PotatoFest in the market for vendors

There’s snow outside, but Ebensburg officials already are thinking about the spring, summer and fall as they take applications for PotatoFest in September.

“It’s never too early to plan these things,” said Christine Strugala, the borough’s community development director.

“I’m already planning the Farmers Market,” she said with a laugh.

In the midst of Wednesday’s light snow and freezing temperatures, Strugala circulated a news release announcing that vendor applications are available for the 16th annual PotatoFest celebration, to be held Sept. 29.

“New this year, the committee will only allow handmade craft vendors, food vendors and a limited number of local nonprofit vendors to set up on the streets of downtown Ebensburg during PotatoFest,” she said.

All resale items and collectibles will be set up inside the borough office building instead of on the street.

The event celebrates Cambria County potatoes and their growers. The county is the second largest supplier of potatoes in Pennsylvania. Vendor applications are available at www.potatofest.com.

And true to her word, Strugala already is planning the Farmers Market.

Beginning in late July, the market will be held every Saturday through September, and features local growers and their produce, plus homemade items.

Interested vendors may contact Strugala at cstrugala@ebensburgpa.com.

But what about the first sign of spring in the county seat?

This year’s Art in Bloom show will be held April 21 and 22 at the Cambria County Courthouse.

Artwork can be submitted in these categories: Painting, drawing, photography, computer-generated art, dimensional and mixed media.

But even though it’s first on the calendar, entry forms are not yet available.

Strugala’s already planning for that, as well.

Applications are available online at www.ebensburgmainstreet.com. The deadline is April 9, and this year there’s a new state grant of $821,000 to help with costs.