. This is a team relay using up to four people. Register at the chamber, 111 W. Pine St.

Grove City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the Community Patriotic Program at 8 p.m. today on the lower campus of Grove City College.

Fireworks will follow.

Back to the '50s Weekend will be held Thursday through Sunday at Cascade Park, New Castle.

Live entertainment includes:

   » Today -- Memory Lane, 2:30 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Leon Daniels and The El Venos, 3 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.; The Capri's, 4 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m

   » Friday -- Memory Lane, 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.; The Earls, 4 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m.; The Capri's, 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

   » Saturday -- Memory Lane, 3 to 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.; Chuck Basko and The Vogues, 4 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m..

   » Sunday -- Sonny Geraci, 2 to 3 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Johnny Angel and The Halos, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

Other events include: Car cruise to Ellwood City, 5:15 to 6:15 Saturday; car awards, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and $10,000 in prizes. ESPN2 Street Rodder TV will cover the events.

The 38th annual Mercer County Grange Fair, sponsored by Mercer County Pomona Grange, will be July 8-13 at the grange fair grounds, state Route 58, east of Mercer.

Highlights include:

   » July 7 -- Opening of the fair with presentation of flags by Mercer County ERA Vietnam Veterans Association Color Guard, 7 p.m., followed by a Vespers service with speaker, Gregory Vanderveen, Mercer and music provided by B-Attitudes.

   » July 8 -- ATZ and garden tractor pull; Norman King Memorial Scholarship Fair Queen Contest, both 7 p.m.

   » July 9 -- Parade; Teen Dance "From Water 2 Wine."

   » July 10 -- Concerts by Karied Away and Earthquakers.

   » July 11 -- Demolition derby, 7 p.m.

   » July 12 -- Auction, 4 p.m.; truck and tractor pull, sanctioned by American Tractor Pullers, 7 p.m.; concert by the Mercer County Jamboree.

   » July 13 -- Horse show, 9 a.m.; family games and Trapper John, afternoon; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; square dance and fireworks.

Other activities include: Exhibits and contests; breakfast served at 8 a.m., lunch at noon and dinner at 4 p.m.; rides by Bartlebaugh Amusements; bingo; animal rides; pet parade; baking contests and Little Guys & Dolls contest.

Information: Ginny Richardson, (724) 745-4007.

The City of Farrell, in cooperation with Farrell Area School District, will hold Farrell Homecoming from 6 to 10 p.m. July 9 through 13 in Farrell Area High School Paulekas Stadium.

Events for July 13 include: Shenango Valley Shuttle Service Comfort Station dedication (Roemer Boulevard and Spearman Avenue), 11 a.m.; parade beginning at city hall, noon; program, 2 p.m.; rides and amusement, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.; booths and entertainment, 6 to 10 p.m.

Other activities include: Food and citizen and junior citizens awards. Information: (724) 983-2711.

The 21st Slovenfest (A Celebration of Ethnic Culture), sponsored by the SNPJ Recreation Center, will be from noon to midnight July 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 13 and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 14 at SNPJ Recreation Center, 270 Martin Road, Enon Valley, Pa., borough of SNPJ.

Highlights include:

   » July 12 -- Miss SNPJ Pageant Talent, noon to 4 p.m.; day-long Button Box Jam, noon to 11 p.m.; Joe Fedorchak Orchestra, 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Don Wojtila Orchestra, 4 to 7 p.m.; Jack Tady Orchestra, 6 to 10 p.m.; Bob Turcola Orchestra, 6 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight; Wojtila and Rodick orchestras, 7 to 8 p.m.; Eddie Rodick Orchestra, 8 to 11 p.m.; Veseli Muzikanti, 8 to 10:30 p.m.; Jam-Jam-Jam, 10:30 p.m. to midnight.

   » July 13 -- Del Rezek Orchestra, noon to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.; day-long Button Box Jam, noon to 11 p.m.; Fred Ziwich's Sound Machine, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Polka Quads, 1 to 5 p.m.; Lipa Park Button Box Club, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Tony Klepec Orchestra, 2:30 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Veseli Muzikanti, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; 46th Miss SNPJ crowning, 5 to 6 p.m.; Western Pa. Button Box Club, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; George Staiduhar and the Revue, 6 to 10 p.m.; Jeff Pecon Orchestra, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Jam-Jam-Jam, 7:30 to 10 p.m.

