Discovering the Quirky Side of Pennsylvania Culture
Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and diverse culture. However, not everyone may be aware of the state’s quirky and unique side. From bizarre annual festivals to strange artistic creations, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer beyond the typical tourist attractions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most interesting and off-beat aspects of Pennsylvania culture.
Unusual Festivals
Pennsylvania is home to a number of quirky festivals that celebrate everything from pumpkins to sauerkraut. One such event is Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day, held on February 2nd each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of winter. Another popular festival is the annual Blobfest, held each July in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The festival celebrates the 1958 horror movie, “The Blob,” which was filmed in Phoenixville.
Strange Artistic Creations
Pennsylvania is home to some truly unique artwork, including the famous “Zippo Car.” This car, located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, is covered in over 3000 Zippo lighters and was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Zippo lighter company. Another interesting artistic creation is “The Knob”, a giant wooden doorknob located in Scott Township, Pennsylvania. Standing at 14 feet tall and 10 feet wide, this one-of-a-kind sculpture was created by local artist Steve Marglin.
Quirky Museums
Pennsylvania is home to a number of unusual museums that showcase everything from Bigfoot to mustard. For example, the Sasquatch Museum in St. Marys, Pennsylvania is dedicated to the popular cryptid known as Bigfoot. The museum has a collection of Bigfoot casts, sightings, and evidence. Another unusual museum is the National Mustard Museum, located in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. The museum features over 5,000 varieties of mustard from around the world and even has a mustard vending machine.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania may be best known for its history and natural beauty, but it’s also home to some truly unique and quirky aspects of culture. From bizarre festivals to strange artistic creations, there’s always something interesting to discover in the state. So, the next time you’re in Pennsylvania, be sure to check out some of these off-beat attractions and experience the state’s quirky side.
References:
https://www.visitpa.com/article/quirkiest-festivals-pennsylvania
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/zippo-car-pa/
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/25523
https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/pennsylvania/museums
https://mustardmuseum.com/visit/