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

JUNE

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church's Annual Spring Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the church, 1126 Fruit Ave., Farrell.

Activities include:

Bingo, games of chance, children's games, raffles, door prizes, baked goods sale, homemade Hungarian food including stuffed cabbage and sausage dinner and sausage and sauerkraut sandwiches, accordion music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and DJ "R & R Rock & Roll Express" from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

The 14th annual Grove City Strawberry Days Arts and Music Festival will be June 11-15 at Strawberry Park, downtown Grove City.

Highlights include:

   » June 11 -- Strawberry 5K run/walk, 7 p.m.

   » June 12 -- Grove City Chamber chicken barbecue and free Milk Chugs (courtesy of Dean Dairy), both 4 p.m.; music by PasaMala, 4 to 6 p.m.; free ice cream (courtesy of Mercer County Dairy Princess), 7 p.m.; concert by Joe Patrick and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m.

   » June 13 -- Storytelling by Pastor Greg of New Life Baptist Church, 11 a.m. to noon; Helen Hammett, ventriloquist, noon to 12:45 p.m.; Ronald McDonald, 1 to 2 p.m.; music by Kenton Kovich, 2 to 2:45 p.m.; music by Jim Sharp, 3 to 4 p.m.; Grace United Methodist Church braised steak dinner, 4 p.m.; concert by Earthquakers, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; concert by The Dorals (an oldies band), 7:30 to 10 p.m.

   » June 14 -- Free children's movie at Guthrie Theater, 10 a.m.; storytelling by Amy Dittman, 11 a.m. to noon; Clown Gordoon, noon to 1 p.m.; AARP Kitchen Band, 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.; Vaudeville play by Grove City Theater Art Guild, "The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt," 2 to 3 p.m.; Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute by singer/pianist Lee Alverson, 4 to 6:30 p.m.; concert by Billy Smooth and The House Rockers, 7 to 7:45 p.m.; concert by Come Together, 8 to 10 p.m.

   » June 15 -- River of God Praise Team, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; concert by Live Wire (barbershop quartet), 2 to 3 p.m.; talent show, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Other events include: craft and art displays, food and strawberry delights, face painting and balloon animals by Devin, model train display, strolling characters -- Power Puff Girls, plus sales and merchant promotions.

Information: Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 532, Grove City, Pa. 15137-0532, (724) 458-6410 or visit the chamber Web site at: www.grovecity-pa.com

Sandy Lake Family and Friends Days, sponsored by Sandy Lake Rotary Club, will be June 12-14 in G. Turner Craig Park.

Events include:

   » June 12 -- Pet parade registration at old Gilmore School, 6 p.m., parade 6:30 p.m.; 5-K run/walk, 7 p.m.; karaoke by Todd King, 8 to 10 p.m.

   » June 13 -- Parade lineup at Lakeview High School, 5 p.m., parade, 7 p.m.; concert by "Country Cookin' " with square dancing (sponsored by Walker Chevrolet), 8 to 10 p.m.

   » June 14 -- Registration for garden tractor and ATV pull, 10 a.m.; pull at 11 a.m.; registration for motorcycle fun ride, 10 and 11 a.m.; horseshow pitching, 11 a.m.; rotary chicken BBQ, noon; children's ride-a-rama by Powell Amusements, 2:30 to 5 p.m.; cruise-in and antique car display, 3 p.m.; fiddling contest by the Diamonds in the Rough, 5 to 7 p.m.; concert by Diamonds in the Rough (sponsored by Mercer County State Bank), 7:30 to 10 p.m.; fireworks by Cartwright Fireworks Inc. of Franklin, 10 p.m.

Other events include: community yard sales, rides and inflatable activities, Alpaca Farms display and Sandy Lake Sesquicentennial commemoratives on sale.

For information on the fiddling contest, contact Kim Thomas, (814) 752-2959. Information: Shirley Snyder, (724) 376-3650 or Sondra Kasbee, (724) 376-3428.

Stoneboro Station Days will be held June 18-21 on Railroad Street.

Highlights include: rides, games, food, crafts, 5K race, parade and fireworks.

