Best of Clinton County Festival

LOCK HAVEN — They’re the highlight of almost every parade.

Zigzagging and zooming up the roadway in between floats, the tassels atop their fezes flapping in the breeze.

The Shriners are a nonprofit organization made up of about 350,000 members across the world whose goal is to help those in need through fundraising. One of their most well-known accomplishments has been the Shriners Hospitals for Children, where children with various injuries can be treated in a family environment regardless of their loved ones’ financial status.

About 100 of these kind-hearted Shriners will be making their way to the city to be a part of the Best of Clinton County Parade, according to Downtown Lock Haven Inc. Manager Kasey Blesh.

The parade will start at 1 p.m. and end an all-day summer festival taking place this Saturday along the downtown section of Main Street.

Approximately 200 people will be taking part in the parade which includes local fire stations and floats from local clubs and organizations, Blesh said.

If anyone wishes to participate and hasn’t already signed up, Blesh said there is no fee. She asks that participants register at the Downtown Lock Haven Inc. office before the festival.

Line-up will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the Jay Street side of Henderson Street, Blesh explained. The parade will start at Henderson Street and run up Main Street, ending at First Street.

The parade isn’t the only festival fun scheduled Saturday. The Best of Clinton County Celebration involves so much more, from food to crafts, all of it to celebrate what makes this county great — the people.

“It’s a great way to celebrate the community and Downtown Lock Haven,” Blesh said.

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with various vendors setting up along Main Street.

No one will be able to park along the street, to allow more room for the festival. Instead, free parking will be available in the Church Street lot behind Jersey Shore State Bank, as well as the YMCA lot, Blesh said.

From antique items to Scentsy products and a Lularoe Market set up in Downtown Lock Haven Inc.’s office at 205 E. Main St., there will b something for everyone at The Best of Clinton County Celebration. And for those who love food, there will be plenty to sample.

Favorites such as Bruster’s Ice Cream, KC Kettlecorn and The Cheese Man will be back again to help satisfy summer food cravings.

A special spot for kids will be located on Grove Street, featuring a bouncy house and slide. Tickets for kids to join in the fun will be three for $1.

Balloon animal maker Mr. T also be there to wow the kids with his skills.

Free activities, such as crafting a candy bag for the parade, will be available, thanks to UPMC Susquehanna and the local Elks and Kiwanis clubs.

All in all this festival is set to be a real crowd-pleaser for all those involved.

This event brings together “all walks of life to celebrate Clinton County,” Blesh said.

Also participating Saturday will be members of the Lafayette Lodge 199, Free and Accepted Mason.

Lodge members will set up a food trailer at the car wash property at Henderson and Main Streets, selling ham sandwiches, hot dogs, french fries and drinks. There also will be a yard sale at that site, said Mac Myers, a member of the lodge.

At the Masonic Temple at Grove and Main Streets, the public will be offered tours of the building, and there will be food for sale there, too, he said.