Lower Burrell falls into autumn with city's largest market event in recent history

An all-day fall festival will take over Lower Burrell next weekend.

The city’s largest harvest festival will kick off Saturday, Oct. 7, at Bon Air Elementary School and Burrell High School. The day begins at 9 a.m. with the city’s farmers market at Bon Air.

At 1 p.m., the fun will make its way to Burrell High School. There, event-goers can expect vendors, food trucks, games and more.

About a dozen booths of children’s activities and a bounce house — all free — will be available, said Carley Logan, event coordinator.

Parking at the middle and high schools also is free.

“I do not ever want a parent to tell their child they cannot attend an event because they cannot afford to go,” Logan said.

Live music will be Derrick Beattie and Let’s Duet.

A cornhole tournament will kick off at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per team, and winners will earn a cash prize.

Also, at 2 p.m., Lower Burrell K-9 Officer Aaron Rodgers will perform a demonstration with the force’s police dog, Buc.

Both of the city’s volunteer fire companies will participate in a touch-a-truck event.

Bingo is from 3 to 5 p.m., and a local hula hoop performer, Lacy Ban, will showcase her talents in the evening, Logan said.

The day also boasts raffles, a 50-50 drawing and four food trucks — Little C’s Concessions, Rob Haas BBQ, Fat Cat Subs and Kona Ice.

Logan said there will be more than 15 other vendors “representing local businesses as well as craft vendors.”

A car show will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. at Bon Air Elementary School. There is a $5 entrance fee for cars, and proceeds go toward hosting future events, Logan said.

Four awards will be up for grabs at the show: Mayor’s Pick, Community Pick, Best in Show and Ethan’s Pick,” a nod to Logan’s 5-year-old son, “who kind of became famous” in a local car group, Logan said. She said Ethan would attend car shows and pick his favorite vehicles, and then Ethan would take pictures of his selections that would be posted to Facebook.

“It was a well sought-after prize to be one of Ethan’s picks,” she said.

Other activities planned at Bon Air include a live DJ, door prizes and other raffles.

The event earned the endorsement of city officials.

“I’m very excited for the Harvest Festival,” city Councilman Chris Fabry said. “This is the exact type of event that we need, as our residents are always looking for local, family-friendly things to do. It will also surely attract plenty of visitors from out of town who will see what Lower Burrell has to offer.

“Carley’s vision is certainly ambitious. This shows what one person can accomplish when they are dedicated and driven. She’s a huge asset to the city.”