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2019 Best of Clinton County

Crowds smile during the sunshine and rain at parade

A baby and her father giggle as they enjoy the sun shine.

By KATHRYN KLINE

news@lockhaven.com

LOCK HAVEN — Through rain and sun, residents from across Clinton County came out to celebrate local merchants and businesses on Saturday at the annual Best of Clinton County festival and parade in downtown Lock Haven.

Starting at 10 a.m., crowds gathered on Main Street, which was closed off to traffic from Jay Street to First Street – to celebrate Clinton County’s past, present and future.

This is the first year of the festival that Main Street was actually closed down to accommodate the stands, as the streets are usually only shut down for the parade.

A girl gets her face painted.

With over 20 stands hosted by local businesses, churches, charities and vendors, offering various items such as food, crafts, and clothing, there was truly something for everyone who attended.

KC Kettle Corn, Bloom Sum, and Water Street Nutrition were just a few of the many merchants at the festival.

“I love seeing the streets filled with people. It’s an opportunity for people to be exposed to new food, crafts, and everything else that’s offered here,” said Clinton County Commissioner Pete Smeltz.

For children, there was a bouncy house, a rock painting stand, and other fun activities, sponsored by UPMC Susquehanna and Woodlands Bank of Lock Haven.

“We really just wanted to get more kids out to the festival and make the community more fun for everyone,” said Jeanna Seltz, who was helping run the children’s area.

Clinton County Commissioner Pete Smeltz, Lock Haven City Planner Abbey Roberts, Art Sanders of “It Is What It Is,” and Carol Cillo of the Arts Counsil were this year’s judges of the parade

There were also stands where attendees could register to vote in upcoming local elections.

“Our goal is to interact with the community, promote our candidates, and help people register to vote,” Steff Waltz said.

The skies began to darken and rain started pouring down not long before the parade was due to begin, around 1 p.m.

Those who were in attendance were not deterred and many stayed to admire the parade floats and collect candy, despite the heavy rain.

Four judges were in charge of judging the parade — Clinton County Commissioner Pete Smeltz, Art Sanders, owner of Sanders Windows Fashions and It Is What It Is, Clinton County Arts Council President Carol Ann Simon Cillo, and Lock Haven City Planner Abbey Roberts.

SARAH SMELTZ/THE EXPRESS

“This is actually my first year attending. It’s been so great to see the community — and everyone stayed through the rain, so that definitely says something,” Abbey Roberts said.

The parade floats featured a little bit of everything there is to offer in Clinton County — businesses, sports teams, dance studios, fire stations, political party organizations, and much more.

Parade participation was free for anyone to enter a float.

Six prizes were awarded to parade participants, with the first, second and third place finishers receiving gift certificates, compliments of The Express.

Despite the weather, the 2019 Best of Clinton County festival brought together both community members and local business owners, for yet another year.

SARAH SMELTZ/THE EXPRESS

“As a merchant, it’s really great. It brings people coming into the stores. The festival is a great promotion to show people what there is to offer downtown,” Sanders said.

SARAH SMELTZ/THE EXPRESS

SARAH SMELTZ/THE EXPRESS

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