AUSTIN — The annual First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning State Park returns this weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Wildlife Center grounds on Park Road.

First Fork Festival celebrates the history and culture of the First Fork Sinnemahoning Valley, highlighting local authors, artists, craft makers and artisans.

Surrounded by fall color at Sinnemahoning State Park, this event draws more than 1,000 visitors each year. Due to the park’s lack of cellphone service and wireless internet, First Fork Festival is a cash-only event. The park does not have an ATM on site; bring cash for local food and artisan vendors.

First Fork Festival will feature food from Red Horse Grill, Phatt Grady’s Mobile Food Trailer and Out of the Box Stellar Food. Additionally, Sinnemahoning Ladies Auxiliary will serve up soup and local Troop 524G scouts will have funnel cakes for sale. God’s Country Kettle Corn & Son’s of Dunn Family Maple will serve up snacks.

Nearly 20 artisan vendors will offer a variety of goods including, but not limited to, farm products, jewelry, pottery and plants. Organizers noted this is an opportunity to get some holiday shopping done early while supporting local artisans.

Central Pennsylvania folk musician Jim Colbert will highlight the stage with his Pennsylvania-themed songs. Local authors, historians and exhibitors will be on site to educate festival goers.

Children, adults and families can participate in several interactive educational activities staffed by local historians, conservation districts and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) educators. Learn about archeology, blacksmithing and watersheds, and play historic games such as horseshoes.

For more information, call the park office at (814) 647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.