BEDFORD, Pa. (WTAJ) — Over 70,000 people visit the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival. This year it will turn 60.
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Monday held a special celebration ceremony and news conference to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival .
The festival began in 1964 with an Antique Car Parade and a few vendors. In 1968, community leaders including representatives of the Tourism Board and Bedford Merchants lent their support and added more features, including a visit from Miss Pennsylvania.
“It’s come a long way. I mean, I always said when it’s running like you just stand in the middle of the square and you look down and it’s full of people and you think, wow, me and the committee did this, I mean, it’s big. I mean, we still have the antique car parade. But like I said, we went from four crafters to over 300,” Ronald Ebert, President of the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Committee said.
According to the Chamber, Oprah Daily has re-posted its article including the festival in its Top 22 Fall Harvest Festivals in the U.S. Sunshine Artist Magazine has included Bedford’s event among its Top 200 Vendor Festivals in the Country in its September 2024 edition.
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce also presented the festival with its prestigious John Anderson Award, recognizing its impact on commerce and community.
Raystown Lake boat launch set to close for repairs “I love the festival. Ever since I was little, we would always come up and get the food. But I think it’s just great seeing all the different things that people have to offer. Their creativity is amazing. It kind of makes you spark interest in doing something that you’ve never done before, whether it’s crocheting or painting. I think it’s just great for our community to have because it does showcase so many talents that people have around our region and outside of our region,” Lindsay Salas, Entertainment Coordinator for the festival said.
Mis Pennsylvania is also expected to make a visit to this year’s festival.
On Oct. 12, the Fall Foliage Festival Queen Homecoming will be held, where past queens will also ride in the Antique Car Parade, followed by the queen crowning on the steps of the Bedford County Courthouse (weather permitting).
The festival also donates to the people who participate as helpers and some of the local organizations that need help.
“I love when we have a good festival and we close and everybody’s happy. That’s my main point is to keep every the visitors, the vendors, the committee, the local people. We try to keep everybody happy and satisfied,” Sandy Detwiler, Treasurer and Craft Coordinator for the festival said.
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The Bedford Fall Foliage Festival will be on Oct. 5, 6, 12, and 13. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ad will happen rain or shine. For information on where to park, visit their website .
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