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From cowboys to cow milking, from classic rock to classic cars, from giant balloons to gorgeous floats, Funfest 2007 truly had something for everyone. Funfest Weekend 2007, which took place September 8 and 9, was a great success, thanks to the many volunteers who organized it and the dozens of local businesses which generously donated to see it come to life. It started early this year, with an oldies concert at the J.J. Ferrara Performing Arts Center Friday night, featuring the doo wop sounds of Pittsburgh’s Own “New Holidays.” Hundreds bopped to the music, and many said afterward that it was one of the best shows they had ever seen. Funfest Saturday featured the classic events that have come to be synonymous with Funfest, like the craft show, muscle car and street machine show, and the garage sale. In the annual Wing Fling, the Red Rooster took top honors for the second year, while the underclassmen from the Hazleton Area Career Center were the judges’ choice in the Pulled Pork cookoff. The Career Center’s Seniors won People’s Choice. The first Pierogie Hockey Slapshot Challenge was a great success, with contestants shooting frozen pierogies into a hockey net. Ricky Pieri of Drums took first place. Cowboys East took center stage Saturday afternoon, showing off their talents with tomahawks, bullwhips and guns. Kids Activities featured snakes and other critters, while seniors enjoyed bingo and other activities. Teen activities Saturday night featured Hector Alvarez being named Hazleton’s Hunk and Tabitha Scerbo named Teen Idol. The evening ended with a terrific fireworks display. Sunday started with a “moo,” at the celebrity cow milking contest. State Representative Todd Eachus was the victor in the hard-fought battle for who could get the most simulated milk out of a simulated cow in a given time period. Event co-host Gina Gasper of WYLN came in second, and Freeland Mayor Tim Martin took third place. Sunday’s activities included the street fair, with booths benefitting local charities. Free entertainment for the day included a concert by a group of Italian musicians arranged by the Sister Cities Association of Gr. Hazleton. At 2:30 p.m., the Funfest Parade kicked off in West Hazleton, and featured helium balloons, floats, and many bands of all sorts. Holy Family Academy won first place in the “Best Use of Theme” category for their wild west float. Tracey’s Academy of Dance took the 1st place float trophy. Hazleton Area High School’s Marching Band won the Funfest Choice award. Following the parade, entertainment continued with country line dance lessons followed by XCountry in concert. On the other stage, a Latin music celebration drew thousands. Funfest is made possible through the support of numerous local businesses who serve as sponsors, and they are listed in this month’s “Spotlight on Members.” The event is coordinated by the Funfest Committee, a group of some 30 volunteers who work year-round to plan the event. Funfest is a committee of the Chamber of Commerce. www.hazletonchamber.org.
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