An out of this world experience: Carbondalien Festival celebrates history

The festival is the first of its kind in the city, but organizers hope to make it an annual tradition.

"50 years ago, 1974, a mysterious object was seen in the pond in Carbondale so this year we wanted to commemorate it in a big way," saidStefanie Colarusso, Co-Organizer of the Carbondalien Festival.

Carbondale is known by its residents for its extraterrestrial history, and the festival allows the city to share it.

"You hear about this kind of stuff, but you don't always expect to find out that there's something so close to home, it's just a piece of local history thar's really awesome," said Forest Hawkins, of the .

Hosted by the Carbondale Arts Alliance, the event boasted an out of this world experience for all.

"There's a marketplace for people who like this kinda cool alien merchandise, there's a Russel Park tour that tells the story of the actual event that happened there 50 years ago, there's also a lecture series where we provide people with information on the who, what, where, why, when," said Colarusso.

A variety of speakers gave lectures, including names from popular paranormal shows such as the Travel Channel's Alien Highway.

"People have been having strange sightings of UFOs since the beginning of recorded history. If you look back, there's evidence in rock arts, petroglyphs and caves. It's just something that's been here forever," saidHeather Taddy, a paranormal investigator, and co-host of Alien Highway.

Believers traveled from across the galaxy to get a glimpse of the extra-terrestrials in Lackawanna County.

"I'm here to see the aliens and find out why they came to Carbondale," said Dennis Miller from Lansdale, PA.

Of course, those in attendance made sure to enjoy the festival safely.

"The most important part of me is my brain, I'm protecting my brain. The aluminum foil will help protect from any aliens that are trying to get to my brain," said Miller, while wearing a tinfoil hat.