Labor Day in PA: Favorite Foods and Festivals

Labor Day is the last celebration of summer for many Americans. From unique foods to family-friendly festivals, here are some ways Pennsylvanians like to send off summer.

Summer Flavors of Pennsylvania

True Pennsylvanians know all about unique Keystone State foods like scrapple and apple butter, but how many of these Pennsylvania foods did you eat this summer?

1. Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Salad

We have the Pennsylvania Dutch to thank for many traditional Pennsylvania dishes, and potato salad is a fan favorite at many summer gatherings. Pennsylvania Dutch potato salad is typically set apart by its sweeter taste and may also include hard-boiled eggs, celery or bacon.

2. Water Ice

Familiarly called “wooder” ice by Philly natives, water ice is another fan favorite on hot days. Traditionally, it’s made from just water, sugar and fruit, with popular flavors being lemon, cherry, mango and strawberry. While non-Pennsylvanians may mistake it for Italian ice, water ice is made of chunkier ice pieces (but not as chunky as shaved ice).

3. Potato Chips

What’s a cookout without some chips? Some refer to Pennsylvania (and Hanover specifically) as the “Snack Food Capital of the World,” and its number of snack food producers would likely agree. The state’s soil is ideal for growing potatoes, and various potato chip companies have thrived here. Some Pennsylvania favorites include Utz, Middleswarth, Gibbles, Martin’s, Hartley’s and Good’s.

4. Funnel Cake

Funnel cake is a fair food favorite, but did you know many people believe it was created by the Pennsylvania Dutch? Although similar foods have different origins, Pennsylvania Dutch (German) immigrants brought over a yeast dish called drechderkuche in the late 1800s before altering it into what we now know as funnel cake. Funnel cake became especially popular at the Kutztown Folk Festival in the 1950s.

Labor Day Keystone Festivals

Pennsylvania is a great state for festival-goers. Looking for a festival to attend on Labor Day?

1. Kipona Festival – Harrisburg

The City of Harrisburg is holding their 108th annual Kipona Festival this weekend, featuring a Family Fun Zone, Multicultural Celebration, live music, Art in the Park, Giant Puppet Parade, food trucks and more.

2. Cannstatter Volksfest – Philadelphia

Volksfest is the nation’s oldest German festival. Returning for its 152nd year, it features German and American beers and wines, authentic German food and American staples, nonstop German and American music, traditional folk-dance performances, vendors and more.

3. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival – Pittsburgh

Unlike Manheim’s Renaissance Faire, the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is open and welcomes visitors on Labor Day. This weekend is Children’s Weekend, which includes a children’s costume contest, a Royal Quest, knighting ceremonies, medieval rides and games and other family fun.

4. All Home Days – Elysburg

Elysburg is holding its 105th All Home Days event, which will include a parade, art show, music, cute pet contest, flower show, car show, 5k run and more.

5. Lock Haven Labor Day Regatta – Lock Haven

Lock Haven is once again hosting a weekend of power boat racing, carnival fun, food, arts and crafts vendors, live music and fireworks.