The 13th Central Pennsylvania Ragtime and American Music Festival followed a slightly different format this year from past practice. It was extended by one day, starting Thursday evening, September 22 with a concert at a new venue, the Huntington Arts Center, located in a former church in that town. This marked the first visit to Huntington, the county seat and largest town (population 6,700) within a 30-mile radius. Huntington is 20 miles northwest of Orbisonia and Rockhill where all the other events are and have been held since the festival’s inception. The festival is linked to the East Broad Top Railroad, a scenic tourist line, and the Trolley Museum, both located in Rockhill, and several events are held on the grounds of these attractions.
Another significant change this year is that Andrew Greene, founder and director of the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, has moved to the area and is now employed by the EBT. He runs the gift shop and also acts as a “utility infielder” as needed for train operations. He has fully taken over the role of festival director and has strengthened the link between the festival and the railroad and museum.
Thursday’s concert filled the Arts Center, a very positive sign. Most attendees were local, and this concert hopefully whet their interest in attending more festival events. They could increase the crowd size without taxing the limited
