● Boar’ s Head Festival
and determination. Adults contribute sewing, carpentry, musical talent, organizational skills, or simply a willingness to step into whatever role is needed.
While the Boar’ s Head Festival has been presented in churches around the world, its arrival in Sharon has its own special story. The Rev. Pam Maloney, associate pastor and director of music at the church at that time, had once played the festival at a church in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. She brought the idea to First Presbyterian’ s pastor, the Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, who welcomed it wholeheartedly. Now in its 18th year, the tradition is still going strong.
With the support of the pastor and the church, Pam reached out to Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Florida, which shared a video and program of its festival. A local group also traveled to Youngstown to see a live performance, an experience that helped shape the local vision. Volunteers thrifted fabrics for royal costumes, built sets from scratch, and recruited actors, dancers, and singers for what would become an annual event. Each year, something new is added or refined to keep the festival fresh.
Over time, the event has grown to include world-champion fiddler Melinda Perttu from Westminster College and organist Nicole Cochran from Slippery Rock University. The festival features a king and queen, a jester on stilts, and a musical repertoire of beloved Christmas carols. It is directed by Dr. Stephen Barr, current director of music at the church and a composer who has arranged music specifically for the production.
For Pam, the magic never fades.“ Each year, as the procession starts down the aisle, I just get goosebumps,” she says.“ Even after 18 years, it still affects me deeply. It lifts my spirits in a powerful way.”
What keeps the festival thriving is the way it brings people together, Pam said. Newcomers of all ages continue to join in, drawn by the mix of storytelling, music, and visual splendor. Families grow up in the experience; children who once carried candles become singers, then actors, then helpers behind the scenes. Even those unfamiliar with the festival’ s medieval roots quickly feel its emotional pull.
Watching the procession unfold feels like witnessing worship and theater blend into something alive and moving. The festival has roots in medieval church drama, when ritual and performance naturally went hand in hand. Today, that connection remains as music, movement, and symbolic objects continue to bring faith to life in a way that honors the past while speaking to the present.
Pam encourages people to attend:“ It’ s just so much fun- please come!” V
If you go: Event begins at 3:30 p. m., Sunday, January 4, 2026 First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon, PA No admission cost. A love offering will be accepted.
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