RALPHO TOWNSHIP — One of the biggest craft shows in our area started Thursday and has more than 400 vendors. The Covered Bridge Festival in Northumberland County is traditionally held the week after the Bloomsburg Fair.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at the Covered Bridge Festival at Knoebels Amusement Resort, you might not be looking hard enough! There are more than 400 craft and food vendors at the festival near Elysburg.
“We do have probably 20 more crafters than last year, but we tried to spread it out a little more,” Donna Sharrow said.
The Covered Bridge Festival is sponsored by the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, and this is its 35th year. The four-day festival includes tours of the area’s covered bridges.
Organizers expect around 100,000 people.
“It’s crowded but you can maneuver in and out of the booths. Some of them are a little congested more than others, but you know, it’s a day out,” Margie Bell said.
The festival has free admission and free parking, which also draws a crowd.
“Gets bigger and bigger every year. What’s your favorite part about it? Just getting out, having something to eat and enjoying all the different kind of crafts,” Mike Treshock said.
It is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau.
“They’re all here for a purpose. They all have their favorite vendor and they’re looking for that vendor and it’s great,” Sharrow said.
In addition to the many food and craft vendors, there are a lot of rides running at Knoebels, so there is something fun to do for the entire family.
For some people, it is a tradition.
“My friends have been doing it for years. This is my second year and I’ve really had a good time,” Bell said.
The Covered Bridge Festival runs through Sunday at Knoebels Amusement Resort near Elysburg.
