With fall around the corner, Covered Bridge fest returns
Besides the picturesque change of leaves, another sure sign of autumn returns to the area this weekend: the annual Washington and Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival.
Now in its 41st year, each of the 10 bridges included in the festival integrates elements of history and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“Every bridge has a different way of doing it,” said Cheryl Clark, coordinator for the White Covered bridge festival in Garads Fort.
Clark’s own featured festivities at the White Covered bridge include Civil War reenactments at 3 p.m. and a special worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday.
“They [Civil War re-enactors] are very passionate about reenacting the past,” Clark said. “They want the public to see and hear history while they enjoy living that lifestyle for that short time.”
Neighboring bridges located in Washington, including Ebenezer, Hughes and Henry also feature one of a kind entertainment for the weekend.
Ebenezer Bridge in Mingo Country Creek Park livens up their festivities with country acts taking the stage. Playing at noon Saturday, Stoney Brooks take the stage followed by The Bricks on Sunday at noon.
Handmade local crafts are a staple at each of the bridges with seasonal items, jewelry and leather crafted items included. Nearly 125 crafts vendors are expected at Ebenezer Bridge alone.
“We all love craft demonstrators,” Clark said. “We love seeing all the crafts people can make with their hands.”
Believed to be erected around 1900, the White Covered bridge joined in the covered bridge festivities with the aid of local community members including Clark.
“We lived near the bridge,” Clark said. “A group of residents around the area just got together and we kinda liked to do something similar to the other covered bridge festivals.”
Years later, Clark continues to try and add new life to a historic event.
“We’re adding more crafters, more food groups,” Clark said. “We keep with the original idea, but learned ways to cover the expenses.”
For Clark and those involved, there’s one reason for their continued involvement in the festival.
“We want to bring a little friendship and a little smile,” Clark said.
According to the Washington County Tourism Agency, total attendance for all 10 bridge sites reaches upwards of 100,000.
Though Clark wishes for continued attendance success, the festival weekend is about more than just numbers.
“I hope for dry weather, lots of people and that people can enjoy themselves,” Clark said.
For more information on the festival, go online to www.co.greene.pa.us/secured/gc2/history/CoveredBridges/cb-index.htm