It’s funny, but when I haven’t posted here in several days it’s hard to get back in the groove! Especially after such a busy weekend. Kelly and Chase came up on Friday evening and got here about a half an hour after Gen did. We sort of hung out and took a breather before starting supper of a salad, French fries in the air fryer, and grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade bread. Yum. After a while we went out on the porch, and Chase even joined in the chatting. We were all really tired so we ended up going to bed sort of early.
Look at the clouds!
Kelly and I ready for the festival
Kelly, me and Gen
Chase was still sleeping when Kelly and I left at about 8:15am to head to Stahlstown’s Flax Festival. We would (again, for the 3rd year) man the kids’ activity booth. We had our little dog ‘Puppers’ who gave you a Hershey kiss if you scratched his ear. Even the parents enjoyed that.
Puppers’ dog house and ‘kiss’ station
Guarding his kisses
Kelly made him a cute collar.
We saw several people we knew! Corliss and Helen were there first thing Saturday! We saw Deb and Jim, and my friend Ed was there selling his paranormal books, and Shirley (local librarian) had a booth. Chapp (a relative of Ron’s) was there for the historical society and we had a really nice visit. Tom Beck also took a turn at the historical society booth. Actually we enjoyed chatting with them all and meeting new people!
Straight ahead, center: Corliss and Helen.
Ed brought his friends along!
We had tic-tac-toe, weaving, and bracelet weaving.
Weaving in progress
Making a bracelet
She’s proud of her creation!
There were also stickers and markers and bright art paper to encourage creativity. The kids (and the parents!) really love our booth, and some came back several times – and came again from last year. We have a few girls who are ready to be our assistants for next year.
Being artistic
They love the stickers!
There were lots of fun craft booths, plenty of food, and a huge stage that constantly had groups and bands to entertain. There was even a ‘raid’ on the settlers cabin – including hostages and burning (for real!) the cabin to the ground! It’s an amazing festival.
I didn’t see anyone using this…
The biggest draw is the Flax Scutching demonstration, presented several times a day, explaining the process of taking the flax plant growing in the fields to the linen cloth that would provide clothing for the rest of the year. All we need to do is go to Walmart or the Mall! It wasn’t that easy back then.
The Flax wheel, the loom
Two flax wheels
Combs
Pulling out the fibers
Scutching board
Kiln – drying the flax plants
Breaker
It takes a village…..
Clothes made from the linen.
Antiques and heirlooms
Merilee has a copy of my articles from PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE and SMALL TOWN LIFE MAGAZINE on display.
Saturday was a long day, but really fun. We opted for picking up a pizza on the way home and again went to bed early. We got to the festival on Sunday in time to catch most of the church service under the trees, and the gospel group after the message was my favorite. I believe they were the best group of the weekend.
One of my favorite crafts from the booths.
But mostly, I really enjoyed Cathi Rhodes who sings Patsy Cline. I have heard her dozens of times over at least that many years and she never disappoints. ‘Crazy’, ‘After Midnight’, ‘I Fall to Pieces’, ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘Back in Baby’s Arms’. Very cool!
Patsy Cline heading for the stage.
On stage
She opened the festival entertainment and is always a favorite.
Gen took off with her sisters and brothers to have a mini reunion at Ohiopyle, then headed to to friend’s cabin in the mountains. Chase hung out at the house and played video games and ate pizza all weekend. Kelly and I were very satisfied with the kids’ booth and was relieved to get so many supportive comments and thanks from not only the kids but the grateful parents as well! We are already making lists for next year- stop up and see us. September 19th and 20th, 2026!
Merilee – in charge of the whole thing!
SCRIPTURE of the DAY:
PEANUTS?
TOMORROW September 23rd is:
National Dogs in Politics Day; National Teal Talk day; National Snack Stick Day; National Great American Pot Pie Day; Innergize Day; Go with your Gut Day; International Day of Sign Languages; National Apple Cider Vinegar Day; National Baker Day.
I let Kelly do the baking when I can. Kathy can celebrate sign languages! I don’t think I support dogs in politics! 🙂 God bless…
Leave a Reply