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June is the month the mountain laurels bloom in the forests of
Pennsylvania. So it just makes sense it’s also time for the Western
Pennsylvania Laurel Festival, which celebrates its 50th year in 2007.
The festival takes place in the lovely town of Brookville. The town is a
role model of historic preservation and is justifiably proud of its
restored Victorian Main Street lined with quaint shops and striking
architecture.
The Laurel Festival is a weeklong celebration. The whole town of
Brookville comes to life with craft and sidewalk sales, art shows,
amusement rides, historical exhibits, and a grand parade. Throughout the
week, you’ll also find your favorite finger-lickin’ festival foods being
served at the food court—everything from hamburgers and hot dogs, to
wings, Chinese stir-fry, pizza, stromboli and gyros.
This year’s event will take place June 18 through June 24. In addition
to the shops, rides and big parade, be sure to check out
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the new exhibit at the Jefferson County
History Center on Main Street. It’s showcasing an outstanding collection of
Native American artifacts from five different archeological digs in Western
Pennsylvania.
Some artifacts date back almost 1,000 years and were crafted by the
Monongahela, Meade Island, Iroquois, and Fishbasket Indians. A section of a
long house, a dugout (canoe) replica, and castings of the petro glyphs at
Parker’s Landing are part of the exhibit as well.
Also at the History Center you can watch an amazing model railroad display
complete with sound and light show; and check out a clothing exhibit of
gowns worn by past Laurel Festival queens.
More highlights at this year’s festival include a car show, featuring some
of the best looking wheels around from the 1930’s to the present; a scary
cemetery tour teenagers will love called That Awful Night in 1857, which
involved a shovel, a dead body and a future senator of Pennsylvania; plus a
used book sale, bike derby, and a craft show.
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Brookville Welcomes Summer with it's Week Long Laurel Festival