The 9th Annual Knotweed Festival returns to the Blairsville Diamond today with plenty of food, music and fun activities planned for all who attend.
The festival centers around the Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant species found near rivers across the U.S. In Indiana County, knotweed can be found along the Conemaugh River.
Festival spokesperson Damian Boudreaux said that the festival aims to put a positive spin on something that many consider a nuisance.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a parade that will run through Market St. and following that, kids can experience bounce houses, obstacle courses and more. Other notable events will be a quilt show at the St. Peters Episcopal Church, a beer garden and a car show along North Liberty St.
Bands will provide free live entertainment throughout the day. Taking the stage at noon at the amphitheater will be the Blairsville Community Band. The Boomers will take the main stage at 1:30 with a mix of 50s and 60s rock; Seven Mile Run will follow them at 4:15; and headlining the night will be the Steel City Yacht Club at 7.
Boudreaux adds that the Blairsville Underground Railroad will host some special events throughout the day.
Renda Media will be broadcasting live from the festival from 2 to 4 p.m. More information can be found on the festival’s Facebook page.
