2010 Fall Festivals in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Just because summer is ending, don't think you can't still have fun in Pennsylvania! Autumn in Northeastern Pennsylvania is packed full of festivals to keep you busy on those crisp, sunny weekends. Take to the road for a day or weekend trip, driving through the flaming foliage of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains.

Lackawanna Rail Fest 2010, Sept. 5-6, Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton: The Lackawanna Rail Fest celebrates passenger railroading with train diesel and steam powered train excursions, displays, exhibitors and programs. Entertainment includes "Casey Jones and the Great American Railroad," presented by Grammy-nominated performer Ray Owens, Phoebe Snow and Ron Lea's Big Band. Visit this site for updates and schedules.

The Lackawanna County Trolley Museum, located at Steamtown, also participating and is planning daily trolley rides during Rail Fest. For more information on programs or trolley rides, call 570-963-6590, 570-340-5204 or 888-693-9391, x5204.

Pocono Garlic Festival, September 4 & 5, Shawnee Mountain Resort, Shawnee: Okay, not where I'd choose to go, and I am definitely NOT informing Mr. Sicilia of this, but the Pocono Garlic Festival will send the aroma of garlic wafting over Shawnee Mountain this Labor Day Weekend. More than 50 food and craft vendors will be offering garlic merchandise including garlic vinegar and garlic ice cream (ugh), garlic-themed pottery and paintings. Three stages offer live music and entertainment, and educational demonstrations and children's activities will keep the whole family busy. Visit their website here information and directions.

Hazelton FunFest Weekend, September 11 and 12, 2010, Hazelton: Downtown Hazleton hosts the 32nd FunFest weekend, two days of fun for all ages. With more than 100,000 people visiting Funfest each year, it has become one of the largest festivals Northeastern Pennsylvania. Enjoy a street fair, the Funfest Parade, free entertainment at four venues, a classic car show and a huge craft show. There are also special activities for kids, seniors and teens. There is no admission and parking is free! For more details and directions, visit their website here.

Fourth Fall Frolic Autumn Equinox Festival, Sept. 17-19, 2010, Camp Netimus, Milford: New agers flock to this two day camping event featuring adult workshops and activities, including belly dancing, aromatherapy, "magick," and a Warrior Games Tournament, to name just a few. Meditate, dance or take part in a sweat lodge ceremony. For a complete list of activities, click here. Vendors offering metaphysical merchandise, live musical guests and children's activities will keep the whole family "in balance." Visit this site for more information, or call 570-690-3263.

Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival, September 17, 18 and 19, Sullivan County, Forksville: The Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival is the oldest gathering of bowhunters in the world. For three days, children and adults alike take part in educational and shooting activities and events, including contests, clinics and seminars. Vendors, entertainment, food and the crowning of the Festival Queen provide for an unique experience. Visit this site for more information.

Fall Foliage Weekends, Oct. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, Jim Thorpe: Over these three weekends, Jim Thorpe bustles with food, arts and crafts vendors and free music events at four downtown venues. Local restaurants offer seasonal specials, and local shops will feature their wares. In addition, ticketed entertainment takes place each Saturday night at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Finally, don't miss taking a ride on the nearby Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through the flaming fall foliage. See, "Train Rides and Exhibits in Jim Thorpe." Visit the Fall Foliage Website here for more information.

Autumn Timber Festival, October 9-10, Shawnee: Hopefully the garlic aroma will be gone by the time the lumberjacks warm up for their demonstrations and chainsaw sculptures at Shawnee. Enjoy skydiving exhibitions and tethered hot air balloon rides. Live music, food and craft vendors and children's activities will provide a glorious day of family fun in the crisp autumn air. Visit this site for updates and more information.

Sources: VisitPa.com; Lackawanna County Conv. and Visitors Bureau;