We went there on a Friday and a Sunday and had a terrific time. Lots of vendors plenty of food, music singing we had a great time.

The reviews here are spot on. This is a really fun festival with lots to see and plenty of shopping and eating options. I've been coming for years and has been one of our highlights each fall. The only reason I'm not giving this a 5-star is because the local eating establishments have gone straight downhill. They really do make you feel like they are doing YOU the favor by serving you. We stopped at lunch at the Tavern only to have a young waitress who was very snippy and a menu indicating no substitutions for this event. Understanding that they were busy (even though there were tons of people working and not all that many people in the place yet as it just opened) we picked something from the menu and waited a very long time for our drinks and food. Once we were done, I thought she was going to blow her top when we asked for separate checks and were abruptly told we were not allowed to have the check broken out. We paid a lot of money for food that wasn't that great to be treated like crap. We then went for dessert at the food vendor area at market square. What a difference in kindness, service, and the raspberry cheesecake was delicious! We did a little shopping then went over to the bowling alley to grab a drink and have a seat. When we walked in, there were people at the bar area and a lot of empty tables so we had a seat. My friend grabbed her dessert while we were waiting to be waitied on and proceeded to take a few bites when a young girl came running over to tell us we were not permitted to bring in outside food then turned around in the same breath and stormed away. Fair enough, although taken aback by such rude aggressive behavior, we put ours away, but my friend proceeded to finish her 3 bites of ice cream before doing so. I'm sitting there scratching my head asking why the little witch didn't bother taking our orders when she came over while another young lady proceeds to come over and throw us out while the whole "busy" waitstaff was standing behind the bar smiling. We understood why no one was in the bowling alley as we left that place with a pretty overall bad feeling about the event. Next year we plan to stick with the vendors and stay out of the "regular" eating establishments. "They don't seem to care for outsiders" was our overall feeling for the day. They can do without our money too. read more

This was my first opportunity to attend this festival which is dedicated the battle of Ft Ligonier that took place during the French and Indian War. My husband and I missed the parade since it was a rainy morning but I did manage to get a glimpse of the Heinz hitch as it was going by and some of the University of Pittsburgh marching band as well as a float or two left parked. The festival is spread out throughout the entire town which is fairly small. Vendors and crafts are set up in various locale all around. If you are not up to walking they do have a complimentary shuttle that will take you to where you want to go. At the center where the diamond of the town sits is an information booth. They are on hand to answer all your questions as well as give you a festival map with all the events, food, vendors, etc. They have live entertainment in the Gazebo throughout the day. Make sure to check your guide if there is anyone in particular you wish to see. Most of the vendors are craft vendors and some of them I have seen elsewhere such as the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Home and Garden show. They have other specialty services scattered around such as healthcare or major product advertising. Perhaps the best is that they do re enactments of the battle of Fort Ligonier. It's neat to see the townspeople dressed in colonial costume and militia. Food abounds in this place with the majority of it being around the diamond. There is no shortage of desserts, ice cream, and pizza. Much of the food is your typical fried stuff but look around if you see something that interests you. As far as restroom faculties are concerned, all they have are port a johns. You're not going to find a business that will let you in for that purpose. While we had hoped to park at the high school and shuttle over that lot was full so we were able to find "grass" parking on Rt. 711 south of the town for a fee. We grabbed a bite to eat at the "Laughing crab"-reviewed separately and later went for dessert at a raspberry and fruit vendor. Needless to say I loved our desserts there. I had a mixed raspberry and blackberry pie while my husband had raspberry shortcake ala mode. They don't skimp on toppings here. We found it interesting to look around at some of the original vendors we hadn't seen before. I was very impressed with one who uses old post office boxes found in the Post Office and used different types of wood to make banks. It's like having your own combination lock to a mini safe. Time did not permit us to see everything but we were very pleased with what we did see. We did not get the chance to tour the fort itself. There is a separate admission charge for that but hope to on some future visit. Fort Ligonier days are always held the 2nd full weekend in Oct. The vendors sell their merchandise from 9-6 on Friday and Saturday and from 9-5 on Sunday. It definitely was worth a visit and next time plan to come earlier so I can see the parade. read more

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The community wide festival features historical reinactments, live music, a parade, artisans and crafters, a 5 K race, food and fireworks and always happens on the second weekend in October from Friday to Sunday. This year is the 60th Diamond Anniversary and featured over 300 exhibits and local stores. Lots of food ranging from homemade pies to fresh made kettle corn. The parade featured 200 reinactors dressed in period costumes from 1758 during the French and Indian Wars. In front of the fort is Half Crown Bakehouse, who wood fires traditional bread and biscuits - good is an understatement. So Good, I bought 2 extras to take home. For lunch I had chicken salad at Abigail's on the Diamond . Really good and I got to go inside and warm up. The highlight of the parade was the Pitt Marching Band, the Oscar Mayer wiener mobile and the Ligonier Girl Scouts tribute float to Idlewild Amusement Park. This festival is a must visit- rain or shine. read more