Returning vendors Jake and Katy Feather (top) of Color Me Crazy and Janelle LaValle (above) of Liberty Sisters Soap Company will be selling tie-dye clothing and accessories and products made from goats milk, respectively, at the NEPA Bluegrass Festival from June 2 to 5. The shopping selections don’t stop there!
Folks attending the NEPA Bluegrass Festival for the first time might be surprised to find an expansive shopping district set up in an arc around the main stage and a large variety of food vendors spread out across Lazy Brook Park.
Event organizers Danny and Christa Stewart strive to provide quality sellers who offer a wide variety of wares to take home and plenty of food to please the palate. Festival goers will enjoy shopping and eating while strains of bluegrass music fill the air.
Returning vendors credit the Stewarts for making them feel like a part of the “festival family” and are anxious for this year’s event. They appreciate the wholesome atmosphere and like to bring their own children with them.
“NEPA Bluegrass is like coming home. Danny and Christa are top-notch promoters who treat their vendors well,” said Color Me Crazy owner Katy Feather of Altoona, who will display a tent full of tie-dyed everything with her son, Jake.
Katy’s top sellers are her dresses and hoodies. This year, she will be introducing some new styles of skirts and blouses and doggie bandanas for the many furry friends who attend the festival.
“Everyone is so friendly, and my kids look forward to seeing their friends every year that they come back,” said Janelle LaValle of Liberty Sisters Soap Company of Towanda, participating for a fourth year.
Janelle also enjoys the faith-based activities offered. “The Sunday gospel bluegrass jam is where it’s at,” she stated. LaValle offers a line of goat milk products that include an anti-blemish, acne-fighting bar, and tea tree soap for intense dry skin.
Those looking for the luck of the Irish can check out the wares at the Classy Lassy tent. Musicians needing a tune up, new picks or strings, or even a new instrument can stop by the Brothers Music tent and talk to Dave Strunk and Rick Eckhart.
Also available for purchase will be wood-related items and firewood, essential oils, books, crocheted items, pain relief lotions, handcrafted jewelry, fresh flowers, craft items, and festival T-shirts.
While many people enjoy bringing and preparing their own food during the weekend, there is really no need to with such a variety of tantalizing treats available from breakfast through late night snacking offered by vendors.
Early risers can enjoy eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes, and a hot cup of coffee at the Lions food trailer.
Other interesting edibles to nibble on throughout the day will include Maryland crab cakes, pizza, barbecue chicken, apple dumplings, corn fritters, ice cream, burgers and hot dogs, crab dip, kettle corn, fresh cut fries, pretzel sandwiches, and gluten-free items.
For Justin Baney of Lockhaven, who runs the JB’s Festie Foods trailer near the Progressive Stage, the NEPA Bluegrass Festival is truly a family affair. “My mom drives us here, and my dad works for me,” he related. His entourage this year will include members from at least three generations of his family.
Justin credits an uncle for introducing him to the bluegrass circuit. “You go to one festival, and you fall in love with all of the people,” he remarked. He met the Stewarts at a bluegrass festival, and they invited him to join them in Tunkhannock.
“They welcome everybody with open arms. They are amazing people,” stated Justin, who noted that he uses as much fresh, local produce as possible in his dishes.
JB’s Festie Foods sells egg rolls, fried rice, and deep-fried veggies, He’ll be introducing mini egg roll bites this year and serves food well into the night. “I am open until I see the last person standing,” he promised.
For more information about the festival, log on to www.NEPABluegrass.com.