For information on the 5K race, contact Scott Black, (724) 376-4000. For parade information, (724) 376-2937.

The first Pioneer Frolic, co-sponsored by Friends of Goddard State Park and Goddard State Park, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28 and noon to 5 p.m. June 29 in M.K. Goddard State Park, five minutes from I-79. Take exit 130 to state Route 358 west and follow the signs to Lake Wilhelm Road, leading directly to the park.

Events include: blacksmithing, a Native American village, artisans, crafts persons and a pioneer settler frolic and encampment.

The community celebration and pioneer workday will focus on the pioneers who settled this watershed and helped clear the land and built their homes here.

Information: park office, (724) 253-4833.

The 13th annual American Folkways Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28 and 29 and again from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 1 in Clintonville; take exit 35 off I-80 and follow the signs.

Activities include: unique artisans and crafters all in pioneer dress; country, bluegrass and dulcimer music; food; exhibits; demonstrations; antique engines and farm equipment and entertainment for all ages. Information: (814) 385-6040.

JULY

Grove City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Paddle, Pedal & Hoof at 3 p.m. July 4.

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. July 4 on the lower campus of Grove City College.

The 39th annual Mercer County Grange Fair, sponsored by the Mercer County Pomona Grange, will be July 6-12 at the grange fair grounds, state Route 58, east of Mercer.

Highlights include:

   » July 6 -- Dining room opens, 1 p.m.; horse pull, 1:30 p.m.; Fair Queen Contest, sponsored by Mercer County State Bank, 6 p.m.; inspirational music by the Keeling Family, 7 p.m.

   » July 7 -- Entry for exhibit building and barn, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dairy Princess promotion, 5 p.m.; Little Guys and Dolls and Grange Royalty Contests, 6 p.m.; ATV, garden tractor and antique tractor pulls, 7 p.m.; Rhythm 'n Flair -- Barbershop Harmony, 8 p.m.

   » July 8 -- Senior Citizen Day activities, including Farmer's Market nutritional program, 10 a.m.; baked goods and produce auction, 6 p.m.; parade, sponsored by Dean Dairy, 7 p.m.; music of Hot 101's A.C. McCullough, after parade; pageant -- History of the Flag, 8 p.m.; music by The Good Old Boys, Grove City AARP Kitchen Band, Mercer Line Dancers and Music Therapy by Judy Christ.

   » July 9 -- Animal "Dress Up" Contest, 6 p.m.; concert by Stone-Ridge Country Band, 6:30 p.m.; "Memories of Conway," Michael and Tre Twitty and Taria Lee Green sing songs that made Conway a legend, 8 p.m.

   » July 10 -- Pet parade, sponsored by Dad's Pet Care, 6 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; Satin Swing -- Barbershop Harmony, 7:30 p.m.; concert by The Melodaries, 8:30 p.m.

   » July 11 -- A.T.P.A.-sanctioned championship semi, truck and tractor pull, 7 p.m.; concert by Mercer County Jamboree, 8 p.m.

   » July 12 -- Horse show, 9 a.m.; "An Afternoon on the Farm" family games, 2 p.m.; Traveling Shoe -- cloggers, 5 p.m.; Mossman Duo -- "oldies" sing-a-long, 7 p.m.; Rocking Chair Country -- square dance, 9 p.m.; fireworks, 11 p.m.

Other activities include: lunches served at 11 a.m. and dinners at 3:30 p.m.; bingo; rides and amusements by Bartlebaugh Amusements Inc.; helicopter rides by Helicopter Resources of Mars, Pa.; exhibits; food; and Pennsylvania Woodmobile, sponsored by Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, Pa. Department of Agriculture, providing information on the state's forest resource and products industry.

Information: Ginny Richardson, (724) 748-4007 or Bill Straub, (724) 588-6134.

The City of Farrell, in cooperation with Farrell Area School District, will hold Farrell Homecoming at 6 p.m. July 8 through 12 in Farrell Area High School's Anthony J. Paulekas Stadium.

