Plum's Summer Fest returns to Larry Mills Park

Plum’s Summer Fest, a three-day celebration of the season packed with carnival rides and games, makes its return to Larry Mills Park this month after being canceled last year due to the covid-19 pandemic.

This will be the sixth nonconsecutive year for the event, formerly known as Community Days.

More than 4,000 people visited the park on Fontana Drive during the festival in 2019.

Borough officials are excited for the opportunity to welcome them back.

“We’re all just very thrilled to be able to hold it again and get back to some sense of normalcy,” Borough Manager Michael Thomas said. “Give something for the community to do and bring the community together again and make some memories for families.”

It is scheduled for June 24-26. Admission is free, and there is very limited on-site parking.

Masks are not required.

People are encouraged to park at Amplify Church, 9400 Saltsburg Road and take the free shuttle to the event.

C&L Shows of Mt. Pleasant is expected to bring its Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, roller coaster, swings and other spinning rides, along with food booths and games.

There will be a new layout with fewer vendors, games and activities in order to help encourage social distancing.

Organizers also moved the stage out of the carnival area to create more space for rides.

There is no live entertainment scheduled. Recorded music will be played over speakers.

Fireworks are planned the night of June 26.

“It’s not as big as previous years,” Thomas said. “We’ve scaled back on a number of different things and tried to spread it out more so it’s not as crowded. It’s still going to be a big event. There’s still plenty for people to do.”

One of the activities scrapped this year for safety is the junior firefighter obstacle course. Children would put on a firefighter outfit, complete with a small plastic helmet, and simulate rescuing someone and using a hose.

Thomas said organizers erred on the side of caution because of many kids changing in and out of outfits and touching multiple objects.

Food vendors include Kona Ice of Monroeville, Pappy’s Kettle Korn, Pgh Crepes, Strada Italian Street Food, Pittsburgh Smokehouse, ByGone Wines and RainDrops LLC. The Plum Masons will offer fresh-cut fries.

Other games are expected to be provided by the Plum Republican Committee, Plum Democratic Committee, YMCA Princess Program, Plum High School Cheerleading Boosters, Plum Community Center, Holiday Park Elementary PTO, Plum Girl Scouts, Sampson Family YMCA, Plum Music Boosters and Plum Community Library.

State police will have demonstrations, and Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department will have its graduation ceremony for cadets involved in its summer camp.

All-you-can-ride passes are $20. More information is available at plumboro.com.