Ryan Stofan, 8, of New Sewickley Township, spins the prize wheel at the Windrose Animal Hospital booth during the 2022 Horse Trading Days in Zelienople. Butler Eagle File Photo

For three days every summer, Zelienople’s population burgeons, as visitors flock to the town for the popular, annual summer tradition of Horse Trading Days. This year’s festival, the 59th annual, kicks off Thursday, July 20.

Horse Trading Days has run every year since 1963, barring one cancellation in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the name, horses play only a minor role in the event, which was founded by business owners in Zelienople to capitalize on a popular horse show that occurred in town around the same time.

“It wasn’t really ever about trading horses,” said Matthew Edwards, director of Horse Trading Days and executive director for the Zelienople Area Business Association. “But we do have horses at the festival. We offer pony rides and a petting zoo.”