Duran’s Down Home Days Returns to Waterford This Weekend

Duran’s Down Home Days returns to Waterford this weekend, June 6 and 7, offering two days of food, music, demonstrations, contests and family-friendly activities.

The annual event will be held on the ball field side of the park and will once again feature the popular Cast Iron Chef Challenge, live entertainment, local vendors and hands-on demonstrations. Organizers say proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the 2026 Erie VA Volunteer Transportation Network, which helps transport veterans to medical appointments and services.

In addition, Tom Lavery of Sunny 105.7, Canadohta Lake’s Greatest Hits, will be on hand throughout the weekend with prize drawings for attendees.

Saturday, June 6

Activities begin at 9 a.m. when the public can learn the secret ingredients for the Cast Iron Chef competition.

Saturday’s schedule includes:

• Noon — Judging of fruit dishes
• Noon to 1:45 p.m. — Funky Sunday performing on stage
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Rick Magee and State Rep. Jake Banta on stage
• 3 p.m. — Judging of vegetable dishes
• 3:30 p.m. — Line dancing with Celia
• 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. — Robb Dirty and the Muddy Waters
• 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Saved By Grace

Sunday, June 7

The event resumes at 9 a.m. with the Cast Iron Chef secret ingredient reveal.

Sunday’s schedule includes:

• 9 to 10:15 a.m. — Worship service hosted by Crossroads Community Church
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Frank Marzano
• 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. — Kevin Wilson
• Noon — Judging of protein dishes
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Dan Baney
• 2 p.m. — Line dancing with Celia
• 3 p.m. — Judging of wild card dishes
• 4 p.m. — Cast Iron Chef awards ceremony
• 4:30 p.m. — Raffle and vendor auction winners announced
• 5:30 p.m. — UpCycle Contest winners announced

Activities Throughout the Weekend

In addition to the scheduled entertainment, attendees can enjoy:

• Cast Iron Chef Challenge
• Chainsaw carving demonstrations
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Archery encounters
• Presque Isle Woodturners
• Jumpin Jungle Mini Golf
• UpCycle Challenge voting
• Basket auction
• Raffle drawings
• Antique chair caning
• Northwest Pennsylvania Spinners and Weavers
• Food vendors and local merchants

Organizers say the event is designed to offer “Down Home Fun For Everyone” while supporting a local nonprofit organization. More information is available at DuransDownHomeDays.com.

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