Events for July 12 include: 2nd annual Farrell Citizens and two Farrell Junior Citizens of the Year Awards, 1 p.m.; rides and games by B&J Amusements, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and food and entertainment beginning at 2 p.m.

The 22nd Slovenefest (A Celebration of Ethnic Culture), sponsored by the Slovene National Benefit Society and the SNPJ Recreation Center, will be held from noon to midnight July 11, 12:30 p.m. to midnight July 12 and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 13 at SNPJ Recreation Center, 270 Martin Road, Enon Valley, borough of SNPJ.

Highlights include:

   » July 11 -- Miss SNPJ Pageant Talent, noon to 4 p.m.; day-long Button Box Jam, noon to midnight; Bob Turcola Orchestra, 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Jack Tady and the Tady Bears, 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Joe Fedorchak Orchestra, 6 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight; Eddie Rodick Orchestra, 6 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight; Zreska Pomlad from Slovenia, 6 to 10 p.m.; Veseli Muzikanti, 8 to 10 p.m.; and Jam-Jam-Jam, 10 p.m. to midnight.

   » July 12 -- Western Pa. Button Box Club, noon to 1:30 p.m.; day-long Button Box Jam, noon to midnight; Joey Tomsick Orchestra, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Tony Klepec Orchestra, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Happy Timer Button Box Club, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; George Staiduhar and the Revue, 3 to 5 p.m.; and 8 to 10 p.m.; Zreska Pomlad, 3 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Veseli Muzikanti, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; Miss SNPJ crowning, 5 to 6 p.m.; Don Wojtila Orchestra, 6 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight; Herminie Button Box Club, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Jeff Pecon Orchestra, 7 to 11 p.m.; and Jam-Jam-Jam, 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

   » July 13 -- Polka Mass accompanied by the Eddie Vallus II Band, 10 a.m. to noon; Northern Ohio Button Box Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; daylong Button Box Jam, noon to 10 p.m.; Tony Klepec Orchestra, noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; Strabane SNPJ International Button Box Club, 12:30 to 2 p.m.; Magic Button Box Club, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Frank Stanger Orchestra, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; Zreska Pomlad Orchestra, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Bob Kravos Band, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Veseli Fantje, 3 p.m.; Dick Tady Orchestra, 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; Joe Grkman Orchestra, 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; The Rhinelanders, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and Karl Lukitsch Orchestra, 7 to 11 p.m.

Other events include: drawings; polka and waltz, Slovenian style; Slovenian Heritage Center; ethnic foods; dining room and snack bar; two swimming pools; craft and merchandise vendors; children's activities and beautiful lake and woodlands.

Information: (724) 336-5180 or toll-free (877) 767-5732.

Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department's Old Home Week will be held July 15-19.

Highlights include:

   » July 15 -- Fireman's parade, 7 p.m.

   » July 16 -- 5K run and walk, 7 p.m.

   » July 17 -- Pet parade, 7 p.m.

   » July 18 -- Star Promenaders, 7 p.m.

   » July 19 -- Ride-a-rama, 2 to 4 p.m.; chicken B-B-Q, 4 p.m.

Information: Tex Renger, (724) 475-4502.

Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce's 15th annual Victorian Weekend will be July 18-20 on Courthouse Square.

Highlights include:

   » July 18 -- Mercer Area Library will present performer Ecky Broad portraying Mary Poppins, 1 p.m.; Victorian concert and ice cream social.

   » July 19 -- Grand Victorian parade, 10 a.m.; Safety Kids Network (sponsored by Mercer United Methodist Church) at the South Diamond area after parade; concert by County Mayo (Irish Folk group); "Looking Back, Places Aren't Here Anymore," a historical view of Mercer businesses presentation by Nancy Ollinger in Helen Black Miller Chapel; book presentation by a Fairy Godmother, 2 p.m.; fireworks at Brandy Spring Park.

   » July 20 -- House tour, 1 to 5 p.m.; classic and antique car show; concert by "The Great Pretenders" (oldies).

