Walnutport Canal festival dishes up food, fun

The Walnutport Canal Association hosted its annual festival this past weekend.

This year it kicked off with the 16th Towpath Trot 6K Run, which is organized by Janet Shankweiler and Christy Heydt.

Thirty-five runners took the scenic jaunt starting at the locktender’s house, running the canal south and back; with this year’s winner Jeff Tobias of Carbon County clocking in at 23:12.

A slight chill in the air and brisk breeze didn’t keep people away from the canal on Sunday. The sights and smells of food and fall drew the crowds to many of the local vendors who provided homemade crafts, information on area history and, of course, food.

Pennsylvania Dutch favorites cabbage and noodles, homemade pierogies, filling and gravy, coleslaw and ham and bean soup were just a few of the tastes lining the festival’s walkways.

“It was cold at first, but the sun came out and warmed everything up. We are always blessed with good weather for the run, and this year was perfect,” said Janet Shankweiler, one of the organizers.

Baked goods and desserts of all kinds were also available to smiling adults, kids (and dogs) who couldn’t wait to get home to sample a bite.

There were also various children’s activities in The Kid’s Corral, which featured a bouncy house, pumpkin painting, musical chairs, a fishing game and whipped cream pie eating contests.

Antique cars, high-wheeled bikes, Civil War re-enactors and Victorian-era costumes mingled with the music of David Matsinko and The Little Brass Band of the Lehigh Valley, entertaining those who stopped to learn and listen or snap a few photos.

“We always have so much fun here. People love to take their picture with us. Someone even said they should bring this style back, but it’s kind of hard getting in the car,” said Louise Yurkunas of the Mauch Chunk Victorians.