Page 17 - 2022 Digital Guide

Fairs, Festivals

& the Arts

There’s always something happening in Crawford County and
the best part is how affordable it is to attend, so bring the whole
family and your friends!
The Crawford County Fair, held every August in Meadville
PA, is one of the largest agricultural fairs east of the Mississippi
River. Numerous “big acts” have come to the Fair including
Garth Brooks, Toby Keith and Alan Jackson to Band Perry, Brad
Paisley and Hunter Hays. If you enjoy small town, good old
fashioned fairs, we have them every year in Cochranton,
Jamestown and Spartansburg.
One event that is a most do is the Thurston Classic Hot Air
Balloon Event. Held every year on Father's Day Weekend! The
history of ballooning in Meadville began with the Thurston
family who were involved in ballooning in the 19th and early
20th centuries. In 1860, Samuel Thurston made the acquaintance
of noted balloonist Professor Steiner, who taught him how to fly.
His son, Alic, followed in his father's footsteps and began
ballooning in 1889. Alic later built a number of balloons,
including one that he christened the “Meadville.” The Thurston
Classic Hot Air Balloon Event was created in 1988 to
commemorate the storied Thurston history. Come and see these
glorious balloons in person!
Did you know that the first successful oil well was drilled
right here in Crawford County? Join in the celebration every year
at the Titusville Oil Festival. There is plenty of family fun
including a parade, fireworks, crafters, food vendors, antique car
show, and more! While you are visiting, take a ride on the Oil
Creek and Titusville Railroad through “The Valley That
Changed the World.”
The Annual Conneaut Lake Fall Pumpkin Fest is the place
to be in October. This event is sure delight visitors of every age.
This festival is packed with fun including vendors of every sort,
food, games, a giant pumpkin drop & childrens' activities.
If theater is your passion, then the historic Academy Theatre
is your destination! The Theatre has been home to local
community theater and music performances, traveling theater
troupes, film festivals and concerts of all kinds. Meadville
Community Theater has been entertaining audiences for years
and is host to some of the best shows in town. This community
theater offers local members of all ages the opportunity to
showcase their talents on stage. Take in a murder mystery dinner
on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad as you travel through the
“Valley that Changed the World.”