September, the beginning of fall, is when many people look forward to this season for different reasons. Some enjoy the cool air and the turning of the leaves, others become excited for events like football games. The Scottdale community has one special event that many people come every year to enjoy, the Scottdale Fall Festival.

This annual festival is traditionally held during the third weekend of September, running during a three-day period. It is located at the gazebo, otherwise known as the “heart of Scottdale.” At the festival, those in attendance can browse and view handmade crafts, watch live entertainment everyday, explore the local food vendors as well as traditional ethnic food, participate in the 5K or 10K races, or see one of the local favorites, the annual parade.

Students from Southmoreland enjoy attending and participating in this festival every year. Members of the Southmoreland Marching Band perform in the parade, as well as the members of the Homecoming Court who ride through the streets.

Junior Hailey Croushore has enjoyed the annual festival for a few years.

“I started to attend the festival in 2014 with my friends,” said Croushore, “and I’ve been a regular every year since.”

Croushore said she values the community aspect of the annual event.

“I love being able to support local vendors and organizations, everything set up puts you into the seasonal spirit,” said Croushore. “Plus the food is always delicious.”

She plans to continue her tradition with family and friends in years to come.

“I plan to come every year to come,” said Croushore.

Junior Maitlyn Fronczek is a color guard member in the marching band. She has had the opportunity to participate in the annual parade, performing with the marching band.

“I really enjoy performing in that parade,” said Fronczek. “It has always been one of my favorite performances that we do.”

Fronczek said she enjoys being able to perform in her own community.

“This parade is definitely more special to me than our other performances,” said Fronczek. “Seeing my friends and family from the community watching makes this performance so important to me.”

This annual festival is very important to the out students. Not only do they support the festival by regularly attending, but they also see the importance of helping in other ways. After the end of the 2017 festival, the Spanish and French clubs helped by cleaning up once the festival concluded. At the end of this year’s festival, students from the Southmoreland chapter for the National Honor Society participated in cleaning up.

Southmoreland students and the Scottdale Community take a lot of pride in their town and its events. The overwhelming support for the festival has continued to grow every year, and will hopefully continue to grow for years to come.