Come Home to Emlenton: The Annual Emlenton Summer Festival

The sun rises warm and golden over the hills of Emlenton, Pennsylvania, and suddenly the whole town feels alive with that special summer magic. Every July, the Annual Emlenton Summer Festival transforms our friendly community into a celebration of everything we love most—good neighbors, laughter echoing down the streets, and memories that last a lifetime. This year, the Summer Festival is moving back to where it belongs — right at the top of the hill in Emlenton, by the splash pool, ball park, and tennis courts on Prospect Street.

Friday, July 10th kicks off the weekend with pure small-town charm. From 8 AM to 5 PM, front yards all across Emlenton turn into treasure troves during the Town-Wide Trash to Treasure Sales. Grab a map (online or printed), stroll from house to house, and you never know what gem you’ll discover—vintage treasures, handmade finds, or that perfect something you didn’t even know you needed.

Down at Whitehall Campground, kids (and kids at heart) line up bright and early for the Fishing Derby from 9 to 11 AM, reels in hand and big dreams of the biggest catch. Meanwhile, the irresistible scent of fresh strawberries drifts from the Firehall, where the Fireman’s Strawberry Social runs from 11 AM to 7 PM. Come for the sweet shortcake piled high with berries and stay for the friendly faces and generous helpings of community spirit. Their hot sausage sandwiches are the valley’s best, too.

As the afternoon rolls on, Hughes Park becomes the center of youthful energy with the Kids Bike Race at 6 PM. Up on the hill, runners lace up for the 5K Race—registration at 5 PM, first steps at 5:30 PM—cheered on by proud families and friends.

When the sun starts to dip, Main Street lights up with the Touch-a-Truck event from 6:30 to 9 PM. Kids climb into fire trucks, construction vehicles, and more while Isaac Cole provides the soundtrack, filling the evening with music from 7 until 9. Elsewhere, hearts melt as votes come in for Baby Beautiful at the Emlenton IGA and the Cutest Pet contest (online voting open too). Don’t miss the Photography Contest entries on display at the Crawford Center—local talent capturing the beauty of our town and this very festival.

Saturday, July 11th brings the festival to full bloom. Treasure hunters still roam for last-minute finds during the area-wide Trash to Treasure Sales. On Prospect Street, the fun begins early: Food & Vendors open with EJ the DJ spinning upbeat tracks from 8 AM onward. Right nearby, the Pickleball Tournament (ages 16+, mixed doubles) gets underway at the Emlenton Community Park pickleball courts—register by July 3 and bring your competitive spirit (and a $25 minimum donation per team). You can register online at: foremlenton.com.

At 11 AM, young adventurers race off on the Kids Scavenger Hunt at Hughes Park. The Fireman’s Strawberry Social returns until they sell out—don’t miss your second chance at those famous strawberries!

By early afternoon, classic cars sparkle in the sun during the Car Cruise in Hughes Park (1–4 PM). At 2 PM, the Frog Jumping Contest on Prospect Street has everyone cheering for their favorite leaping champion. Winners of the various contests are announced at 3 PM, followed by the always-delightful Rubber Ducky Race at Mineral Springs at 3:30 PM (buy your ducky right there and watch the Richey Run carry the suspense!).

As evening approaches, the streets fill with pride and excitement for the Parade at 6 PM along Prospect & Walnut Streets. Then the Karg Brothers Band takes the stage on Prospect Street from 7 to 9 PM, delivering foot-stomping live music that brings the whole town together.

And when the sky turns velvet dark… the grand finale everyone waits for: Fireworks at Dusk. Brilliant bursts of color light up the hills in a spectacular show that never fails to draw “oohs” and “aahs” from every generation.

Whether you’re racing in the 5K, hunting treasures, cheering on your favorite frog, or simply soaking in the music, strawberry sweetness, and small-town joy, the Emlenton Summer Festival is where memories are made and everyone feels like family.

Mark your calendar: July 10th & 11th. Come for the fun. Stay for the feeling.

We can’t wait to see you in Emlenton!