my 2024 picnics and events
On this page I will list all the picnics, bazaars, festivals, & fairs that I attended during the 2024 picnic season. Also some comments about the event, and my rating of the event.
Due to the issue with my left foot and right knee,(it's no fun getting old) I will most likely only be visiting limited picnics this season. Feel free to e mail your ratings of any picnics you attend and I will publish them
Our Lady of the Abingtons Fall Festival
207 Seminary Road Dalton, PA
September 15, 2024
Rating 4 **** out of 5 *
This is a small end of season picnic just a short drive from Scranton. It is not a very exciting picnic. But it is an enjoyable, relaxing way to waste a few hours on a beautiful sunny day. They have plenty of handicapped parking. They have plenty of seating. The food is good and reasonably priced. You are allowed to walk around with your beer. They have a delicious bar-b-que chicken dinner. Typical price $15. The band "The Quiet Men" could best be called an Irish folk band. They aren't very exciting but the mix of Irish standards and classic hits that they play. They do well. Boy can they drink the beer. They played over 2 and 1/2 hours without a break when I was there. I plan on coming back again next year for a relaxing end of season picnic. The only thing left this year is the Bloomsburg fair which is too much walking for me and the Berwick Riverfest, which is up in the air whether my friend can get time off from work.
Felittese Festival
3rd St. Old Forge, PA
September 6, 2024
Rating 4 **** out of 5 *
The Felittese Festival is a small end of season picnic in Old Forge. The grounds are small. They have no parking. I had to park 2 blocks away which is difficult when you have trouble walking. The food is good, but it is rather expensive. They have seating but could use more especially in front of the band. The band Picture Perfect were excellent as expected. They even had Johnny Superstar in his light up jacket make a guest appearance which was interesting. This picnic is not exciting but is a nice way to spend a few hours in early September. I plan to be back again next year.
La Festa Italiana
Downtown Scranton
September 1, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This year I went on a sunny Sunday afternoon. What a mistake. There is very little shade, not enough seating, and it was HOT!. When I used to be able to walk good I would make 4 rounds, any more I am happy to make one round. The festival itself was enjoyable. The food was good but VERY expensive. More expensive than other years. The entertainment was very good. I saw the Longo Brothers (part of the Poets) and Nikki Rasmus (Connie Francis tribute) on the main stage and Janice Gambo Chesna on the small stage. Since I have difficulty walking, the festival featured the typical teenage love couples clamped on to each other blocking the walk way. Also the uncontrolled children head going one direction, feet going another direction. Also the people who insist on bringing their pet dogs even though it states in several places. No pets. I saw two almost dog fights, also with all the food and potential to get bitten by a dog, this is no place for your pet dog. Surprisingly no issues with the ABM parking garage. Two times in a row. WOW! The only reason LaFesta loses 1/2 star is because they still allow Scranton "businessman" BB to park his very offensive propaganda trailer on Biden St. All in all it was an enjoyable way to waste a few hours. I plan on coming back next year.
Pittston Tomato Festival
Downtown Pittston
August 17, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
I went on a cloudy Saturday night thinking it would be less crowded. Boy was I wrong. I never seen this many people at the festival. After driving around several times through downtown Pittston looking for parking. Finally got the last spot at the Baptist Church over two blocks away. The food was good as expected, but very expensive as expected. They had rides for the children. The band Flaxy Morgan were excellent as always. The band had several different members since the last time I seen them at Clifford. They have seating but they could still use more seating especially when it is crowded. There were many interesting people at the festival. I don't think I ever seen as many people with tattoos in one place at one time. They even had a stand where you could get a tattoo. I will definitely be back next year. Just hope I get a better parking spot. Because it is more difficult to walk as I get older.
Sherwood Park Summer Festival
Barnard St.
Dunmore, PA
August 15, 2024
Rating 3 *** out of 5 *
This is a small neighborhood picnic. Since I went Thursday it wasn't as crowded, and I parked out the street less than a block away. They should rename this picnic Romper Room. People who come, go for a beer and release their children completely out of control. I haven't seen this many flying basketballs since St. Paul's used to allow uncontrolled children. The food is decent and reasonably priced. You can walk around with your beer. It benefits the Sherwood Park Association. They had a DJ for entertainment who played some good tunes and many which I never heard. Depending what options are available. I may be back next year.
Carbondale Pioneer Nights
Route 6
Downtown Carbondale
August 14, 2024
Rating 3 *** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This is a small not very exciting picnic. I went on Wednesday which was a great idea because it was not very crowded and I was able to park close by directly across the bridge. It supports a variety of organizations. The prices were VERY expensive. I got a pizza and soda $6. I really didn't have a chance to wander around too much because it started to rain. Seating is limited. The Wannabes were very entertaining. I wish it didn't rain because I was enjoying the band and didn't get a chance to check out all the stands and possibly purchase more food. Not sure if I will be back next year, if so definitely on a Wednesday.
