"It's a Wonderful Life" Jimmy Stewart Festival and Parade
Downtown Indiana, Pennsylvania, puts the sparkle back in everyone's eye with their annual "It's a Wonderful Life" Jimmy Stewart-themed festival and parade, scheduled for Friday, November 21, at IRMC Park. The parade has attracted yearly visits from celebrities such as Rich Little, Nick Clooney, and Jimmy Stewart's daughters, Kelly and Judy. Mystery tours have included groups from California, New York, Virginia, and Chicago.
Itineraries start with a Hometown Tour, tours of the exhibits, and a viewing of Making of It's a Wonderful Life at the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Groups head out to Fleming's Tree Farm for a tour of what makes us "The Christmas Tree Capital of the World." A horse-drawn wagon ride to the fields to choose the perfect Christmas tree shows why Good Morning America once hosted its show in this quaint setting! Passing a scenic covered bridge, visitors head downtown for a stroll through the many specialty shops including The Artist's Hand Gallery, where a special whimsical Santa display awaits.
Festival fun begins with family crafts and hay rides, amidst aromas of kettle corn, cookies, and toasted marshmallows, while the crowd builds for the parade. Honored tour guides can co-grand marshal the parade with celebrity friends of Jimmy, as floats, bands, and performers eagerly pass by the viewers. Groups enjoy a Jimmy-themed meal with a George Bailey impersonator, then choose to watch the parade from a second story restaurant, or experience fame as they ride on a float through the main street. The parade culminates with the annual tree lighting by Santa on the steps to Jimmy's boyhood home, followed by the viewing of It's a Wonderful Life at the vintage movie theater. Arriving back at the hotel, visitors are greeted by Santa, gifts, and tree-trimming in the lounge.
Click here for more information about holiday festivities in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