Other events include: carriage rides and artisans and craftsmen dressed in Victorian attire displaying and demonstrating their wares on July 19 and 20; line dancers and Traveling Shoes (cloggers); guided Underground Railroad walking tour and graveyard tours; food; crafts; American Legion chicken barbecue; Mercer County Historical Society Civil War Encampment.

Information: (724) 662-4185 or e-mail: mercerchamber@pathway.net

The 65th annual Clarion County Fair will be July 20-26 at Redbank Valley Municipal Park near New Bethlehem.

Highlights include:

   » July 21 -- Colgate Country Showdown; concert by Smokin' Joe and Wild Horse Band (country).

   » July 22 -- Demolition derby (compact car and pickup trucks).

   » July 23 -- Demolition derby (full size cars).

   » July 24 -- Dave Martin's Championship Rodeo.

   » July 25 -- Antique and farm tractor pull; 4-H junior livestock sale.

   » July 26 -- Concert by The Van-Dells.

Other events include: The Wild West Follies; All The Kinds Horses, horse display; food; rides; games; home and garden displays and the championship animals on display in the barns.

Information: fair office, (814) 275-3929.

The 33rd annual Jefferson Township Fair will be July 22 through 26 at Jefferson Township Municipal Fairgrounds, 7407 Lamor Road, Mercer. July 21 is entry day, the fair opens to the public at 5 p.m. July 22-25 and at noon July 26.

Highlights include:

   » July 26 -- Horse show, 9 a.m.; children's talent show; demolition derby; fireworks.

Other events include: tractor and truck pulls; daily entertainment; amusement rides by Bartlebaugh Amusements; games; parade; bingo and dinners served daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a buffet on July 26. Exhibits will include livestock, hay and grain, vegetables, fruits, home and dairy products, floral, needlecrafts, arts and more.

To pre-register for the exhibit, call (724) 962-9823. Display/exhibitor spaces are available, call (724) 962-2479.

AUGUST

The 126th annual Transfer Harvest Home Fair will be from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 4 through 8 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 9 at the fairgrounds.

Highlights include:

   » Aug. 3 -- Beauty pageant pre-registration, 4:30 to 6 p.m.; vesper service, 7 p.m.

   » Aug. 4 -- Entry day for all homemaker exhibits, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; entry for Hershey baking and blue ribbon apple pie contest, 5 to 7 p.m.; horse show, 6 p.m.

   » Aug. 5 -- 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 Scouts, 6 p.m.; parade, 6:45 p.m.; drill team competition registration, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., competition, 8 p.m.; women and girl's barnyard Olympics registration, 7:30 to 8 p.m.; competition, 8 to 9 p.m.; men and boy's barnyard Olympics registration, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., competition, 9 to 10 p.m.

   » Aug. 6 -- 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. 7 -- ATV quad racing (snowmobile racing tentative) registration, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., race, 7 p.m.; Christian music featuring "Sound Witness," 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.; live music, 9 to 11 p.m.

   » Aug. 8 -- Pet parade registration, 5 to 5:45 p.m.; parade, 6 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m.; live music, 8 to 11 p.m.

   » Aug. 9 -- Children's pedal pull competition registration, 11:15 a.m. to noon, pull at noon; children's games registration, 2 to 3 p.m., games 3 to 4 p.m.; dog training demonstration by Mercer County Dog Training Club, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; mud drag racing registration, 4 to 5 p.m., race, 6 p.m.; live music, 7 to 11 p.m.

Other activities include: Rides by B&J Amusements; meals served daily; chicken dinner on Aug. 7 and rotisserie chicken on Aug. 9. Visit the fair Web site at: www.TransferFair.com

The 46th annual Grove City Street Fair sponsored by Grove City Chamber of Commerce will be held Aug. 6 through 9 in downtown Grove City.

The downtown area becomes an exciting midway filled with amusements and great food. Amusement rides will begin daily at noon to 10 p.m. Merchants will host sidewalk sales from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. There will be a photo scavenger hunt on Aug. 8 for children.

Mercer County 4-H Roundup sponsored by Mercer County 4-H Development Committee and Penn State Cooperative Extension will be held Aug. 6 through 9 at Mercer County 4-H Park, U.S. Route 19, 1è miles north of the courthouse.

