Events begin Thursday evening with the Opening Ceremony followed by the ever popular Clown Contest and opening night entertainment. Grab a bite to eat or browse area crafters and organizational booths. Friday arrives and the luring smells of kettle corn, funnel cake and hot sausage sandwiches fill the air. Booths filled with hand-crafted treasures line the street, and the band can be heard playing in the park. The Dan Rice Days celebration has begun!

For more than 20 years the people of Girard, Pennsylvania have gathered annually to celebrate the life and times of famous circus man Dan Rice. Dan Rice was a charismatic and charming performer, a quick-witted comedian, and a gifted animal trainer, singer, dancer and speaker. He was an amazing showman and friend to the community.

The 3 ½ day festival includes sports tournaments, an antique show, parade, Civil War re-enactment, a crafters area, live musical performances, a children’s play area, and classic car show and more!

File photo

For complete details on the festival and a full schedule you can go to their website at www.danricedays.com

“If residents have been to this event in the past, then they know they will be able to find a wealth of information about a variety of public and private programs and services – all designed to enhance their quality of life,” Evans said. “I encourage all seniors, caregivers and family members to stop by and find out about the numerous programs available right here in Erie and Crawford counties to help local residents.”

From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., senior citizens, their family members and caregivers can learn more various private and public programs. Nearly 80 exhibitors will be on hand to present information on driver safety, asset protection, veterans issues, home weatherization, investments, health insurance, consumer tips and identity theft.

View a video invitation for the event at RepEvans.com, directly at http://media2.pahousegop.com/Generator.asp?videoname=426328163.wmv or visit his Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/RepJohnEvans.

The expo will feature flu shots. Most vaccinations will be covered under Medicare Part B or other private insurance plans.

Door prizes will be given away and refreshments will be available. A full list of exhibitors is posted at RepEvans.com. For more information, please contact my Girard office at (814) 774-2892.

Admission to the event is free of charge, and the parish center is located along Route 20, at 1001 East Main St. in Girard.

A group of costumed storytellers will become former citizens of the area, as participants are led by lantern bearing guides through the cemetery grounds.

Tours depart from the Hazel Kibler Museum at 7:30pm, 9:00pm, 10:30pm, and 12 midnight on October 1 and 2, and at 7:30pm and 9:00pm on October 3.

Participants will be served FREE refreshments after the tour.

Not recommended for children under six years of age. For the safety and enjoyment of tour participants, strollers will not be permitted.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED, call 814-774-3653

In Albion, October 5th, at St. Lawrence Church, 129 East Pearl Street, Albion, 9:00 a.m. – noon.

In Cambridge Springs, October 5th, Cambridge Springs Senior Ctr., 156 Venango Avenue 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In Girard, November 13th, St. John’s Parish Center,Rte. 20, Girard, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

There is no upfront cost, and they will bill all insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid

For a complete listing of all the clinics go to: http://www.dontlettheflubugyou.com/event_dates