Sixty years ago, a December day changed the course of history for Kecksburg, a small community in Mt. Pleasant Township.

People in seven states and Canada reported seeing a fireball in the night sky on Dec. 9, 1965, according to an article that appeared in the Tribune-Review.

“Back in ’65, I was there,” said Ronnie Struble, 82, founder of the Kecksburg UFO Festival.

Reports at the time said locals felt the object’s landing and rushed to the scene. They were kept away by military officials, who claimed nothing happened, according to the reports. Those who got there first described the unidentified flying object as an acorn-shaped, hieroglyph-adorned object.

“I heard it on radio and TV,” Struble said. He saw the soldiers who restricted access to the site of impact.

To this day, believers and theorists in Kecksburg continue to pursue the truth about what really landed in their backyard.

This year, their hopes may finally come true, Struble said.

Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department in Mt. Pleasant Township will host the 20th annual UFO Festival Friday through Sunday, commemorating 60 years since the reported landing of the UFO.

Attendees on Friday can speak with UFO investigators, hunters, researchers and experts. Vendors on Friday will offer half-priced burgers, fries and hot dogs.

Other highlights of the three-day event include a parade at 2 p.m., bed race at 4 p.m. on Saturday, which concludes with a firework show at 10 p.m.

A UFO conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, when visitors will hear an update about the 1965 crash, according to Struble. He did not reveal the new information to TribLive.

An exclusive 60th anniversary festival T-shirt also will be sold at the UFO Store.

Community gathers

Not just dedicated to a single moment in the town’s history, the festival promises to gather community and feature ample alien and Bigfoot-centered material as well.

Last year’s celebration saw attendees from all over the country, Struble said.

“It’s something for everyone,” he said.

More than 100 craft and food vendors will be at the festival.

“We got a lot of community coming in to help us and that’s what makes it go,” he said.

He complimented the festival’s vendors, supporters and sponsors, including Citizens Fiber, Huffman’s Auto Sales and Johnson’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.

“We wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for their support,” Struble said.

Parking and entry at the event is free. All other proceeds will be donated to the Kecksburg VFD.

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