BIG RUN – With the changing autumn leaves as its backdrop, the Big Run Park Association hosted its annual September Fest on Sept. 20.
A popular kick-off to fall, the festival at the quaint little park just off Deer Creek Road in Pinchatouly, also known as “Pinchy,” was an opportunity for children from the community to romp and play and the adults to catch up with old classmates and friends.
“It really brought back a lot of happy memories,” said Edith Gonzalez of Morrisdale. “I met some people from my past and it was like a reunion.”
While Gonzalez was catching up with old friends, others were making new friendships.
Sandy Muckey of Osceola Mills visited the park with her mother. “My mom and I had a great time talking with all of the nice people we met,” she said.
Despite its name, Big Run, the tiny run, which snakes its way through the park, attracted a number of children who could not resist splashing through the water instead of taking the drier route and traversing one of the small bridges spanning the water.
A variety of inexpensive games and a wide selection of playground equipment and toys also offered the littlest of guests some entertainment. “Not only was there plenty of fun for the children, but also for the adults,” said Heidi Lucus of Osceola Mills.
More than two dozen vendors showed off their crafts and trades. The aroma of homemade baked goods wafted through the cool fall-like air, and the gentle breeze carried the smell of hot sausages, hot dogs, burgers and fries from the kitchen around the park.
Some gathered to hear the band, Double Negative, play their favorites, while others browsed the Chinese auction and purchased 50-50 chances.
Joyce Graham of Clearfield participated in the festival, manning a booth for Save the Ritz, a local committee, that’s raising funds for the historic Ritz Theater in Clearfield.
“It could not have been a better day for us,” she said of the event.
Doreen Good of Philipsburg said, “All events that get the community together are great.” September Fest is just one of many community-focused, family-oriented events organized by the all-volunteer park association each year.
It also hosts an annual dinner for local senior citizens, a spring egg hunt and rabies clinic and a number of impromptu family gatherings. The kitchen and pavilion are also available for private rentals.
The next event is the always popular Halloween party, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 25. Costume judging begins at 6:30 p.m., for the five age categories, followed by a haunted hayride at 7 p.m.
After the hayride, hotdogs, snacks and drinks, in addition to treat bags, will be provided. All events are free, although donations will be accepted.
All proceeds from the various events go directly back into the park for being used to purchase new playground equipment, to upgrade kitchen appliances or for routine maintenance expenses.
For more information on the park or how to get involved, please contact Michelle Hubler at 814-345-5426 or visit the park’s Facebook page by searching for “Big Run Park Association.”