PHILIPSBURG — Almost 30 years ago, the Philipsburg community gathered to celebrate its roots when it established “Heritage Days” — several consecutive days in the borough when streets are blocked off to showcase food, music and fun.
According to event Co-Chairman Syed Karimushan, Heritage Days began as a continuation of the borough’s bicentennial celebration that was held in 1997.
“The bicentennial celebration was hugely successful, and several committee members, notably Jim Pollock and Mel Curtis, wanted to start a tradition,” Karimushan said in a statement. “Philipsburg Heritage Days is more than just a street festival. It is a way to showcase all that is great in Philipsburg.”
This year, the celebration will be held from July 8 to 11. Heritage Days always has a theme, Kariushan said, and this year’s is “Let Freedom Ring – 250th Anniversary.” Heritage Days will simultaneously celebrate America 250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
“We’re hoping to make a community quilt following a patriotic theme, and we have asked the community to design and donate a 10″x10″ or 12″x12″ design on fabric,” Karimushan said. “We have partnered with Moshannon Valley Quilters, who will put it together as a quilt.”
The deadline to donate the quilt piece is May 1, the committee is hoping it will be on display at Heritage Days.
Vendors
Downtown’s Front Street is closed during Heritage Days and is typically lined up with numerous vendors who set up on the first evening with a soft opening around 8 p.m. with entertainment.
Businesses, non-profit organizations, crafters and food trucks line the streets for the numerous visitors.
“For most of our vendors, the festival is one of their sources of income,” Karimushan said. “We’re still accepting vendors. It’s still too early for all vendor applications to be in, but we always look for new crafters and exhibitors.
“Many non-profit organizations also take advantage of the large influx of people to downtown Philipsburg and raise funds for their causes,” Karimushan added. “No other festival in Philipsburg attracts so many people over a four-day period.”
Live music
There is never a need for entertainment while crowds make their way through town. The festival committee has ensured that there will be a variety of music each evening.
The entertainment schedule is not finalized yet, but the committee has a few bands booked already. All entertainment takes place at the Lee Industries Sound Stage on Front Street. Musical groups include Down to the Wire (Classic Rock) on Wednesday, The Moore Brothers (Country) and Low Jack (Rock) on Thursday, and Hair Force One (80’s Hair Band Rock) on Friday.
Parade
No community festival is complete without a parade. Scheduled for Saturday at noon, the parade’s main route is on Presqueisle Street with all parade entries lining up on side streets between 4th and 8th streets.
The parade is quite long, and often includes marching bands, twirling units, emergency apparatus and floats.
“I think the parade will truly showcase America 250, as each year different organizations decorate their floats following the theme,” Karimushan said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what people come up with this year.”
There is also a Kids’ Zone on the north end of Front Street that is organized and managed by CenClear.
Fireworks wrap up the event on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at Cold Stream Dam.
Helping hands
Karimushan said the Heritage Days Committee is small, yet mighty. Members include Co-Chairman Harry Wood, Brenda Myers, Deb Miller, Ronni Petroski, Holly Conklin, Shelley Walstrom, Melissa Patrick, Theresa Cartwright, Brian Michaels and Rob Ferguson.
“There are many others who help when the festival starts, Karimushan said. “As far as volunteers go, we can always use more help, but the core committee consists of experienced people who have been running this festival for many years and are very capable to work independently and make everything go smoothly.
“Sometimes we don’t know how we pull it off, year after year. One thing for sure, we’re pretty wiped out once it’s over. We take a two-week break, reconvene to go over how the festival went, and start planning for the next one,” Karimushan said.
He added that the committee has one goal — to make an impact in the lives of people and the community they live in and create memories for those in attendance year after year.
“For the kids, it’s a place to experience new things and have fun with friends. Many family reunions take place during Heritage Days, as it has become the place to reunite with family and friends, enjoy free entertainment, and get some great fair food,” Karimushan added.
Specific details about this year’s celebration will be available online in the next few weeks at www.philipsburgheritagedays.com.
