Story courtesy of The Express, www.lockhaven.com.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - LOCK HAVEN - Organizers of this year's Best of Clinton County Summer Festival and Parade scheduled for June 27 in downtown will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Citizens Hose Co.

Indeed, the Saturday event will honor all firefighters, but specifically recognize Citizens Hose Co. No. 5 that has served the region for 100 years.

"A parade is again one of the highlights this year, in addition to the Children's Creativity Corner, Arts and Crafts at Triangle Park, Strawberry Festival, vendors, sidewalk sales, and live music," said Katie Coyne, a recent Lock Haven University graduate and intern with Downtown Lock Haven Inc.

"We truly want to thank and appreciate all that Citizens Hose Fire Co. has done for our community. In fact, our theme for the parade is 'Celebrating Citizens Hose Co's 100 Years.' We would like as many participants as possible to show their appreciation and decorate downtown in honor of those brave men and women who volunteer their time for the fire company and community."

The tribute to the fire company includes parade judging of engines and ambulances with trophies awarded for the best outfit in each category. Jim Seaman, owner of Caffeine Nation, is baking a special anniversary cake in honor of the 100th celebration. The cake and awards will be presented after the parade at 3 p.m. on Vesper Street at the stage.

Downtown Lock Haven is setting up a display area of photos or copies of memorabilia to depict the history of the fire company.

"We are inviting the community to donate copies of old photos or postcards, letters or articles about the history of Citizens Hose Fire Co.," Coyne said. " he display area will be on Vesper Street and the tribute will be placed in scrap books donated back to the fire company."

The parade line up begins at Hanna and Main Streets by Piper Aviation Museum at 12 pm with the parade kick off at 1 pm. All are invited to participate in this year's parade.

Another exciting addition to the event is the 1st Annual Wingfest sponsored by the Central Mountain High School Soccer Booster Club. The Wingfest will include vendors from around the region.

Vendors may contact Briget Motel at 726-6576.

"The Best of Clinton County is offering us a great opportunity to raise funds for the soccer team," said Motel. "We already have several food vendors offering wings and food."

In keeping with the Best of Clinton County's theme, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. has added a photo contest entitled, "Hit Us with Your Best Shot." Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place based on the public penny voting during the event. Entries may be submitted to the Downtown Lock Haven office by June 20 and must be at least 8 by 10-inch. There is no cost to enter. All photos must be of Clinton County people, places or things.

A favorite spot is the Main Street parking lot, where St. Paul's Episcopal Church will host the annual Strawberry Festival. Organizers say that there will be smoothies, strawberry short cake, strawberry and rhubarb pies, drinks, and barbeque sandwiches. There are children's games, a cake wheel and face painting.

"The Best of Clinton County has always been about the community," said DLH past president Gail Nestlerode. "We encourage as many groups as possible to join in, raise money for your favorite club or organization, show off your business or participate in the parade and enjoy all this county has to offer."

Vendors are invited to participate in this special day, however, organizers encourage early registration as the spaces are filling up.

"We have had an exceptional response to the event and we think that it will be our best year yet," added Maria Boileau, downtown manager.

Once again, downtown is offering Creativity Corner, funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, which will feature hands on art activities for children on Vesper Street. Themed "Creativity in Clinton County," children will have the opportunity to enjoy a number of art related activities including painting, sidewalk chalk art and jewelry making.

Coyne explains that the purpose is to encourage the appreciation of arts, and volunteers from both the Ross Library and Clinton County Arts Council will play a big role in making this area fun for all ages.

"The best part of Creativity Corner is that it is free and children can play and create all they want," she said.

Live music is being coordinated by the Bear Country Radio.

Music One owners Jeff and Mark Schlesinger have offered their expertise for great sound all day. Organizations such as Millbrook Playhouse will have a booth at the event and will offer performances throughout the day on Vesper Street.

The Farmers' Market will be in the courthouse parking lot on Jay and Main Street. The Farmers' Market, which opens this Saturday, June 6, runs from 6 a.m. to noon each Saturday throughout the summer.

To fund this great event, Downtown Lock Haven is again hosting a raffle with over $1,000 in prizes. The grand prize is a 32-inch television set donated by Beiter's Home Center. Raffle tickets are just $1 or six tickets for $5 and can be purchased at Downtown Lock Haven Inc.

All are welcome to participate in the June event, businesses in the downtown are invited to host sidewalk sales and displays, non-profit agencies, churches, schools, clubs, and organizations can host a booth to display their services and to raise funds for their programs; and all groups are welcome to participate in the parade.

To participate in the day's events contact Downtown Lock Haven at 748-1576.