St. Jude's Parish
Route 309
Mountaintop, PA
August 11, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This picnic would normally get a five star rating. This year it loses 1/2 star because, even though most of the volunteers wore a St. Jude's or picnic t shirt. One of the cleaning crew had on a very offensive republican propaganda shirt. I do not go to a picnic to have to look at republican propaganda crap. The food was very good. It was a little more expensive than most picnics but it was worth it. The chicken BBQ was delicious. Even though you had to wait in a long line. Parking was tight. Not nearly enough handicapped parking. I had to park in the far end of the lot almost a block away. They had a smaller basket raffle. You could walk around with your beer. For entertainment they had a teenage DJ. He was very good. Played all the hits from the 60s to now. No rappin music. Very entertaining. The picnic is in a beautiful outdoor grove. They have plenty of seating. Most importantly NO FOOD TICKETS. Hear that other picnic operators. This is still one of my favorites and I will be back next year. But please tell your staff not to wear republican propaganda shirts.
St. Rocco's and St. Anthony's Parish
Bunker Hill Section of Dunmore
August 10, 2024
Rating 5 ***** out of 5 *
This is definitely one of the best of the season. The food is great. The bands are great. All your friends will be there. You can walk around with your beer. The food was reasonably priced. The band Popstar Drive were excellent. I was lucky two years in a row. I got a spot reasonably close when someone pulled out I pulled in. Maybe next year I may try the shuttle bus. My biggest complaint is since I have difficulty walking. Parents allowing their brats to run like wild animals. Head going one way feet another. Walk right into you and the parents think it is cute. Other than that it is a great picnic and I will be back next year.
Springbrook Township Fire Company
Route 690
Springbrook Township
August 8, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This is a very good picnic. The food is very good and actually cheap. Lower prices than most picnics. They have a cow flop where you can win big bucks if the cow does its duty in your square. Parking was tight. I had to park in a muddy field. The band Q ball were good. They call themselves a bar band. They played a lot of good classic rock. Their indoor basket raffle was huge. You can walk around with your beer. is plenty of seating. I will be back next year.
Dickson City Days
Bernard Seminski Park
Dickson City, PA
August 2, 2024
Rating 3 *** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This is the first time that I was back to Dickson City days in a few years. It is a small "cute" neighborhood picnic. It is not exciting but is very relaxing. It supports a variety of area non profits. The food goes from excellent to eeh. The meatball hoagie and the potato pancakes were excellent. The pizza was eeh. They had a DJ which played a mix of old and new hits. The parking lot was a mud hole due to the recent rain. Although it was not exciting, it was a relaxing way to waste an hour and I will probably be back next year.
Triton Hose Company
Route 6
Tunkhannock, PA
August 1, 2024
Rating 5 ***** out of 5 *
This is definitely one of the best of the season. It is a huge picnic. They have a huge variety of food and the prices are good. The pizza is excellent and so is the roast beef. Cans of soda are only $1 which is less than other picnics. The band Flaxy Morgan was excellent as expected. Parking at the donut shop was $5 this year instead if $3. Greed? The parking guy said inflation. They have rides for the children. There were even three powered hang glider pilots flying over the picnic. They had the parade but it actually goes round the grounds, but I never seen so many people lining route 6 for a fireman's parade. I will be back next year.
St. Joseph's Center Summer Festival
Grounds of Marywood University
Dunmore, PA
July 27, 2024
Rating 5 ***** out of 5 *
This is definitely one of the best of the season. The grounds are huge. They have a huge variety of games and attractions for both children and adults. They had a huge variety of food which is a little expensive. But it is worth it because it supports a great cause. They do not have any entertainment, but it is not needed because there is so much else to do. The picnic, corny Joe S., and the telethon made over 1 million dollars for St. Joseph's Center which is GREAT! I don't like corny Joe's childish antics as a meteorologist, but what he does for St. Joe's is wonderful. There was plenty of parking on N. Washington Ave. and a shuttle bus to the grounds. My only complaint is some women who try to cram a brat carriage on an already small school bus. Bumping into people. Makes it difficult for someone who has difficulty walking like me. When there is parking closer to the grounds, better if you have a carriage. I will definitely be back next year. It is better to go on Saturday than Sunday because it is less crowded.
Christ the King Parish
Betty St.
Eynon, PA
July 26, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This is a nice medium size picnic. Parking was very tight as expected. The do not allow you to park at the firehouse any more. I was lucky I got a spot directly across the street 2 years in a row. The food was good and very reasonably priced. With a huge variety of food. The staff at the food tent was more efficient this year. There was enough seating this year. They had a huge basket raffle. A packed beer tent. Too crowded for me. The band Pour Decisions were very good. I never heard them before, but I would definitely would see them again. I will be back next year.
, Clifford Hose Company
Route 106
Clifford, PA
July 25, 2024
Rating 4 **** out of 5 *
First of all if I went on a non parade night I would have rated them 5 *. The parade was very disorganized. At 7pm they shot off several fireworks and sounded the very loud siren. I thought, cool here comes the parade. 45 minutes later some of the parade showed up. Some came through the grounds, some stayed on 106. But that is not why they lost one star in the ratings. They lost a star in the ratings because the first vehicle in the parade was a very offensive republican Trump propaganda truck. This is no place to promote someone who promises violence if he loses. A dictatorship if he wins. Other than that the food was good. The roast beef and potato pancakes were great. The band Q Ball were very good. It was a nice picnic in a beautiful country setting, and I will be back. Just eliminate the republican propaganda next year.