   » July 14 -- Polka Mass, 10 a.m. to noon; Northern Ohio Button Box Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tony Klepec Orchestra, noon to 2 p.m.; and 4 to 6 p.m.; day-long Button Box Jam, noon to 10 p.m.; Magic Buttons Button Box Club, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Bob Kravos Band, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; Dick Tady Orchestra, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Eddie Vallus Band II, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Veseli Fantje, 3 p.m.; Joe Grkman Orchestra, 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; Bob Matasy Orchestra, 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Joe Novak & Friends, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Other events include: Drawings; Slovenian Heritage Center; polka and waltz, Slovenian style; ethnic foods; two swimming pools; craft and merchandise vendors and children's activities. Call for cabin reservations. Information: (800) 843-7675.

Zelienople Historical Society will sponsor the annual Horse Trading Days July 17, 18, 19 and 21.

Highlights include: Luncheon on the Lawn at Passavant House and the Trash 'n' Treasure Sale at Buhl House, both July 17-18; Local Artists' Show and Sales opens July 17 and remains in place until August; dedication of the restored summer kitchen at Passavant House and the community cemetery in commemoration of early Goehring family members, both on July 21.

Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce's 14th annual Victorian Weekend will be July 19-21 on Courthouse Square.

Highlights include:

   » July 19 -- Victorian concert and ice cream social.

   » July 20 -- Grand Victorian parade, 10 a.m.; presentation of mayor's proclamation, noon; antique appraisals, 1 to 3 p.m.

   » July 21 -- House tour, 1 to 5 p.m.; classic car show, 4 p.m.; Vespers service, 5 p.m.

Other events include: Carriage rides and artisans and craftsmen dressed in Victorian attire displaying and demonstrating their wares on July 20 and 21; antiques, collectibles and flea market; Traveling Shoes (cloggers); guided historic walking tours; chicken barbecue; food; silent auction; special presentation of some of American's First Ladies; collectible display on "Gone with the Wind;" Mercer County Historical Society display and Civil War encampment.

Tickets for the house tour can be purchased at the chamber office, 132 S. Pitt St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Information: (724) 662-4185 or e-mail: mercerchamber@pathway.net

The 64th annual Clarion County Fair will be July 21-27 at the Red Bank Valley Municipal Park near New Bethlehem.

Highlights include:

   » July 21 -- Entries accepted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 4-H horse and pony show, 10 a.m.; car show, 1:30 p.m.; pet show, 4:30 p.m.; hymn sing and devotional program and junior dairy fitting contest, both 7 p.m.

   » July 22 -- Open horse show and junior dairy show, both 10 a.m.; tractor driving, 1 p.m.; baked goods auction, 6 p.m.; 4-wheeler competition and mini tractor pull, 6:30 p.m.; Colgate Country Showdown, 7 p.m..

   » July 23 -- Mega Rock 105.5 and 100.5 live remote, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; demo derby pre-show -- WWCH Radio, 6:30 p.m.; demolition derby -- compact cars and pickup trucks, 7:30 p.m.

   » July 24 -- Junior swine show, 8 a.m.; junior sheep show, 11 a.m.; barnyard games, 1:30 p.m.; Hair Designs by Bryan, 4 to 8 p.m.; junior beef show, 4:30 p.m.; demolition derby -- full size cars, 7:30 p.m.

   » July 25 -- Open horse show (game) 10 a.m.; special needs children's day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; leadline contest, noon; master showmanship contest, 6:30 p.m.; concert by Earthquakers, 7:30 p.m.

   » July 26 -- Lions Club bingo, 1 p.m.; Brookville Hospital health fair, noon to 4 p.m.; antique tractor show, noon to 5 p.m.; sheep to shawl demonstration, 1 p.m.; antique tractor pull, 5 p.m.; farm tractor pull, 6:30 p.m.; 4-H livestock sale, 7 p.m.

   » July 27 -- 4-H project round-up and draft horse pull, both 10 a.m.; kiddie pedal tractor pull, 11 a.m.; demolition derby -- school buses, 7:30 p.m.

Daily events include: The Royal American Circus with petting zoo and pig racing; children's petting barn; livestock judging; Lions Club bingo; Buffo, The World's Strongest Clown; carnival by J&J Amusements; vendors and games. Information: (814) 275-3929.

The 32nd annual Jefferson Township Fair will be July 23-27 at the Jefferson Township Municipal Grounds, 7404 Lamor Road, Mercer. July 22 is entry day, the fair opens to the public at 5 p.m. July 23-26 and 1 p.m., July 27.

Highlights include:

   » July 23 -- Fair opens, 5 p.m.; pet parade forms, 6:30 p.m. with parade at 6:45 p.m.; fireman's day activities at 7 p.m. followed by firefighters parade; Mercer County Dairy Princess, 7 p.m.; concert by Earthquakers, sponsored by the Jefferson Township Fire Department, 8 p.m.

