The North East Firemen\u2019s Cherry Festival is in full swing this week, continuing a summer tradition that has brought families to the borough for generations.<\/p>\n
The four\u2011day festival, running through Saturday, features rides and attractions from Knox\u2019s Great American Midway, one of the event\u2019s biggest longtime draws. Food vendors are also busy, especially Taylor\u2019s Doughboy, known for deep\u2011fried Oreos, funnel cakes and its new Hawaiian Deluxe \u2014 a deep\u2011fried Hawaiian roll brushed with butter, cinnamon sugar and maple sauce, then topped with pecans and cream cheese frosting.<\/p>\n
Festival chair Bill Klenz said operations will continue regardless of weather or air quality concerns, noting that \u201ceverything will be running as it is a normal day. There are no rain dates and no smoke dates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thursday\u2019s schedule includes the annual Cherry Queen crowning, with more Ride\u2011a\u2011Rama sessions and nightly entertainment planned as the festival heads toward the weekend.<\/p>\n
The biggest event arrives Saturday, when the Cherry Festival Parade steps off at 3 p.m. Organizers say it remains one of Pennsylvania\u2019s largest volunteer firemen\u2019s parades, drawing marching bands, horses, specialty units and fire departments from across the region.<\/p>\n
Proceeds from the festival support Fuller Hose Company No. 1 and Crescent Hose Company No. 2, helping fund fire, rescue and EMS services for the North East community.<\/p>\n