Highlights include:

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

   » Aug. 8 -- Livestock show and sale, 5:30 p.m.

   » Aug. 9 -- 4-H horse show, 9 a.m.

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

Information: Janet L. McDougall, extension director, (724) 662-3141.

New Wilmington Area Chamber of Commerce, Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, and Westminster College will sponsor the inaugural New Wilmington Community Arts and Heritage Festival, Aug. 8-10, extending from Market Street in downtown New Wilmington to the 300-acre Westminster campus.

Highlights include: juried art show, fine arts displays, artist studio, art education activities, musical and theatre performances and educational events, local community entertainment, bike races, countryside tours, displays recognizing the rich heritage of the region, and daily entertainment on the community stage featuring local performers.

Information: Tim Kelly (724-946-2927) or visit www.newwilmington.biz.

The 91st annual New Virginia Park "Old Home Days Festival" will be held Aug. 9 at the park, Virginia Road, Hermitage.

Events include a car show.

The second annual New Virginia Park Fund-raiser will be Aug. 10.

Highlights include: Bike show and run.

Ticket sale proceeds benefit the Lupus Foundation.

The 136th Great Stoneboro Fair will be Aug. 27 through Sept. 1 at Stoneboro Fairgrounds, U.S. Route 62.

   » Aug. 27 -- Great Stoneboro Fair Mile Run; ride preview special, 7 p.m.; milking contest; opening of the fair with vesper service.

   » Aug. 28 -- Baked goods auction; antique tractor pull (heavyweight); dairy fitting and showmanship awards; nationwide demolition derby.

   » Aug. 29 -- Antique tractor pull (lightweight); nationwide demolition derby.

   » Aug. 30 -- Harness racing; rabbit show; kid's mini-tractor pull; antique tractor pull (exhibitors only); Academy of County Music New Top Male Vocalist Joe Nichols singing "Broken Heartsville;" Bob Minor and the Country Tradition (square dance); Dancing Shoes (clogging show); fireworks.

   » Aug. 31 -- Harness racing; exhibitor horse show; Caribbean Music Connection; Dairy Promotion Activity; Pasamala (rock, blues, funk and folk music); draft horse obstacle course demonstration; Dave Martin's "Bull Ride Mania;" fireworks.

   » Sept. 1 -- Grand cavalcade parade; harness racing; kid's mini tractor pull; Skyn Deep (classic and southern rock); antique tractor fun pull; stock and hi-performance stock truck pull; three classes of stock tractor pull.

All exhibits must be pre-registered by Aug. 13. Daily events include: circus acts, a domestic and exotic animal petting zoo, speedy racing pigs, pony rides, chainsaw wood carving, crafts, agriculture, livestock, wildlife ad group displays, concessions, games, food and rides provided by Amusement's of Buffalo. Information: (724) 376-2852 or the fair Web Site at www.pafairs.org/stoneborofair

SEPTEMBER

Living Word Church, assisted by Adonai from Rochester, N.Y., will hold a one-day carnival from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 on the church grounds, 1109 E. State St., Hermitage.

Highlights include: free hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, games with prizes, clowns, face painting, balloons and finger printing for children. A prayer tent will be available.

The 19th annual Mercer County Country Tour will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14.

Families and interested people are invited to visit six Mercer county agriculture and ag-related businesses that open their farms and sites for this rural tour. See alpacas, cows, flowers, grains and more.

Mercer County Conservation District and Woodland Place will sponsor Community Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 at Munnell Run Farm/Woodland Place Grounds, 1 mile north of Mercer, state Route 58, across from Mercer County Career Center.

Events include: crafters, Chinese auction, music, hayrides, open pit cooking, face painting, trout nursery, farm tours and farm market. Information: (724) 662-2242 or (724) 662-5400.

OCTOBER

Grove City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Fall Fest on Oct. 11.

Information: Chamber of Commerce, 458-6410 or visit the chamber Web site at: www.grovecity-pa.com

Compiled by Kelley Dorus, Herald editorial assistant

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