   » July 24 -- Demolition derby, 7 p.m.; concert by Black Listed Band, 7 p.m.; concert by B-Attitudes, 8 p.m.

   » July 25 -- Weigh-in farm stock tractor and non-turbo tractor pull contest, 5 p.m. with pull at 7:30 p.m.; concert by Chuck Thorpe and Friends, 7 to 9 p.m.

   » July 26 -- Stock, hi-performance, super stock contest, 5 and 7:30 p.m.; dog obedience show by Shenango Valley K-9 Academy, 7 p.m.; concert by Mercer County Jamboree, 7 to 11 p.m.

   » July 27 -- Horse show, sponsored by Dean Dairy, 9 a.m.; children's games, 1 p.m.; children's pedal tractor pull, 2:30 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; Country and Western Music Show and Square Dance, 8 p.m.; fireworks, 10:30 p.m.

There will also be rides by Bartlebaugh Amusements; games; bingo; archery demonstration and dinners served daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a buffet one July 27. Exhibits will include livestock, hay and grain, vegetables, fruits, home and dairy products, floral, needlecraft, arts and more. Information: Jim McCullouch, 962-9823.

Mercer County Antique Power Association will sponsor their 10th annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show, featuring Ford/Fordson Tractors and the Fairbanks Morse Engine July 25-28 at Stoneboro Fairgrounds, U.S. Route 62.

Highlights include:

   » July 25 -- Registration, noon to 8 p.m.; auction, 6 p.m.

   » July 26 -- Registration, noon to 8 p.m.; feature/member antique tractor pull, weigh-in, 5 p.m., pull 6 p.m.

   » July 27 -- Tractor games, 10 a.m.; chicken barbecue, noon to 3 p.m.; parade, 1 p.m.; concert by Country Cookin'; open antique tractor pull, weigh-in, 3 p.m., pull, 4 p.m.

   » July 28 -- Church service, 9 a.m.; special music by Dan Schall; parade, 12:30 p.m.; raffle following the parade; doubletree and fun antique tractor pull, 1:30 p.m.; kiddie tractor pull, 2:30 p.m.

Other events include: flea market; antique cars and trucks; dynamometer; gas engines in operation; saw mill; thresher; stationary baler; food and breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m.

Grove City YMCA will sponsor the five-ring Carson & Barnes Circus at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 26.

The 9th annual Pymatuning Pioneer and Art Festival, sponsored by the Jamestown Area Historical Society, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27 and noon to 6 p.m. July 28 at Pymatuning State Park, state Route 322, Jamestown.

Come enjoy artists, crafts, pioneer demonstrations, displays, wagon and buggy rides, music, children's activities, good food and entertainment.

The 125th annual Transfer Harvest Home Fair will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5 through 9 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 10 at the fairgrounds.

Highlights include:

   » Aug. 4 -- Beauty pageant pre-registration, 4:30 to 6 p.m.; vespers service, 7 p.m.

   » Aug. 5 -- Entry day for all homemakers exhibits, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; entry for Hershey baking and the blue ribbon apple pie contest, 5 to 7 p.m.; horse show, 6 p.m.

   » Aug. 6 -- Arrival of livestock entries, until 8 p.m.; arrival of poultry and rabbit entries, noon to 8 p.m.; fair opening, flag ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 74, 6 p.m.; parade, 6:45 p.m.; drill team competition registration, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., competition, 8 p.m.; rodeo by Circle M Rodeo Productions, 8:30 p.m.; concert by "Rockin' Chair Country" (country music and square dancing), 9 to 11 p.m.

   » Aug. 7 -- Beauty pageant, 6 to 8 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; concert by "Wild Turkey Band" (country western), 8 to 11 p.m.

   » Aug. 8 -- ATV quad racing registration, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., race 7 p.m.; Christian Music night, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.; concert by Bandit (rock, country, rock and oldies), 9 to 11 p.m.

   » Aug. 9 -- Pet parade registration, 5 to 5:45 p.m., parade 6 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; concert by Southbound 65 (country western), 8 to 10 p.m.

   » Aug. 10 -- Children's pedal pull competition registration, 11:15 a.m. to noon, pull, 11 a.m.; women's and children barn yard Olympics registration, 12:30 to 1 p.m., competition, 1 to 2:15 p.m.; men and boy's barn yard Olympics registration, 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., competition, 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.; people pull competition weigh-in, 3:30 to 4 p.m., pull, 4 to 6 p.m.; children's games registration, 2 to 3 p.m., games, 3 to 4 p.m.; clicker dog training demonstration by Mercer County Dog Training Club, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; mud racing competition registration 4 to 5 p.m., racing 6 p.m.; concert by Bandit, 7 to 11 p.m.