Germania Hose Company
Foote Ave.
Duryea, PA
July 20, 2024
Rating 3 *** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
Germania Hose Company used to be one of the best of the season. Now it is just now OK. There is no handicap parking. The lot is with 8 inch high grass and holes. Not fun when you walk with a cane. The parking attendant was very concerned that there was no handicap parking. They use those very annoying food tickets. If it was cash I would have purchased more food because the food was good to very good. The pizza and potato pancakes were very good. They had plenty of seating and no more beer cage, you could walk around with your beer. The highlight of the entertainment was the hot pepper eating contest. The band was the Handsome Devils. Lucky I had my gas mask with me because they stunk. Loud and more feedback than music. Other years they had much better bands. All in all I will probably be back next year if there is nothing better.
St. Joseph Marello Parish
William St.
Pittston, PA
July 18, 2024
Rating 4 **** out of 5 *
This is a decent picnic. The food is good and reasonably priced. They use those very annoying food tickets. I would have purchased more if you didn't have to get more tickets with everything you need. The lines were small at the food stand. But they should train the children working at the food how to count tickets. Parking was close at the gas station. You can walk around with your beer. They had more than enough seating. The band, The Tax Men were very good but you can only take so much Beatles music. It was an enjoyable way to waste a few hours on a Thursday night,
Nativity of Our Lord
Stevenson St.
Duryea, PA
July 13, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This was a nice picnic as expected. Still not as good as it was when they were at the other location. The food was good and very reasonably priced. The pizza was excellent. You could walk around with your beer. I would have liked to get potato pancakes but the line was too long. Parking at the VFW and a shuttle to the grounds. The Sperazza Band was excellent. I am glad to see them do their reunion show. I hope they play again soon. The staff was friendly. There were plenty of tables but not enough chairs. I will definitely be back next year.
Covington Fire Company Picnic
Route 502
Covington Twp, PA
July 11, 2024
Rating 4 **** out of 5 *
The food was good but quite expensive. A huge variety of food. They had tons of rides for the children. The fireman's parade was loud but seemed somewhat unorganized this year but still enjoyable. The rest rooms were not as OC (Odorously challenged) this year. The band Bad Liars was fair but listenable. I will probably be back next year.
Dalton Hose Company Picnic
Off Route 632
Dalton, PA
July 9, 2024
Rating 4 **** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
This is a nice picnic. They have a huge variety of food. Some of the food was quite expensive this year. The Chinchilla Hose company pizza was excellent. They have ice cold beer. They have older rides for the children, but still very safe. The band was the Mega Band. They were just fair. All in all it was a very enjoyable way to waste a few hours. I will be back next year.
Scrantastic Spectacular
Downtown Scranton
July 3, 2024
Rating 3 *** and 1/2 * out of 5 *
The Scrantastic Spectular was OK but not great. There seemed to be less people there this year. They had several food trucks including some new ones. The lines at the food trucks were reasonable except for Jitty Joe's ice cream, it was packed. The Philharmonic were entertaining and patriotic as expected. I still miss when they did a tribute to the military. There were nearly not enough job johnnies (only 3) and the smell would make you want to vomit. The fireworks were off to a slow start but got to be great as the show went on. The music they played during the fireworks was much better. I started to walk to the garage while the fireworks were still going on. So I cashed out easier. They should have more than one pay station. This year only took 20 minutes to get out of the garage. Why? The incompetence of ABM parking again. Luckily I did not have an issue this year but the gates were not going up for many people in front of me. It seems the attendant was clueless. All in all it wasn't too bad a way to waste a few hours, but could be better.
Elmhurst Roaring Brook Fire Company Picnic
Right off Route 435
Elmhurst, PA
June 28, 2024
Rating 5 ***** out of 5 *
This picnic is definitely one of the best of the season. It is just a short ride from Scranton. The food is great and reasonably priced and they have a huge variety. The bands are decent. I was lucky to get one of the handicap parking spots. You are able to walk around with your beer. The staff is fast and friendly. They have plenty of games for the children and a few adult games. Even the very annoying siren at the hot wings stand wasn't as bad this year. If you missed this one you missed a great picnic. I will be back next year and also their at their BBQ chicken dinner in October.
Mary Mother of God Parish
West Market St.
Scranton, PA
June 14 & June 15, 2024
Rating 5 ***** out of 5 *
The Mary Mother of God parish block party was great as expected. The food is great and reasonably priced. The games are fun. The volunteers were friendly and helpful. Picture Perfect on Friday was excellent as expected. Mace In Dickson on Saturday were good for their type of Southern Rock. I prefer a classic rock or top 40 band. There was plenty of seating. Even "Taylor Swift" made a guest appearance. There was a huge basket and dining around raffle. They even had the diaper derby twice. Parking was tight as expected but it was worth the little walk for this one of the best picnics for the season.
