Aug 22, 2008 3 min read

This weekend there are at least two festivals that are worth checking out. TENTH ANNUAL AMERICAN WHITEWATER

OHIOPYLE OVER THE FALLS FESTIVAL

American Whitewater, the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources announces that the ninth Annual American Whitewater Ohiopyle Over The Falls Festival

will be held August 23, 2008. Whitewater paddlers nationwide will gather there to race over the spectacular eighteen-foot waterfall in the picturesque mountain village of Ohiopyle. Spectators are invited to watch paddlers sprint and cartwheel, end-over-end, off the waterfall. In addition, we will again hold The Upstream World Championships.

Other event features include the Falls Under Lights, Town Party, Live Music, (706 Union) Silent Auction and food booths. The area also offers biking, hiking, camping, magnificent scenery, photographic opportunities, history and cultural activities. Please visit www.FallsRace.com for more information and registration details.

Here is the event schedule:

Saturday, August 23

Registration will begin at 8am in Ohiopyle State Park.

9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon: Waterfall Practice Runs

12 Noon: Two competitions: Falls Race

200-yard whitewater course includes two-foot, four-foot and eighteen-foot drops.

After race – Freestyle – Kayakers will surf the rapids above the waterfalls’ eighteen-foot drop, and do routines and cartwheels competitively, end-over-end, off the edge for points. Waterfalls practice runs will continue afterwards until 4:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m. Upstream Race on Entrance rapid on the Youghiogheny River

7:30 p.m.: Ohiopyle Town Party

The party will feature live music, pictures from the event, and food booths. 706 Union will play at the Town Party. In addition, lights will be cast on the eighteen-foot waterfall, making it a spectacular spectacle and party centerpiece.

Proceeds benefit American Whitewater and the Ohiopyle Stewart Volunteer Fire Co. High water date or cancellation date August 30 or September 6, 2008. Volunteers needed for the event.

SEVEN SPRINGS ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Seven Springs Mountain Resort proudly presents the 16th Annual Wine & Food Festival, Sat., Aug. 23, and Sun., Aug. 24.

More than wine, this festival also features a variety of arts and crafts, gourmet food, great live entertainment and daily seminars.

A Saturday night fireworks display ends a fun-filled day in the picturesque Laurel Highlands.

Mouths will be watering as the Seven Springs culinary team presents dishes that will tempt even the most sophisticated of tastes. These culinary delights will include carved roast beef, smoked turkey legs, chicken stir fry, gyros, pulled pork sandwiches and much more.

After all, the perfect wine does deserve the perfect meal!

The wine tasting portion of the festival is reserved for attendees age 21 and up.

While the adults savor the festivities, the children can have a day of fun at Kids’ Adventure Day Camp, available to children walking age through age 12.

Reservations are required.

Please call 800-452-2223, ext. 7781, to reserve either a half day or whole day of fun for the kids.

Start early and stay late! Special lodging rates, which include overnight accommodations, breakfast, festival admission for one day, complimentary activities such as swimming, exercise room, tennis and scenic hiking trails, are available for the weekend. Please call 866-437-1300 for more information.