Other activities include: Rides by B&J Amusements; meals served daily; chicken pie dinner on Aug. 8; rotisserie chicken, Aug. 10 and The Essell & Falkner Wingwalking Team.

Mercer County 4-H Roundup sponsored by Mercer County 4-H Development Committee and Penn State Cooperative Extension will be held Aug. 7 through 10 at the Mercer County 4-H Park, U.S. Route 19, 1è miles north of the courthouse.

Highlights include:

   » Aug. 8 -- 4-H showcases and cavalcade, 7:30 p.m.

   » Aug. 9 -- Livestock show and sale, 5:30 p.m.

   » Aug. 10 -- Horse show, 9 a.m.

There will also be club exhibits, project displays and shows throughout the fours days. For a complete schedule visit www.mercer.extension.

psu.edu Information: Matt Fenton, extension agent,
4-H/youth development, (724) 662-3141.

The 90th annual New Virginia Park "Old Home Days Festival" free family fun day will be held Aug. 10.

Events include: Car show, craft festival, live entertainment, pedal tractor pull, games and more.

The 1st New Virginia Park Fund-raiser will be Aug. 11.

Highlights include: Bike show and battle of the bands.

Ticket sale proceeds go to local charity. Information: (724) 646-1945.

Grove City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 24th Community Day Parade at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 in downtown Grove City.

Entries will be accepted until July 29, please call Sue, (724) 458-7823.

The 45th annual Grove City Street Fair sponsored by the Grove City Chamber of Commerce, will be Aug. 7-10 in downtown Grove City.

The downtown area becomes an exciting midway by Bartlebaugh Amusements, filled with amusements and great food and entertainment. Fireworks will be held Aug. 9.

Grove City Chamber will sponsor a Civil War Encampment/Reenactment on Aug. 24 in Grove City Memorial Park.

Information: Tim Bennett, (724) 748-3375.

The 135th Great Stoneboro Fair will be Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 at the Stoneboro Fairgrounds, U.S. Route 62.

   » Aug. 28 -- Great Stoneboro Fair Mile Run; milking contest; opening of fair and Linda Lou's Lucky Four Band-America's Ramblin' Family Band.

   » Aug. 29 -- Baked goods auction; dairy fitting and showmanship awards; demolition derby.

   » Aug. 30 -- Demolition derby.

   » Aug. 31 -- Harness racing; David Ball (country music) singing "Riding with Private Malone;" Bob Minor & The Country Tradition (square dance); fireworks.

   » Sept. 1 -- Fair church service; harness racing; exhibitor horse show; Traveling Shoes clogging show; dairy promotion activity; Lakeview Gospel Singers -- Southern Gospel music; The Fox Brothers; Dave Martin's Bull Ride Mania; fireworks.

   » Sept. 2 -- Grand cavalcade parade; harness racing; Mark Holland (Broadway "Cats" dancer); Skyn Deep (classic and southern rock band); stock and hi-performance stock truck pull; Wild Rose Band (oldies, old and new country music).

All exhibits must be pre-registered by Aug. 14. Daily events include: Elephant encounter shows; chainsaw wood carving; crafts; agriculture; livestock; wildlife and group displays and contests. Rides provided by Amusement's of Buffalo begin at various times. Information: (724) 376-2852 or the fair Web site at: www.pafairs.org/stoneborofair

Oktoberfest, a celebration of German and Slovene culture, will be Sept. 6-8 at the SNPJ Recreation Center, 270 Martin Road, Enon Valley, Pa., borough of SNPJ.

Highlights include: German and Slovene orchestras, ethnic foods and dining in the Alpine Room. Call for cabin reservations. Information: (800) 843-7675.

Mercer County Conservation District and Woodland Place will sponsor Community Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Woodland Place/Munnell Run Farm, a mile north of Mercer, state Route 58, across from Mercer County Career Center.

Events include: Crafters; Chinese auction; antique tractors; open pit cooking; music; hayrides; farm market; farm tours; face painting; trout nursery and square dancing. Information: Jill Shankel, (724) 662-2242 or Kim Schutt, (724) 662-5400.

The 10th annual Heritage Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Kildoo Picnic Area of McConnell's Mill State Park to celebrate the operational era of the mill (1852-1928).

Visitors will witness art in the making with a Civil War reenactment, coppersmith, spinner, spoon maker and other artists and crafters. Other activities include historical presentations, musical entertainment, gristmill tours and corn grinding demonstrations, a Native American Village and food vendors.

The festival is co-sponsored by Portersville-Prospect Rotary Club. Vendors who are interested in being involved can contact the park at (724) 368-9320. For more information visit the DCNR Web site at www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Compiled by Kelley Dorus,

Herald editorial assistant

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