Autumn Leaf Festival

This annual festival began in 1953 in Clarion, and became the first recognized Autumn Leaf Festival to be held during the Clarion State College Homecoming. Businesses were asked to decorate, to add color to the town.[1] Ruth Neiger from Brockway served as Homecoming Queen that year.[1]

The following year, 1954, the Clarion Chamber of Commerce had an idea. Since the leaves were colored during the fall, a larger festival would attract more people to the area. Two parades were offered. The first was held from 9:30 a.m. until noon. It included veterans from foreign wars, Girl Scouts, volunteer firemen, the Lions Club, the Autumn Leaf Queen’s float, and seven Clarion County bands. Redbank’s band received a $50 prize for first place. Two and a half hours later, the Clarion State Teachers College held their homecoming parade with floats made by local fraternities, and as the years went on local sororities joined in the parade. In 1958, the Autumn Leaf Festival became a permanent event, and the Chamber implemented a committee to organize the festivities. Both high schools and college worked together producing floats for the parade. With bands, cars, horses, marching units, and drill teams, joining the floats, the 2009 parade lasted an hour and 15 minutes and was described by the Clarion Republican that year as “Best Autumn Leaf Festival Yet is enjoyed by Thousands”.[1]

In 1956, the annual “Tournament of Leaves” parade was part of the Clarion State Teachers College Homecoming. Clarion businesses donated monetary prizes for the float competition, for which the theme followed movie titles.[1]

During the nine-day festival, vendors go through the Clarion Area Chamber to register and get permission to set up their food stand. Vendors include western Pennsylvania's Bruster's ice cream and Quaker Steak & Lube.

The Miss Teen Autumn Leaf Festival scholarship pageant became a permanent event in 1977. On this particular "ALF" the same events have become reoccurring. The pageant started out as a homecoming queen who got to ride in the parade. As the years progressed more and more competitions for girls and boys became apparent. However, as the years went boys became less interested and the girls continued on.

A picture of the crafters day during the Autumn Leaf Festival where patrons come to find items from food to furniture.

Another event is the Farmers and Crafters Day that usually occurs during the last Friday of the nine-day festival. This festival started in 1977 and was originally called Farmers and Merchants Day Craft Show. On this day, 10,000-plus patrons and students come out to observe, buy from or promote the craft stands that line the main street of Clarion on both sides. The local Clarion University of Pennsylvania gives its students a "mid-semester break", so they can attend the crafters' day the following day.[2]