May 21, 2008 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A variety of activities are in store for those planning to attend the annual Geranium Festival Saturday, and visitors will have the opportunity to purchase flowers for their gardens. The Connellsville Garden Club sponsors the festival.

“The festival just continues to grow,” said garden club publicity spokeswoman Susan Coleman.

A portion of West Crawford Avenue, from Arch Street to Pittsburgh Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic, which will allow for a variety of crafters and food vendors to set up in the one-block area, said Coleman.

Connellsville native Todd Reagan will officially open the festival at 9:30 a.m. in Lions Square with the singing of the national anthem. A princess contest will follow.

The contest is open to children 4 to 6 years old. Contestants will be judged on appearance and their ability to respond to a few simple questions. Other children’s activities will take place throughout the day.

Buffo, “the World’s Strongest Clown,” will appear at 10:30 a.m. The musical band Kortney Jean and Stampede will perform at 1 p.m.

The Junior High West Jazz Band will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lions Square, followed by the Allegheny Brass Band at 3:30 p.m.

All musical concerts are free.

A variety of crafters and vendors will offer jewelry, candles and other items for sale throughout the day.

Those taking part include John Hinkle, selling wood items; Connellsville Park and Recreation Department, basket raffle; Kraft Kreations, assorted craft items; Shadow Dance Medicine Lodge, chair massage; Melinda Nied, nature and wildlife photography; Debbie Whiting, Avon products; Mary Sulitz, Steeler sweatshirts, jackets, baby bibs and towels; Stephanie Chung, Tastefully Simple products; Kathy’s Naturals, handmade soaps, lotions and candles; Ruth Muroki, African art and Christine Catania, jewelry.

Others offering items include Fayette County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, wooden crafts; St. Johns and Trinity Lutheran churches, free crafts for children; Lid’l Lyn’s, children’s clothing; Christner Farms, nursery plants; Ken Fike, toys and treasures; Nancy’s Tea Room, crafts, baked goods and tea; Robert Fleszar, pewter items; and Michelle Caspar Kinzel, Cookie Lee Jewelry.

Coleman said that more than a dozen churches, civic organizations and other groups will be selling food to raise money for their specific activities throughout the day.

The food items include hot dogs, fried dough, roast beef sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, tacos, cabbage and meatballs.

The garden club will be selling geraniums at a discounted rate while supplies last.

“The garden club invites everyone to come out to enjoy the entertainment and good food and to buy their flowers and purchase some very unique crafts,” said Coleman.

The festival will conclude at 5 p.m.