The new county was placed in the 18th Judicial District. The first county seat was Marienville, but when five townships were detached from Venango County and added to Forest County in 1866, Tionesta became the Forest County seat. The first county election and the first court session were held in 1857. The first sermon for settlers was delivered by Dr. Otis Smith in Blood's home, which also housed the region's first tavern. This is definitely a community thing.
People actually decorate their homes with themes that week.
A holiday spirit pervades the town, and people prepare for the festival much the way they do for Christmas. The festival pays tribute to the county's rich Indian heritage. Early in county history, the Senecas, Monseys and Mohawks claimed the Tionesta Valley. Legend has it that the Indians knew of rich mineral treasures valley, but kept the secret. One delightfully wacky highlight of the festival is the annual bedrace.