Fort Ligonier Days, one of the American Bus Association's "Top 100 Events in America", is a 3-day festival that commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French and Indian War, fought on October 12, 1758. This outstanding outdoor festival is celebrating its 52nd year in 2011.
On the grounds of the Fort you will find a living history encampment showing frontier life, military tactics, drills, cannon firing, ceremonies, Highlanders, redcoats, French troops, frontier men and women, Indians and music from 1758. Visit Fort Ligonier's official web site for Fort information. A favorite at the fort is the re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Ligonier at 2 & 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Don't miss the elaborate and entertaining parade that proceeds down Main Street around Ligonier's picturesque Diamond at 11:00 AM on Saturday. The parade will include historic units, floats, costumed characters, the shrine units and special guests, including local TV personalities, high school and college bands. This is a spectacular part of Fort Ligonier Days!
PLEASE, for safety reasons, do not place any chairs along the parade route before 6 pm on Friday.
Free outdoor entertainment includes something for everyone -- Civil War era music, Big Band music, South American folk music, bagpipes and drums, footstompin' bluegrass, Gospel and many other types of music.
Twenty-eight community food booths line the Diamond and other locations throughout town. The variety will satisfy the hungriest of appetites! Sit-down meals are available at several local churches.
Over 150 craft booths in 4 locations are linked by shuttle bus service. Talented artisans will display and sell handmade items including pewter figures, wicker and wood, dolls, dried flowers, paintings & prints, stained glass, jewelry, leather, baskets, pottery, blacksmithing and much more!!
On Thursday before the event and during Fort Ligonier Days merchants move their wares outside for sidewalk sales.
Look for interesting and thoughtful window displays throughout town. Prizes are awarded for the best window displays!
Please Note: Pets are not allowed in the festival areas.