WELLSBORO, PA (WENY) -- The Pennsylvania State Laurel festival is returning for its 81st year to downtown Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

The festival serves as a celebration of the state flower, the Mountain Laurel. Events begin on Saturday June 10th, and continue through Sunday, June 17th.

Events begin with a Family Day on the Green on the 10th, with more than 40 information booths, as well as activities for kids, and giveaways. The Wellsboro Area School District Marching Band will perform at 10AM, and a one-hour dance party for pre-schoolers at 11AM.

On Sunday the 11th, the town will welcome the annual Pet Parade, where children and their pets of all kinds will march down Main Street. Throughout the week, there will be free music, and antique motorcycle show on Thursday.

Friday and Saturday marks the annual Arts & Crafts fair, where 75 juried artisans will sell handcrafted and unique items on the Green, as well as 20 food vendors on the International Streets of Foods. 

A highlight of the festival is the coronation of the Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen. The 2022 Queen, Regan Regina, will relinquish her crown to the 2023 winner. This year, 27 queen's candidates from school districts across from Pennsylvania will visit Wellsboro for the weekend. A new queen will be crowned at the coronation ceremony at 6:30PM Saturday at Wellsboro High School. 

The Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival is hosted by the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce. According to the Chamber, the first festival was held in 1938, and was the brainchild of local businessman Larry Woodin. It's said Wooden wanted to boost the local economy, by promoting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAUREL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
81ST Annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival

2023 Schedule of Events
June 10-18, 2023
Free unless stated otherwise

Saturday, June 10
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Family Day & Children’s Health Fair
The Green

Sunday, June 11
1:30 p.m.
Pet Parade
Main Street to The Green
(Judging: 12:25 p.m. at Packer Park Picnic Area on Queen Street)

Monday, June 12
7 p.m.
Laurel Concert Series
Olds Sleeper - Folk, Country, Delta Blues
Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center
Donations Appreciated

Tuesday, June 13
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Allegheny Mountain Chapter AMCA
Antique Motorcycle Show
The Green

6 p.m.
Main Street Creamery
Homemade Ice Cream $$
The Green 

7 p.m.
Laurel Concert Series
Molly's Boys Jugband – Blues, Folk, Rock
Outdoors on The Green
Rain location: Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center
Donations Appreciated

Wednesday, June 14
7 p.m.
Laurel Concert Series
Wellsboro Town Band
Outdoors on The Green
Rain location: Wellsboro High School Auditorium
Donations Appreciated

Thursday, June 15
 7 p.m.
Laurel Concert Series
Wellsboro Men’s & Women’s Choruses
Broadway to Pop
First Presbyterian Church
130 Main Street
Donations Appreciated

Friday, June 16
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arts & Crafts Fair & International Streets of Foods
The Green

12 p.m.
Queen Candidates Welcome
Tioga County Courthouse Steps

4:30 p.m.
Queen’s Preview & Laurel Concert with Yetsu 
Deane Center Outdoor Stage
Rain location: Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center

Saturday, June 17
9 a.m.
10K Foot Race & 2-Mile Fun Run
Entry fee: 10K $25; Fun Run $5
Packer Park on Queen Street

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Arts & Crafts Fair & International Streets of Foods
The Green

12 p.m.
Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum Corps
Chamber Office Lawn
114 Main Street

2 p.m.
Laurel Festival Parade
Nichols, Queen, Main, King, Walnut Streets

3 p.m.
Downbeat Percussion
The Green

6:30 p.m.
Coronation of 2023 Laurel Queen
Wellsboro High School Auditorium
Tickets: Adult, $20; Sr. Citizen/Student, $10; Children, 12 & Under, $5
227 Nichols Street

Sunday, June 18
10:30 a.m.
Union Church Service
The Green
Rain location: First Baptist Church 

For more information, contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce by stopping in at 114 Main Street in Wellsboro, by calling 570-724-1926, emailing info@wellsboropa.com or visiting wellsboropa.com.