Abington Heights fall festival a big hit

The junior class at Abington Heights High School hosted a fall festival on October 30 at Clarks Summit. The Abington Business and Professional Association participated in the event.

“I was driving through Frenchtown, NJ, and saw that one street was closed. I looked down the street and saw vendors, ”said Nicholas Booth, junior class president at Abington Heights High School. “It inspired me and I thought we could close a street at Clarks Summit and bring the city together. It’s good for the community to come together and have a good time.

Booth is president of the Computer Club and vice-president of the Geography Club. He is a member of the Futures Business Leaders of America transition team, a founding member of the Model United Nations Club and leads track and field and cross country for Abington Heights High School.

He is the son of Mary Beth and William Booth. Her brother is Russell Booth, who is a student at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, and her sister is Mary Booth, who is a freshman at Abington Heights High School.

The children dressed up to play pranks in the shops in the region.

Participating companies included Pure Suds Co., Everything Natural, The Jewelry Room, Abington Art Studio, Mannings, Golden Coast, Sanderson State Street Salon, Young’s Funeral Home, Nickie’s Fabolous Hoagies, Statley Pet Supply, The Crystal Connection, Wink Lash Artistry, Maximum Zen, Music Matters For Kids, Grateful Roast Coffee, Imagine NEPA, Noteology, Dakor, Northeast Title and Tag, Sunrise Cafe, Abington Art Studio, Ashley’s Men Salon, Designs by Olivia Gray, Curl Up and Dye Salon, State Street Grill, Pickeyweedz, The Gathering Place and Rosario’s.

The event also included raffle baskets donated by local businesses, pumpkin carving and decorating, and marshmallow roasting at Pocket Park and the Bella Rosa Food Truck. A film was shown that evening in the park.

Event attendees could browse different vendors including Gryphon Winds Instruments, Angel Wings Chunky Blankets and Rose Cuttitta quilted products.

“I couldn’t bring any instruments because of the weather, but I brought props and literature about what I’m doing,” said Anne Williams, owner of Gryphon Winds Instruments. “I also do stuffed animals and had them at the event. I think the event is a great idea. You can see the different vendors and what they have and you can get some Christmas gift ideas.

“The event will provide support to people who own their own businesses,” said Sophia Cody, historian for the Abington Heights High School junior class. “Fall is the perfect time when there aren’t a lot of events with COVID and with this event it will bring people together. Fall has so many little things about it and this event is a perfect way to celebrate it.

The Gathering Place had crafts for kids, popcorn, and spider rings. Cataract Katie did tarot readings where “you learned about your future with a touch of humor”.

“It’s great that the junior class at Abington Heights High School hosted this event,” said Ann Armezzani, event planner at The Gathering Place. “It will bring the city to life and should be fun. “

The Baptist Heritage Church hosted a bake sale at the event where church members handed out free baked goods. The church emailed its members asking for baked goods, and about 100 people responded. They made brownies, cookies, muffins and other baked goods.

“I think this is a great event and that it will bring the community together for a family event,” said Scott Cleveland, director of Outreach Heritage Baptist Church, Clarks Summit. “We love our city and its people and want to participate in spreading kindness and giving hope to the community during the pandemic. The church wants to help the community in any way it can.

“It’s great that the kids in the area care about their community to host this event,” said Tommy Walsh, vice president and junior at Abington Heights High School.