Traditional events return, new events spring up for summer 2021 in Centre County, PA
As coronavirus restrictions loosen and vaccination rates rise, many in Centre County are hopeful that summer 2021 will bring with it some sense of normalcy.
Despite Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and restaurants being lifted on Monday, some of Centre County’s most anticipated summer events — like the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and the People’s Choice Festival — still won’t take place as usual.
But that doesn’t mean community members don’t have anything to look forward to attending in the coming months, as many organizers are working to host altered versions of their traditional events or try new ones entirely.
One new event is the Millheim Walk Fest of Arts and Music, organized by Penns Valley business owner Karl Leitzel. It’s one of several events that have sprung up on the July weekend when Arts Fest would have been held, before organizers announced in March that the event that typically draws thousands will be online-only for a second consecutive year.
“Millheim has never had a big arts festival kind of thing like this,” Leitzel said. “But because of the spread out and yet walkable nature of it, it’s an ideal place to do something like that.”
Recreation Supervisor Beth Lee said Centre Region Parks & Recreation is also “thrilled” to be hosting a variety of the agency’s traditional events this summer — even if those events might not look the same this time around.
However, Lee said CRPR is aware that there might still be some hesitancy in the community about gatherings, and that is something CRPR takes into consideration when planning events.
“I think that Centre Region Parks and Recreation ... will really try to be cognizant of that and make sure that we’re offering something that everybody can feel comfortable with, whatever their level of comfort might be,” Lee said.
The annual Kids on Wheels parade on July 4, for example, will require registration and have a limited number of participants.
“I think that this event is such a great grassroots, back to basics (kind of thing.) It’s just very easy and very homegrown,” Lee said. “And I’d love to see the community come out for that.”
Downtown Bellefonte Inc.’s Main Street Manager Jennilyn Schuster said that she’s seen excitement from both businesses and community members alike for the return of summer events, such as Friday in the ‘Fonte, which kicked off last week.
In addition to providing an opportunity for socialization, she said, these events will work to benefit local economies — especially small businesses and restaurants that have been hit especially hard by the pandemic.
“I think that the streets are just going to be even more energized than they already are,” she said.
Here are some in-person events to put on your calendar this summer:
Children’s Bag Giveaway & Scavenger Hunt
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 5
Where: High Street, Bellefonte
What: In place of the annual Children’s Fair, Bellefonte Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting a drive-up or walk-up event where kids can pick up goody bags with different treats, activities and directions for a scavenger hunt. The Sunrise Rotary Club plans to resume the Children’s Fair in 2022.
Info: www.bellefonte.com/event/bellefonte-childrens-fair
Summer Sounds
When: Sundays, June 6 through Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: Talleyrand Park, 320 W. High St., Bellefonte
What: The Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association will host its traditional Summer Sounds series on Sundays throughout the summer. Having first debuted in 1981, the concerts will feature music styles ranging from jazz to pop.
Info: www.bellefontearts.org/summer_sounds.htm
Outdoor Movie Series
When: June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, Aug. 19; all movies start at 8 p.m.
Where: Tom Tudek Memorial Park, 400 Herman Drive, State College
What: Centre County families have the opportunity to participate in several outdoor movie nights this summer, thanks to a partnership between Centre Region Parks and Recreation and Penn State’s WPSU. A different PBS production will be shown each date.
Info: www.crpr.org/special-events
Movies in the Park
When: June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24 and Aug. 7; 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Talleyrand Park
What: Families also have the opportunity to make Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park their new movie destination as the Bellefonte Woman’s Club hosts Movies in the Park this summer. The family-friendly event will feature movies like “Frozen 2” and “Grease.”
Info: www.bellefonte.com/events/category/kid-friendly/
Bellefonte Cruise
When: June 18-19
Where: downtown Bellefonte
What: Centre County families can once again celebrate Father’s Day weekend with an event that’s been happening since 1988. The Bellefonte Cruise offers car lovers a chance to view antique and classic cars, as well as partake in music and food.
Info: www.bellefontecruise.org
Summer Craft Beverage Expo
When: noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. June 20
Where: Talleyrand Park
What: Central Pennsylvania’s Tasting Trail is coming to Bellefonte this summer with its fourth annual Summer Craft Beverage Expo. Attendees can enjoy live music and food trucks while getting to know local beverage vendors.
Info: www.centralpatastingtrail.com/events
Fridays in the ‘Fonte
When: June 25, July 30 and Sept. 24
Where: downtown Bellefonte
Info: Bellefonte residents and visitors alike are welcome to participate in Bellefonte’s Fridays in the ‘Fonte this summer, featuring outdoor dining and live music from 5-8 p.m. In addition, local retailers in downtown Bellefonte often host their own sales and activities throughout the day.
Info: www.bellefonte.com/event/friday-in-the-fonte-2
Snow Shoe Parade
When: 6:30 p.m. June 23
Info: www.facebook.com/snowshoe.firehall
Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival
When: July 1-4
Where: Grange Park, Centre Hall
Info: Kick off July with some music at Centre County’s annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival, featuring 10 performers and programs for kids over three days.
Info: remingtonrydeband.com/main-page
Summer Family Fun Nights
When: Thursdays, July 1 through Aug. 26, 5-8 p.m.
Where: various locations
Info: The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau will host a variety of family fun nights on Thursdays this summer, including activities like cavern tours, crafts and treasure hunts. Interested families should register in advance.
Info: happyvalley.com/events/summer-family-fun-nights-11664
Kids on Wheels
When: 10 a.m. July 4
Where: Foster Avenue, between Locust Lane and Garner Street, State College
What: CRPR will host its annual Kids on Wheels parade on Fourth of July morning, with a limit of 250 registrants. CRPR is also providing a free opportunity for kids and their families to decorate their bikes ahead of the parade.
Info: www.crpr.org/special-events
Titan’s Art Festival
When: July 9-10
Where: Titan Market, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte
What: Titan’s Market in Bellefonte is hosting its own arts festival where visitors can expect local artists, craftsmen, music and food.
Info: www.titanmarketbellefonte.com
Millheim Walk Fest of Arts and Music
When: 2-8 p.m. July 9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 10 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 11
Where: downtown Millheim
What: For three days in Millheim, over 40 art vendors will be spread throughout the town for community members to peruse. The event will also feature food trucks and live music.
Philipsburg Cruise-in, 5K and fireworks
When: July 10
Where: downtown Philipsburg
What: After a 5K race at Cold Stream Dam at 9 a.m., community members are invited to cruise-in and visit local businesses in downtown Philipsburg from 1-5 p.m., and the day is set to end with fireworks at the dam hosted by the We Are Inn.
Info: www.facebook.com/welovephilipsburg
Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair
When: Aug. 20-28
Where: Grange fairgrounds, Centre Hall
What: After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, families and friends are set to reunite at Grange Fairgrounds. Entertainers include Drew Parker, The Texas Tenors, We Are Messengers and Mac Powell.
Info: grangefair.com
Arts and Crafts Fair
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 28
Where: Boalsburg Heritage Museum, 304 E. Main St., Boalsburg
What: An Arts and Crafts Fair featuring music and refreshments will be held on the lawn at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum.
Info: www.facebook.com/BoalsburgHeritageMuseum