Fort Ligonier Days
Fort Ligonier Days
One sure sign of autumn in the Laurel Highlands is the Fort Ligonier Days Festival. Occurring on the 2nd full weekend in October this 3-day event commemorates the battle of Fort Ligonier on October 12, 1758 which was a key engagement of the French and Indian War. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 9, 10 and 11 and marks the 56th year of the event.
Attractions during all of the three days include craft vendors, food booths, merchant sidewalk sales, Kids Korner at the Ligonier Valley YMCA, musical entertainment and, of course, special events at the Fort. There is something for everyone and every interest.
Craft and Food booths open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9 and the official opening ceremony will be at noon on the Diamond.
Saturday’s highlight is the parade on Main Street at 11:00 a.m. which includes floats, high school and college bands, costumed characters, historic and other marching units and special guests. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday night.
The fort is open the entire weekend and will feature battle re-enactments on Saturday and Sunday.
A 5-K race and kids Fun Mile run will be held on Sunday morning starting at Ligonier Valley High School. The closing ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Sunday will wrap up the weekend.
Many local families use this time for family reunions and gatherings with friends. Thousands of visitors descend on our little “Norman Rockwell” town to enjoy the annual fall event.
To learn more about Fort Ligonier Days including a detailed schedule visit the website: www.visitligonier.com and click on the Fort Ligonier Days tab.
