39th annual Canal Festival on tap in Walnutport
Vintage wedding dresses, poetry reading, and horse and buggy rides.
While primitive, that’s precisely the idea behind the 39th annual Walnutport Canal Festival, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The event boasts a bevy of activities for guests to keep themselves occupied, according to Jeanne Boehrer, president of the Walnutport Canal Association.
They include a display of vintage wedding dresses at 429 S. Canal St., a Paul Martin poetry reading from 1-2 p.m., and guided tours of the Locktender’s house, along with self-run tours of the Heritage Center, from noon to 5 p.m.
In addition, Leiby’s Carriage Service will offer their horse and buggy ride; while a Crufeli Circus act will be held in the children’s creativity corral.
Also on hand will be a safe house on how to rescue yourself in a burning building, courtesy of the Diamond Fire Company.
Other activities include a Walnutport Canal Association basket raffle (in the pavilion); hay rides; a jump around bounce house; Halloween mask painting and pumpkin decoration for the kids; hit and miss engines; and Model T cars.
For guests with an appetite, there will be 13 community food groups (churches and private organizations) on hand to whet their palates.
“Make new friends, meet old friends, things are done old-time,” Boehrer said. “We’re just glad the community comes out and supports us after all these years.”
Boehrer said it takes the efforts of many for the event to be able to sustain itself over such a long period of time.
“I truly think it’s just everybody working together, and the community coming out and supporting all of these great groups that show up year after year,” she said. “It’s just a fun day, very community-oriented.”
On Saturday, the 17th Annual Towpath Trot 6K Run, Walk & Kids Fun Run will be held.
Race day registration is at 8 a.m., the 6K Walk & Kids Fund Run is at 9 a.m., and the 6K Run is at 9:30 a.m.
Held rain or shine, the event benefits the Walnutport Canal Association.
