When it comes to being an authority on the subject of Potatoes look no further than the borough of Ebensburg, PA. Being the second largest potato producing county in Pennsylvania is the perfect reason to celebrate potatoes and every September they do just that. For 24 years, thousands of people have migrated to Ebensburg to enjoy the potato-themed atmosphere of the festival and support the local growers. This is an event for people of all ages and backgrounds. Families will love the range of fun, kid-themed activities like building workshops, arts, crafts and games. In addition there is live music filling the air as well as the delicious smells of the many potato dishes being prepared by the various food vendors. Don't like potatoes? Don't worry the festival has many other food options and non-potato themed activities.
The community of Ebensburg offers much more than just the festival. A trip to the area for Potatofest is a great way to spend a day, but take your time and stay awhile. The borough is steeped in a rich history that is on display at the Cambria County Historical Society, Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center and much more. The area is loaded with a range of parks, playgrounds, amusement parks, sports centers and community centers. Find out why 20,000 people come to the area for Potatofest, and many stay to enjoy the community and culture. We sat down with Community Development Director Danea Koss to talk about Potatofest and the community.
RAL: Give me some general festival information including years running, attendance, who attends and what is unique about the festival.
DK: This is the 24th year of Potatofest. Annually we draw around 20,000 people for our single day event. We attract people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a great festival for the entire family and it’s an event with something for everyone. What makes this festival unique is that it’s a festival celebrating potatoes. Cambria County, of which Ebensburg is the county seat, is the second largest supplier of potatoes in the state. So, why not celebrate the potato and our local growers with a festival every year! And who doesn’t like potatoes?!
RAL: What can an attendee expect during a normal day at Potatofest. Talk about activities, appearances, food and the general environment.
DK: There are kids activities such as bouncy obstacle course, eurobungy, kids potato patch (crafts/games for kids), Home Depot kids workshop, face painting, sand art and lots of live music in four different areas with local and regional bands. Local dance groups also hold performances in our VFW parking lot. Our local fire department holds a wine tasting in their fire hall featuring several area wineries.
When it comes to guest appearances there are lots of local bands, borough officials, county commissioners, local radio stations, mascots from local sports teams, etc.
Dining options include lots of potatoes in any way you can possibly imagine like pierogies, huluski, potato pizza, potato skins, sweet potato fries, potato candy, potato doughnuts, potato soup, potato bread, baked potatoes, potato ham pot pie. Additionally, we have the usual festival foods hot sausage, pulled pork, pizza, cheesesteaks, gyros, crab cakes, ethnic foods, funnel cakes, cotton candy, candied apples, kettle corn, roasted almonds, cinnamon rolls, gobs, apple dumplings and so much more!
We block off several blocks in every direction of our downtown for our vendors and attendees. We fill our parks and parking lots with vendors as well. We offer free shuttle service from three different locations - Lake Rowena, Admiral Peary Vo-Tech and Penn Highlands Community College. We make it very easy to get in and out. We set up hay bales at our entertainment tents for people that want to stop and listen to live music. We decorate our gazebos with cornstalks and pumpkins. It’s really a wonderful fall event!
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
DK: We have two local B&B’s– The Noon Collins Inn and the Fairview Bed & Breakfast. There are few surrounding B&B’s as well in Loretto, Cresson and Dilltown. There is also a Comfort Inn and a Red Carpet Inn in town. In addition a bit further out the town of Portage has the Hometowne Home Bed and Breakfast, Orchard Street Bed and Breakfast and Majestic World Lodge and Retreat.
RAL: Tell me about how this event affect the community in areas like the economy and supporting special causes.
DK: It’s a boost to our local economy for sure. It brings thousands of people to town every year. It’s a great way for people to see all that Ebensburg has to offer and want to come back year after year, for all of our events. It’s always a great day for the downtown eateries and retail shops. It’s also a great opportunity for other Ebensburg businesses to set up shop in the downtown for a day.
We have many local non-profit and booster clubs setting up to raise funds for their causes, too. Proceeds go to the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization responsible for putting on Ebensburg’s schedule of annual events which include Art in Bloom Spring Art Show, Wheels & Wings, Farmers’ Markets, Movie in the Park, Downtown Shutdown, Ebensburg Homecoming, Concerts in the Park, Fall Foliage Ride and Dickens of a Christmas. Proceeds from the events go towards community projects like purchasing banners for the lamp posts, planters for the downtown, new Christmas decorations, landscape projects, as well as going back into supporting and planning these events year after year.
RAL: Why should people come to Potatofest?
DK: It’s a beautiful time of year with the crisp fall air and the leaves just starting to turn. It’s a great way to get in the mood for the changing season. You can pick up pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and lots of other home accents to decorate for fall. There are so many custom, hand crafted items as well – you can start your Christmas shopping early.