Aug 19, 2015 By Jon Stevens for The 3 min read

During the last 32 years, the Frontier Festival in Mason-Dixon Park in Mount Morris in Greene County has evolved from an event featuring live music, food and craft vendors into a two-day celebration of how life was back in the day.

“We try to add something new each year if we can,” said volunteer Connie Ammons.

Those who go to the 2015 Frontier Festival, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23, will find demonstrations of Delaware Indian primitive pottery making skills.

In the 18th century, Greene County was the frontier of a new American nation; roads were muddy foot trails; Native Americans and settlers fought for land rights; and Dunkard Creek was the primary highway for which goods and supplies reached the region. Today, Dunkard Creek passes through the Mason-Dixon Park, which plays host to the festival.

Representing an eclectic mix of histories, authentic foods and regional arts, Frontier Festival pays respect to history and heritage with sincere deference and candid fun.

While the mission of the Frontier Festival is to represent colonial living on the Pennsylvania frontier,a vast and eclectic mix of times and histories are represented. The central display of the festival is undoubtedly the Civil War and Pre-1840 Living History encampment. Borrowing slightly from elements of the cowpoke-driven West, this encampment is a functioning camp of lost arts, including a working blacksmith, trapping and hunting demonstrators, plus cowboys and frontiersmen in full attire. Also in full attire are the Civil War re-enactors who engage in mock battles throughout the weekend. The antique engines, classic car show and old-time photography displays are also very popular.

Any festival at Mason-Dixon is embroiled in fantastic foods, and Frontier Festival is no exception. Homemade noodles, chicken sandwiches, delicious barbecue, cornbread with bean soup, haluski and the popular Mason-Dixon Dogs round off the selection.

Ammons said those “dogs,” complete with chili, cole slaw and sauerkraut, will be free both days to any veteran.

For those with a hankering for sweets, be sure to look out for Uncle Jim’s fresh-made doughnuts, Ted’s fudge, Bud’s sweet sausage sandwiches, Michelle’s baked goods, including salt-rising bread, cookies and pies.

There will be music by Rick Lash both days, and in addition to the encampment on Saturday, festivalgoers can enjoy Don Pyle’s antique car show, a tractor and car parade, a trapping display by ABC Humane Animal Removal, 50/50 drawings, Laurel Mountain basketry, antique engines and a tractor display by Harold Campbell or Dave Chisler.

On Sunday morning, a nondenominational church service will be held at 9 a.m. before the festival starts.

Shuttle service will be provided from the parking area to the festival grounds, compliments of Terry Lemley, Ammons said.

To get to the festival, take Interstate 79 to exit 1, Mt. Morris, to Buckeye Road to Creek Road, and then a half-mile to Mason-Dixon Park.

Admission and parking are free.