Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival for July 4th Getaway from $94/N

Thinking down home for Independence Day this year? Pie eating contests, quilting bees, and Civil War re-enactments? Organizers of the annual Kutztown Folk Festival call their event a celebration of folklore, food, fun and family. After more than 60 years of highlighting daily life in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country region, the festival is putting an even greater emphasis on family-oriented events with folk art exhibits, crafts, live entertainment and treats from the region that will appeal to young and old alike.

New this year is a Civil War re-enactment. Families can learn what life was like for those who left Pennsylvania in support of the Union cause as the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center of Kutztown University presents an interpretation and re-enactment of the 167^th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Festival Director Dave Fooks adds, “There is truly something for everyone.” For example, there's the last mule-powered flying swing in America. This year, in addition to the festival’s traditional 4th of July parade, there will be band concerts featuring patriotic music and other events.

The festival will feature five different stages with live folk music and dancing, Mennonite hymn singing and folklore presentations. Children have their very own Farmyard Theater with singalongs, storytelling, puppet shows, a magician, clowns and a ventriloquist. Kids will also enjoy the Children's Petting Zoo, where they and their parents can feed and interact with friendly farm animals.

In addition, families will find craft and play areas, pony rides and a 19th century horse-drawn carousel.  Traditional games are also featured along with a hay maze and the Hex Express-a train fashioned from 55 gallon drums and pulled by a tractor. Teens have their turn at an "American Idol" like stage for amateurs who like to sing.

The Quilt Barn is where more than 2,500 handmade quilts will be on display, available for purchase during the festival. Demonstrations and quilting bees will be held for visitors interested in learning more about the quilting process and all visitors are encouraged to contribute to the festival's visitors quilt. Other demonstrations include pottery making, woodcarving, weaving and hex sign painting, an art unique to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

In between all of these wonderful activities, visitors can try an assortment of local favorite dishes such as shoofly pie and country chicken dinners. A highlight of the festival is the Pennsylvania Dutch Ox-Roast and visitors can enjoy a taste of this specialty with the festival's ox roast platter or sandwich. Kids will love the festival's many sweet treats, including strawberry shortcake, funnel cakes and ice cream. It's also a place to try traditional “root drinks,” such as Root Beer, Birch Beer, and Sarsaparilla.

Travelers planning to stay for several days will find an assortment of lodging choices. Longswamp Bed and Breakfast (610/682-6197) is just a short drive from Kutztown at 1605 State Street, Mertztown, PA 19539. The cozy farmhouse dates from 1780 and offers customers a multiple night discount, with 10% off the base rate for every additional night. A hot breakfast is served every morning, all rooms are equipped with queen-sized beds, private baths and air conditioning and there's WiFi. Rates during the festival start at $108/N and if you stay a few days, you can enjoy hiking and horseback riding nearby. 

The Comfort Inn Midway (717/933-8888 or 800/898-7695) is located at Exit 16 - I-78, Bethel, PA 19507 offers guests a free deluxe breakfast in addition to free local phone calls, weekday newspapers and coffee. The inn also boasts an indoor pool, exercise room and video game room, perfect for kids who want to continue having fun after a day at the festival. If you're traveling with pets, this hotel has a limit of two per room and charges a $10/night fee. during this week, the rates are $94/N for up to five guests, as the hotel will put a rollaway into the room if you need it.

Here's your reminder:  The top value Kutztown Folk Festival will take place from July 3- July 11, 2010. The region is a bargain and so are festival admission fees. A one-day adult pass is $12; $11 for seniors over 55; and kids under 12 go free. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit the Kutztown Festival website or call 888/674-6136.