The John Williams Fall Festival, set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, will provide an opportunity to get out and enjoy some traditional fall fun in a year when events have been limited or all virtual. The event will be held on Pine Street in the parking lot located at the rear of John Williams European Pastry Shop.
Even the weather seems to be in favor, with partly sunny skies and a high of 71 predicted for the Bradford area during Saturday’s fun.
Joe Frombach, owner of the restaurant and bakery, is putting together an event of this scope for the first time. His hope is to provide area residents with a fun outing and lots of sweet treats that make people think of fall.
“Usually, we have the Autumn Daze Car show around the end of September,” Frombach explained. “I wanted to have something for people to do.”
The event will include vendors offering quilts, face masks and other goods. There will be games and fun activities for children. Graham’s Greenhouse will also be on hand.
A horse and wagon will provide rides along Pine Street, around Veterans Square and back to the festival.
“We have our booths spaced out, to allow for social distancing,” Frombach said, noting that those in attendance will be asked to wear masks as well.
Live music is also on the agenda.
John Williams will have a pastry case outside, featuring numerous goodies with apple and pumpkin, from apple strudel, turnovers, pie and dumplings to pumpkin rolls and pancakes. Boxed meals will also be available for visitors to purchase and take home. Those include stuffed French toast, among other items on the menu.
For those hoping to get a warm beverage or a caffeine jolt, hot chocolate, hot cider and pumpkin coffee — both cold brew and hot — will be available for customers’ enjoyment.
John Williams will be open regular hours on Saturday, offering a chance to sit down and enjoy a meal inside as well, with specials available for both the bakery and restaurant.
Downtown Bradford will also be holding a ‘Fall in Love with Main Street’ event Friday and Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, several businesses on Main Street will be holding sales, allowing visitors to enjoy the Fall Festival and a walk down Main to shop as well.
“Hopefully people will enjoy seeing the newly paved Pine Street,” Frombach said. “There’s no more brick. It’s beautiful, nice and smooth.”
The street may just provide a fun canvas for a chalk drawing competition for the youngsters who attend. Residents will have to attend the festival to see if the idea becomes a fun reality.
