RIDGWAY — What would have been the sixth annual Mountain Fest, set for the first weekend in March, has been canceled due to lack of a venue.
Julee Marzella, president of the Elk County Wilds Tourism Association, said the event has been held at the old Tannery complex on Tanner Street. This has been sold and will reportedly be used for a powdered metal manufacturing facility.
Mountain Fest, which draws 6,000 people over the first weekend in March, brings tourism to the Ridgway area. Marzella noted it helps to boost the local economy, with businesses calling it their “most successful weekend of the year.”
Mountain Fest is known for offering more than 100 vendors of all varieties, chainsaw carving, musical entertainment, food and beverage suppliers and more.
The Tannery location provided an immense amount of space and electrical outlets that can service over 150 vendors, Marzella said, which are necessary to host an event of this magnitude.
The idea would be to work with Ridgway Borough in trying to upgrade one of the spacious buildings at the Ridgway Mills Campground, she said, which would need electric, a new roof, etc., to host indoor events. At this point, the entire building needs wired, and there is much work that needs to be done.
The building is more than 40,000 square feet, and could be used as a community/event center. The possibilities are endless, Marzella said, rattling off ideas like a walking track, roller skating, hockey, an indoor soccer practice venue for youth, etc. The goal is always to bring tourism to the area, and a building like this would allow Ridgway to host events all year long, vendor shows, bands, etc. The borough will need to apply for grants to set this process in motion.
It was expected that the 2024 event would’ve been the biggest Mountain Fest yet, Marzella said. The announcement of the cancelation has obviously brought on a lot of disappointment by attendees, vendors, local businesses. Everyone is “very upset.” It’s heartbreaking for the very few volunteers who put their heart and soul into this event as well.
When asked what people can do to help bring this potential event center to life, and to see the return of Mountain Fest, Marzella said the public can attend Ridgway Borough Council meetings, ask questions and volunteer support and assistance.
“Help us move forward with the Ridgway Mills (building),” she said. “Show up with ideas and support what we are doing.”
