I was thinking surely there has to be a few posts in the Pittsburgh blogosphere about Fort Ligonier Days – but nothing.  I think this is one of the biggest and most spectacular community history celebrations in Western PA (and any where else I have been I try to stop at the local festivals when I am away from the burgh.  I can tell you the the Venice, FL Sharks Tooth Festival is nice but it is no Fort Ligonier Days.

All of the festival details are available here: http://www.ligonier.com/fld.html

5 Reasons to attend Fort Ligonier Days:

Image via Wikipedia

1. Parade – this is a serious parade – it is a few hours long and there are tons of marching bands and elaborate floats as well as the Shriners in their hats and shoes and funny clown cars.  If you are smart you will put out your chairs along the parade route on Friday night – don’t worry no one will steal them.  If not you can still sneak in and find a spot to sit along the parade route.

2. Fall – if you want to see leaves and Western Pa in all of its perfect fall splendor – Ligonier is really the place.  Take the turnpike to the Donegal exit and drive into Ligonier along rolling hills, split rail fences, and autumn leaves.

3. Food – Fort Ligonier days takes the cake when it comes to festival food – the town center known as the “Diamond” is filled with local nonprofits from garden clubs to boy scouts – each serving up an amazing array of delicious tasty foods.  If you thought the arts festival had good food then you really need to check out the food at Fort Ligonier Days.

Image via Wikipedia

4. History – Yes, there are live reenactments of the battle of Fort Ligonier.  The fort (or a reconstruction of the fort) is open for tours and the battle of Fort Ligonier will be reenacted at 2 & 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

5. Handmade Heaven – this is like the arts festival on crack – there are hundreds of vendors from fine arts to hand made goods.  You can find everything from fine art work to steelers bathroom accessories that no home should be with out.