Sharpsburg Fall Festival will replace Open Streets this year

Sharpsburg is planning a fall festival to replace its wildly popular Open Streets, canceled last year by the covid-19 pandemic and this year by Main Street construction.

“We promised everyone that once the pandemic eased up, we would put together an awesome event,” Organizer Greg Domian said.

Hosted by the borough and its recreation center, the fall fest will be from 2 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Kennedy Park.

Food trucks, crafts and entertainment are planned throughout the day, capped off with a fireworks finale at 7:15 p.m.

Food vendors will fill North Canal Street, and there will be more dotting the lawn in the park.

“Live stage entertainment will begin at 2 p.m. and wrap up with one of Pittsburgh’s finest oldies bands, Good Karma, playing from 5 to 7 p.m.,” Domian said.

A former council member, Domian has spearheaded the borough’s Open Streets celebration since first approached by Allegheny County in 2016 to participate in the traffic-free concept. The event flourished quickly and drew more than 3,000 people to Main Street for a day filled with 80-plus vendors, musicians and demonstrations.

In 2019, organizers expanded the event to include North Canal Street to accommodate the growing crowd.

Sharpsburg’s Fall Festival promises to capture that same festival atmosphere.

“Vendors and various organizations will be located the entire length of the park,” Domian said. “They will offer all types of crafts and items along with activities for the entire family.”

Organizers are seeking vendors to set up booths for the day. There is no fee to participate.

“We put these events together for no financial gain but to show our love for the community and welcome in visitors from all over the area,” Domian said.

For more information, email sbgfallfestival2021@gmail.com.