Heritage Fair

Heritage Fair: September 29, 2012

The public is invited to the Middle PA District's 31st annualHeritage Fair at Camp Blue Diamond. The Fair will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29th. 

Friday evening, Sept. 24th, is a time of moving in and booth set up. There will a family style meal available in the Main Lodge from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening activity. The meal is $7 for adults and $4 for children. For overnight lodging in the lodge, cabins or campground please call Camp Blue Diamond (814) 667-2355 after Jan. 15th, 2012.

Saturday, Sept. 29th, is Heritage Fair Day. The fair begins with a restaurant style breakfast served in the Lodge from 6:30- 8:30 a.m. Beginning at 9:00 a.m.,  food and craft booths will open. During the day there will be a variety of demonstrations, displays, and activities available. 

The Auction begins with the Children's Baskets at 10:30 a.m. Only children may purchase baskets and the prices are set at $5, $10 & $20. Children do not bid on baskets, instead participating children will have their names randomly chosen one at a time. Each chosen child can then purchase a basket. The Children's Baskets are followed by the General (Quilts, Baskets, other handcrafted items) Auction at 11:30 a.m. The district quilt will be auctioned at 2 p.m.  The Heritage Fair auction and activities typically will wind down around 3:00 or 3:30 p.m. At 9:30 Sunday morning there will be a continental breakfast in the Main Lodge followed by worship.    

Originally organized in 1981, the fair has been held each year since, with the proceeds being split between Camp Blue Diamond and Middle PA District Church of the Brethren ministries.

The public is invited, and parking and admission are free. Shuttle buses are available from the parking lots.  The annualfamily-friendly festival of faith, food and fun brings thousands together at Camp Blue Diamond, which is located seven miles northwest of Petersburg. Signs will be posted on Routes 22 and 305 leading to camp.

Activities and Demonstrations are planned for youth and adults of all ages. For children there’s a special area with scarecrow making, puppets, face painting, a petting zoo, and a wide variety of crafts and games. 

Adults can enjoy the auction, roving bands and choirs, gospel and contemporary Christian groups, sportsmen exhibits and live demonstrations celebrating PA and Brethren heritage.

Craft & Food Items will be available from about 30 church sponsored food booths. The making of many regional and traditional favorites will be demonstrated at the fair, including; cider, apple dumplings, chicken corn soup, bean soup, apple butter,  homemade desserts, kettle corn, apple butter pies and assorted desserts.

The Brethren Heritage Center occupies the main floor of the Main Lodge. Demonstrations and educational centers show various aspects of Brethren culture.  Tables with representatives from Brethren Institutions and charities provide materials about the Brethren and their work in Pennsylvania and throughout the world.    

Lodging is available for those who want to come for the entire weekend or just overnight.  Cabins are available for rental, as well as rooms in the Lodges, and sites in the RV Campground. To reserve lodging or a campsite, please call after January 15th, 2012.

Come have a great day of friends, fun and food, and help the churchesof the Middle PA District raisemoney for several worthy causes. The fair will be held rain or shine. 

If you would like to help as a volunteer at Heritage Fair, please email CampBlue Diamond. Auction Aides, Parkers,Traffic Controllers, and Maintenance Volunteers are all needed for the day long event. Volunteers can also work through their local Church of the Brethren congregation, helping with demonstrations or manning a booth.   

See you at Heritage Fair!