Carousel Cottage    

Held on President's weekend in February, Wellsboro's Winterfest is a weekend of special  events hosted by the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wellsboro Department of Parks and Recreation.

*Annual Sports Card Show & Sale Outdoor Expo
        Displays, vendors, speakers, & demos highlighting recreational activities for
        outdoor enthusiasts.

*Winter Bluegrass Concert

*Wine & Cheese Party
        Toast your sweetheart and dance the night away.

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See also: Finger Lakes STPR homepage

STPR weekend is held in early June.

The PA State Laurel Festival is held
the second through the third Saturday in June.

History:
The first Laurel Festival was in 1938 and was the brainchild of Larry Woodin, a Wellsboro businessman who was so impressed with the Pine Creek Gorge, located 10 miles southwest of Wellsboro, that he persuaded the Chamber of Commerce to publicize it as a natural wonder of Tioga County.

Through Mr. Woodin's efforts, visitors came to see the breathtaking 50-mile gorge, now known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" or the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon."

Organized by the Wellsboro Lions Club, the first festival was held to promote not only the Grand Canyon, but also the State flower, mountain laurel. Events included a parade, a circus, a block dance, and a ball. The festival highlight was the crowning of the first laurel Queen, Miss Phyllis Viola of McKees Rocks.

Over the years, the festival has undergone many changes. Its title officially became the
"Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival" to indicate that many towns in the state are represented. The Pet Parade, Laurel Princess Program, arts and crafts fair, con cert series, two foot races, and the Laurel Classic Bicycle Race have all added to the enjoyment and participation of young and old alike.

The Laurel Festival continues to grow each year, and the friendly hospitality of the area has not changed over the years. Visitors are welcome to enjoy not only the fun of Festival, but also the rugged, rocky cliffs, unspoiled forest land abloom with laurel , and clear bubbling waters - all the natural beauty of Tioga County.
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Dickens of a Christmas is held the
first Friday and Saturday in December.

Step back in time with us and enjoy our Victorian Christmas celebration.

Craft and specialty vendors in Victorian costume will offer handcrafted wooden items, ceramics, clay pottery, commerorative Christmas ornaments, wrought iron, wreaths and more.

Tasty Dickensonian treats include pie tarts, hot cider, baked goods, candies, hot apple dumplings, hot soups, gingerbread cookies, baked potatoes and more.

Roving performers, dressed in Dickens attire, will perform all manner of entertainment...presenting the humorous, the inspirational, the musical... in solos, pairs and groups.

The Dickens players perform throughout the day, local choruses and choir groups offer
traditional Christmas music.

Saturday evening for the tree-lighting ceremony on The Green. The Wellsboro high school band provides the musical background for caroling, and one of the area ministers will offer a Christmas message. Santa will arrive for a brief visit with the youn gsters. Other area churches and groups join in the weekend's festivities with concerts, open houses, craft shows and tours.

Area residents as well as visitors to our area are invited to take part in The Dickens celebration by raiding attics and Grandma's trunk for costumes. Come dressed to fit the Victorian era...whether you be a prince or pauper. Stroll in costume up and down the streets throughout the day.

Won't you make Dickens of a Christmas your celebration too? Plan now to join us...you'll have a Dickens of a Good Time!! !