With all the wonderful weather the area has had this summer, getting out and wandering has been at the top of everyone’s list. This weekend has opportunities for nearly every imaginable activity: Music and worship, yardsaling, a Pow Wow, the roaring 20s, and a motorcycle party.
Music festivals are back all over the area this summer. In St. Marys, from Friday through Sunday, the return of Soul Stock 2022, presented by Gather on the Grass Worship, will surely hit the right chord. This festival includes uplifting contemporary Christian music, vendors, inspiring stories, and many other activities for the entire family. And, the free admission adds to excitement. Both Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., festival-goers will enjoy music from headliner Ben Fuller and fellow artists, Out of the Dust, Scott Edward Jones (Funky Sunday Party), Resurrected, Danelle Cressinger Band, A Day Awaits, On the Mend Music, The Ally J Band, On the Jordan, Kingdom Collective, and the B-Free Praise Band. A few of the planned speakers include Pastor and suicide survivor Travis Habbershon of “The Story Tour,” Pastor Crystal Owens of Victory Church in Morrisdale, and Pastor Chris Welborn of Soul Revival Biker Church in Nashville, Tenn. Then, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, take part in a community worship service. The festival takes place at the Downtown Event Park on Depot Street. Everyone is welcome. For more information and the complete schedule, visit www.gatheronthegrassworship.com/
Another way to wander is to peruse a yard sale or two. How about one that is 100 miles! This weekend, Friday and Saturday, is the 25th annual 100-mile yard sale hosted by the Quehanna Industrial Development Corporation (QIDC). The map of the sales winds through Shawville to Medix Run and from Weedville to Sinnemahoning, and lots of towns in between. The QIDC will be set up again at the former Big M’s garage in Karthaus and Elk Country Visitors Center will have vendors set up as part of the event as well. T-shirts celebrating the event will be available at multiple stops along the route. For route details or to find more information, visit www.visitquehannaarea.com/yard-sale-directory
If treasure-hunting is not on the to-do list, and the music above is a bit of style for this weekend, then a brief venture into a different culture might be something to check out. The Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow Wow is back this year. The signature event, held in Salamanca, N.Y. by the Seneca Nation as a celebration of Native American culture is open to all. For 30 years, visitors have witnessed dance and drum competitions, with competitors from across the country and Canada. Come watch and learn more about the culture in the area, Saturday and Sunday at noon. For more information, visit senecapowwow.org/
A different kind of culture is on display in Coudersport this weekend, the Eliot Ness Fest runs Friday through Sunday. Visit the area to see the street performances of Al Capone and his mobsters battle against rival bootleggers as well as Eliot Ness and the Untouchables throughout the weekend. Enjoy the weekend in character for a much more realistic experience. For a complete schedule of events, visit eliotnessfest.com/
Finally, the Wanderers Motorcycle Club will hold its annual Wanderfest Saturday at the clubhouse on Route 59. The event begins at 2 p.m. and is open to the public. Camping is strongly encouraged. Live music from Southern Influence is on the schedule along with all the fun one can handle. This is an adult-only event. There are a few general rules to keep everyone safe and happy: No children or pets are permitted, no glass on the premises, and leave the attitudes behind. The Wanderers is a motorcycle club with a big heart who raise money to support local endeavors. This is one of the biggest fundraisers of their year. Admission is $10 at the gate.
The meteorologists are calling for scorching hot temps this coming weekend. Whatever adventure takes hold, keep the thought of cooling down on the top of the list. Wander around, get outside, and enjoy what there is to do in the region.
