HARRISBURG, Pa. — A few raindrops weren’t enough to wash away people’s good vibes on the first day of this year’s Kipona Festival.
“I’m a big fan of the small culture, just a lot of the little pop-up shops, a lot of people bringing their own craft here, the arts and crafts from the cuisine and all of that, also the historic heritage that goes on with the pow wows and stuff, that’s really cool,” said Hagan Schenck from Cumberland County.
The celebration also features events like Keystone Dock Dogs, which some might be familiar with from the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The celebration is not just about what people can watch, it’s also about supporting the countless amount of local vendors.
Amanda Huggins and Rose Showalter brought their business, Custom Creations Family, to Kipona for the first time.
Combining Huggins’ decaled tumblers and Showalter’s handcrafted woodwork, there’s truly something for everyone.
“You got the kids, the old and the young and the different cultures,” Showalter explained.
“You have a good chance of running into something new that you didn’t see last year, either a new arts and crafts shop or a new food truck,” Schenck said.
Kipona spans along Front Street between Walnut and Forster Streets, with even more fun on City Island.
Events like the inaugural Giant Puppet Parade are expected to take place Sunday afternoon in River Front Park.
“Support everyone doing the thing because it takes a lot of heart and effort to put it all together,” Schenck expressed.
Activities are expected to restart on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Street parking will be free on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2.
Front Street will be closed between Forster and Walnut Street until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2.