Clarion: WoodFest 2024 is gearing up to welcome visitors to the Clarion County Park and Clarion Mall for a unique three-day event that celebrates Pennsylvania’s rich forestry heritage and woodworking craftsmanship. Featuring both an indoor and outdoor marketplace, WoodFest 2024 offers a curated environment where vendors, ranging from food artisans to crafters and artists will showcase their talents and products.
Outdoor Marketplace Excitement
Set against the scenic backdrop of Clarion County Park, the outdoor marketplace will operate from Friday, 2 PM to 7 PM, and continue Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. This space is dedicated to displaying artisan products and services.
Food enthusiasts will savor the culinary variety from food trucks, such as Street Fries with their gourmet loaded french fries, E-Z Dogs’ premium all-beef hotdogs, Munchie Man’s savory steak and Philly sandwiches, and JAMA Concessions’ delicious Panzerotti and fried dough.
Artisan vendors, including Fax Sawmill and Custom Designs, HR Designs, and Jeff Donoughe, will showcase and demonstrate their impressive chainsaw carvings, providing a unique glimpse into this art form.
Further enhancing the marketplace, Keystone Hardwood Crafts will present fine wooden crafts, Jewell’s Candy & More offers sweet treats, Housers Hometown Metal Creations displays metal art, and La Arts brings exquisite wood sculptures, ensuring a vibrant shopping experience for all attendees.
Indoor Marketplace Finds
Friday from 2 PM to 8 PM and continuing over the weekend from 10 AM to 6 PM, the Clarion Mall becomes an indoor marketplace featuring unique products and creations. Vendors include Before the Barrel Distillery, offering locally crafted spirits; S&M Desserts with sweet treats; C&M Custom Woodworks laser engraved and live edge products; Finch’s Forge handmade cutlery and goods; Will Porter Photography nature photography; PA Hickory Syrup artisan-crafted syrups; The Rustic Twist quality crafted wood flowers; Southpaw Ink paintings on reclaimed wood; Brassy Peacock Designs handmade jewelry and gifts; and many more artisans and vendors will be present.
Family Fun and Educational Insights
WoodFest 2024 is family-friendly, offering activities like special presentations by the Lumber Heritage Region and the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, including “Wood on Glass History Presentations,” the kids Lumber Stamp Craft, and a Trivia Contest with prizes. The Pennsylvania WoodMobile will also be at the Clarion Mall, providing an interactive experience about sustainable forestry and the wood products industry.
Entertainment Schedule and Music Highlights
• Samantha Sears Music: (Left) Catch her at Clarion County Park on Friday, March 22nd, from 4 PM - 5 PM. Samantha Sears is an acoustic singer-songwriter whose music resonates with folk and indie vibes, captivating audiences with her soulful melodies.
• The Keister Family Band: Performing at Clarion County Park on Saturday, March 23rd, from 4 PM - 6 PM. This beloved family bluegrass band delights with their harmonious blend of traditional and modern bluegrass tunes.
• Mitch Littler: (pic right) Scheduled to perform on Saturday, March 23rd, from 2 pm-3 pm at the Clarion Mall and 4 pm-5 pm at the Clarion County Park. Mitch is known for his folk and blues roots, and brings energy and soul to his performances, connecting with audiences through his music and storytelling.
• Visit https://woodfest 2024.com/music-entertainment/ for more information.
Wellness Presentations to Nourish Body and Mind
• Five Pillars of Health with Kathleen Ellwood: Scheduled for 10 AM at Clarion County Park, this workshop invites attendees to explore the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Kathleen Ellwood will guide participants through the fundamentals of sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and social connections, offering insights to create a personalized health plan.
• Intro to Mindfulness and Forest Bathing with Dr. Joseph Croskey: Starting at 11 AM, this session provides a gentle introduction to the practices of mindfulness and forest bathing. Dr. Joseph Croskey will share practical tools for cultivating presence, resilience, and well-being, backed by the therapeutic benefits of being in nature.
5K Race - A Scenic Challenge
Athletes and casual runners are encouraged to lace up for the WoodFest 5K race, taking place in the scenic locales of A-C Valley High School and Foxburg Country Club. There’s still time to sign up and join in on the fun. Register now at https://woodfest2024.com/5k-race/ and be a part of this exciting event! (This event was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.)
Free Tree Seedlings
In a nod to sustainability, Kronospan will distribute free tree seedlings at Clarion Park on Saturday, highlighting WoodFest’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
WoodFest 2024 is more than a celebration; it’s an immersive experience that combines the joy of craftsmanship, the delight of culinary arts, the serenity of wellness practices, and the warmth of community spirit. Join us for this unforgettable event that promises something for everyone.
