The annual Perryopolis Pioneer Days kicks off this weekend.
“We're starting it out with a Friday night dance to the oldies at the Sons of Italy,” said Cindy Wadsworth, vice president of the Perryopolis Area Heritage Society, which sponors the annual event in Perryopolis.
This year's event promises a few additions with many of the old favorites returning.
“We're having a wine-tasting tent this year,” said Wadsworth. “It features a lot of local wineries.”
Returning to the festival will be the popular Civil War re-enactment. This year's re-enactment is titled “Road to Appomattox” and will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The reenactment will take place off Sampey Park.
Saturday's parade will begin at 11 a.m. The parade marshal will be Doris Jean White, who has been with the heritage society since it started and is a keystone member.
Most of the events will be held in Sampey Park Saturday and Sunday.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day.
There will be food and craft vendors each day and a carnival and crafts for children.
Sunday's events start with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sons of Italy. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children younger than 5.
There will be plenty of live entertainment Saturday and Sunday, starting at noon at the Sandy Pavilion. Some of the local bands performing include Abacus Jones and The Crabtree Bottom Band.
The Washington Grist Mill will be open both days.
Wadsworth said the organization hopes for good weather, but the forecast calls for cooler temperatures with clouds and rain showers each day.
“We want everybody to come out and enjoy themselves,” Wadsworth said.
Wadsworth said admission for the Friday night dance is $10. The dance will run from 7 to 11 p.m. Refreshments will be available. The Sons of Italy is at 197 Liberty St.
Karl Polacek is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at kpolacek@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.
