Autumn Leaf Festival

The Allegheny Autumn Leaf Festival is a nine-day annual festival held in Clarion, Pennsylvania. The event features food, entertainment, and carnival rides. Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion hosts its annual homecoming football game and concerts during the festival, which is attended by almost 500,000 people annually.

History


The Autumn Leaf Festival's origins trace back to 1953, coinciding with Clarion State College's homecoming celebration when local businesses were encouraged to decorate their storefronts.

In 1954, organizers implemented a two-part strategy to attract visitors. The first parade featured veterans' organizations, youth groups, emergency service personnel, community service clubs, a designated "Autumn Leaf Queen" float, and musical ensembles from seven Clarion County schools. Two and a half hours later, a separate homecoming parade showcased floats created by local fraternities and sororities in collaboration with Clarion State Teachers College.

By 1956, the annual "Tournament of Leaves" parade had become central to the Clarion State Teachers College Homecoming festivities. Local businesses actively participated by offering cash prizes for the most creative movie-themed float.

In 1958, the Clarion Chamber of Commerce established the Autumn Leaf Festival as a permanent fixture on the community calendar, and designated a committee to oversee its annual organization. The Miss Teen Autumn Leaf Festival scholarship pageant, which began as a homecoming queen platform within the parade, was formally established in 1977.

Farmers and Crafters' Day
In 1977, the first Farmers' and Merchants' Day Craft Show (later renamed Farmers and Crafters' Day) was held. It was typically held on the final Friday of the nine-day festival. Over 10,000 people are able to purchase or showcase handcrafted goods displayed along Clarion's main thoroughfare.

Notably, Pennsylvania West University, Clarion strategically schedules a "mid-semester break" coinciding with the following day, allowing students to participate in the festivities.