Tunkhannock Welcomes Fall with New Twists and Old Favorites

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Fall traditions take on a new twist in Tunkhannock when scarecrows, quilts, music, art and of course food come together for a fall celebration.  The Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association (TBPA) is hosting “Hometown Fall Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 am to 4 pm. Make it a day to remember with heirlooms quilts, original needlepoint designs, music, artists, food and shopping all against the backdrop of the Endless Mountains.

The Girl Scouts of Tunkhannock’s Troop 50764 will once again help set the stage for the arrival of fall when they host their annual scarecrow event on Sunday, Oct. 1. According to troop representatives Ruth Mancuso and Bobbi Jo Roote the contest is open to anyone who wants to create their own scarecrow.

All scarecrow entries will be registered on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1 pm at the back of Greenwood’s Furniture Store on Tioga Street. After the registration a judging will be held, prizes will be awarded and then the scarecrows will be hung in town.  “We started this event a couple years ago,” relates Roote, “and it has grown every year. This year we hope to have even more entries.”

The Girl Scouts’ efforts will be complimented by members of the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association who will create additional scarecrows to add to the festivities.  All scarecrows will be in place for Saturday, October 7 as TBPA celebrates “Hometown Fall Fest”. Eileen Barziloski of Ebb’s Candy Jar has spearheaded the effort to encourage all the stores and businesses to be represented by a scarecrow. “People can be as creative as they want,” Barziloski related. “Their scarecrow can be representative of their business or service or a completely different theme.  We are just asking people to let those creative juices flow. During Hometown Fall Fest, visitors will be able to vote for their favorite scarecrow from the entire group of Girl Scout organized as well as scarecrows from the businesses.”

With the scarecrows setting the atmosphere for the fall event, there will be activities and events for the entire family. In addition to the many special activities listed below, most businesses will be displaying their scarecrow creations and many will be offering food samplings for a nominal charge. “It is not too late of any area business or office to join in the fun; to perhaps create a scarecrow and or provide an artist, music or food at their location,” noted TBPA director Nancy Parlo. “We are developing a map of all activities to guide visitors. As long as we get commitments by Sept. 20, events can be added to the schedule.”

The Dietrich Theater offers Naturalist Rick Koval at 11 am for Reptiles and Amphibians of NEPA.  Rick is often seen on PA Outdoor Life on WNEP.  The presentation includes live animals and is a free presentation for all ages. The theater also will host the display of two historic quilt collections. Additionally there will be a quilt activity for children and adults.

Many businesses will have quilts on display. Among the quilt shows will be one hosted at Fr. Nalin Hall at Nativity BVM Church, Tioga St. Additionally, Project DJ will host a fund raiser in the church center to support the group’s efforts to provide quilts for sick and abused children and those in need.

Swalebrook Studio near the Public Library, is featuring  original needlepoint designs “Rendered in Thread” Contemporary Needle Art by Kimberly Smith with the Opening Reception on Sat., Oct. 7 from 2 to 5 pm. The following day, there will be a Make it and Take it Workshop at Swalebrook Gallery from 2 to 5 pm “Falling into Autumn.” All materials are included in the cost of $35, along with instruction by Kimberly Smith. Just bring embroidery scissors and a sense of humor. To register call 570-240-1068 or stop in at Swalebrook Gallery. Seating is limited so please make your reservations before Sept. 15.

The Endless Mountain Council of the Arts is planning a fiber display.

Ebb’s Candy Jar will host Sweet to Taste Bakery with soup and rolls tastings, along with Sweet Dee’s Flower Farm with a garden flower bar providing instruction how to make bouquets for a nominal fee. Special fall teas with scones and tarts will be available. The Garden center will also be highlighting Artist Michelle Thomas’s “The Owl Tree” painting.

Keystone Konfections has several fun activities with a pie eating contest, music, art, and a kids activity. Registration is now open at the bakery for the first 10 adults and 5 children to participate in the pie eating contest free of charge. Each participant will receive a free pie and the winner will win a $25 gift card for Konfections.  The bakery will also have the shelves packed with all things fall-flavored and packaged as grab & go items.  Outside they will have hot coffee and various baked items for sale, while inside there will be pie à la mode for $1.99 and pumpkin iced coffee ready to go! The bistro will be stocked with several pieces of fine art for sale from the Art Works department, as well as Art Works inspired merchandise.   

Eclectic Heart will offer a sidewalk sale with special discounts and 10% off everything in the store.  JilliJenn has a jewelry making demonstration scheduled.

H & R Block will host an open house from 10 to 2 where visitors can “Ask a Tax Pro” any questions they may have. The Hampton Inn is developing a vendor area of fall related treats and products.

Kitson Arts Alliance will feature blues guitarist Matt Bennick, on the street in front of Kitson Gallery as well as Angello Maruzzelli and Shannon Walling and Bob Zamber. During the evening, at the Blogg/Yearbook Kitson Arts Alliance will be charging a $5 cover with all collected donated to Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen. Matt Bennick will also join Londonforce band at Blogg in the evening. PS Bank is helping to sponsor the event.

TBPA will be providing further updates as the event gets closer with a special focus on the food specials of the day along with some of the creative scarecrows.

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