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There are plenty of ways to celebrate the beginning of the autumn season, but in Washington and Greene counties, it's a long-standing tradition to start the season visiting one of the area's historic covered bridges.

Known as a signature event to kickoff the fall harvest of festivals and fairs, the 39th annual Covered Bridge Festival is set for Saturday and Sept. 20.

The festival is sponsored by the Washington and Greene County tourism promotion agencies as a way to celebrate the rich heritage and lush countryside of the neighboring counties.

Admission and parking for all of the bridge events are free. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival will be held at 10 covered bridges scattered throughout the counties, with each offering activities, entertainment, food, crafts and historical re-enactments.

There are 208 covered bridges in Pennsylvania, 22 of which are located in Washington County. There are seven in Greene County.

Washington County covered bridges and barns took their red color from an early paint formula made up of red oxide in the local soil.

Festival organizers said the greatest period of covered bridge use was between the 1820s to the end of the 19th century.

Here's a look at the festival locations and event highlights:

Ebenezer Bridge

The bridge in Mingo Creek Park will feature more than 100 craft booths, as well as dozens of food booths. On Saturday, country band "Girlz in Black Hats" will perform noon to 3 p.m.

Country band "Ruff Creek" will take the stage 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

There will also be strolling musicians throughout the weekend. The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania Inc. will host a special exhibit.

A children's area will feature rides, a petting zoo and pony rides.

For information, call the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency at 1-866-927-4969 or www.visitwashingtoncountyPa.com

Henry Bridge

The bridge event in Mingo Creek Park will feature dozens of crafts and food booths, including folk art, scenic photography, blown glass, season decorations for the home, and ethnic dishes such as Italian favorites, pierogies, haluski, and copper kettle popcorn prepared by period costumed workers.

For information, call the Washington County Mental Health Association at 724-225-2061.

Hughes Bridge

Festival hours in Amwell Township are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Harmony Scott will perform Saturday and a bluegrass band will provide the entertainment Sunday.

Special activities include a chainsaw sculptor and face painting. There will also be food booths.

For information, call 724-267-4326.

Wyit Sprowls Bridge

Activities at the East Finley Township Park include one-room school house tours, entertainment, arts and crafts, a tractor poker run and rubber ducky races.

For information, call the East Finley Township office at 724-663-4483.

Brownlee Bridge

Entertainment will be featured at McGuffey Community Park noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Old cars, a flea market and horse-drawn wagons will be featured. Demonstrations include chainsaw sculpting, quilting and spinning. There will also be food and crafts.

For information, call 724-663-4380.

Hanover McClurg Bridge

Special hours in Hanover Township Park are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Contemporary and gospel music will be performed both days. Special activities include nine acres of paved walkways with pavilions, two play lots, horse and carriage rides, food and crafts.

For information, call 724-729-3657.

Krepps Bridge

This festival in Mt. Pleasant Township will feature an antique tractor and classic car and truck show, a Civil War re-enactment group and an American exploration re-enactment group, as well as food and craft booths.

For information, call 724-356-3428.

Pine Bank Bridge

The bridge is located at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life.

Special hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The festival will be located around the 275-acre outdoor museum featuring a 19th century living history village.

An admission ticket is required for entry into the prehistoric campsite. Picnic and pavilion areas are located on the grounds.

For information, call 724-587-3412 or www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Carmichaels Bridge

Special activities at this festival in Carmichaels include horse drawn wagon rides and a petting zoo. On Saturday, the Greene Academy of Dulcimer Players performs at 1 p.m., followed by the Glory Band at 2 p.m. and Just Us (Helen and Dave) at 3 p.m. On Sunday, the Augsburg Little German Band will perform from noon to 2 p.m. and bluegrass band The Stevens Family will play from 2 to 4 p.m.

There will be food and craft vendors.

For information, call 724-966-9770.

White Bridge

Among the many activities in Garards Fort will be a Civil War re-enactment camp with a "battle for the bridge" both days by 140th Pa. Volunteer Infantry and 30th VA Co. H (Barbour Grays.) There will also be a medical museum with battle surgery being performed.

Demonstrations will include quilt making, lace tatting and pottery making. There will be many food and craft booths.

For information, call 724-966-2357.

For more information about the festivals or for directions, go to www.VisitWashingtonCountyPa.com or www.greenecountytourism.org

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