Games, balloons, atmosphere

Philipsburg celebrates proud past, future at Heritage Days

Lori Falce

- For the CDT

PHILIPSBURG — Jessica Allen, of State College, spent Wednesday afternoon with her kids, wandering from booth to booth, sampling apple dumplings and orangeade, pausing to say hi to friends, lingering over a painting game.

CDT/Michelle Bixby

Matayha Kerin, 4, of Hawkrun, devours her watermelon and takes first place in the watermelon eating contest during Philipsburg's Heritage Days Wednesday, July 9, 2009. CDT/Michelle Bixby

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The Allens weren’t anywhere near the Kids Day celebration in State College. Graycen, 3, and Adysyn, 2, were exploring the children’s games and shaking hands with Winnie the Pooh at Philipsburg’s Heritage Days.

“I just like the atmosphere here,” said Allen as she helped Adysyn with her balloons. “It’s quiet and easy, and small town. It’s comfortable.”

That’s what Philipsburgers like about their festival, a celebration of the best of the past and the hope for the future, now in its 12th year.

The first full day of events had fantastic weather, cool enough for comfort early on, bright enough for excitement later in the day.

“We’re really pleased with the great turnout,” said Heritage Days Committee Chairman Jim Pollock. Front Street, closed from Presqueisle to Locust for the event, was packed with people between the tarped booths of community groups and vendors and the tantalizing food stations.

“It’s a community and family reunion in a festive mix, with lots of good food and things to do,” said Susan Sidorick, dishing up teaberry ice cream at the Philipsburg Kiwanis Club, a perennial favorite. “What better way could residents spend a summer day?”

Joe Castagmolo, of Clearfield, brought his Steak-on-a-Stick wagon for the first time. A familiar face from the Clearfield County Fair, he was looking to branch out this year.

“We wanted to try something different,” he said, dipping hot dogs in sweet corn batter to fry them fresh for customers. “We’re really happy. It’s a nice crowd, and it’s nice to see new faces.”

For others, it’s the old, familiar faces that make the day. All over Front Street, the conversations seemed to echo each other, with lots of “haven’t seen you since last year!” and “it’s been so long!” High school friends talked about upcoming class reunions. Out-of-touch friends reminisced about the monkey bread they shared at the last Heritage Days.

“It’s just a great chance to see people,” said Sandy Foster, of the Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services, who combined snacking on juicy sandwiches with promoting the EMS’ community efforts and goals.

Heritage Days events continue through Sunday.