Kecksburg's UFO Festival shelved, but firefighters hope 'Old-Fashioned Day' is a hit
Summer celebration cancellations have now gone intergalactic, with the annual Kecksburg UFO Festival becoming the latest to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“There was a lot of discussion about it, but there is too much uncertainty right now regarding what is going to be allowed come the end of July,” said Kecksburg firefighter Kevin Hendrick.
The festival commemorates the unexplained Dec. 9, 1965, event when several people saw an object resembling a UFO land near the village in Mt. Pleasant Township.
This year’s festival was set for July 24-26. The event draws about 5,000 people over three days, which includes a community parade. This would have been the 15th yearly festival.
The 2021 festival is scheduled for July 23-25.
“The festival usually brings in about 30% of our department revenue. And we’ve also had to cancel our Sunday breakfasts we hold the first Sunday every month, and our social club has been closed since March 16, so we’ve really taken a hit,” Hendrick said.
In order to make up for some of the financial losses, the department will hold a drive-thru Old Fashion Day on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The fire department kitchen will be open for curbside service. The menu will include hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fresh-cut fries, funnel cake fries, tacos and kettle corn. The department’s UFO paraphernalia store also will also be open.
“We’re hoping the community comes out to enjoy a good day for a good cause,” Hendrick said. “Raffles will be held and prizes awarded all day long.”
Residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and eat and listen to the raffle drawings in the parking lot, if they choose. Hendrick noted that the public should respect social distancing guidelines.
The department’s social hall kitchen is available for takeout orders Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Hendrick said. Wednesdays are wing and french fry only from 6 to 9 p.m.
Kitchen is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Orders can be placed at 724-423-7787.
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