Planning a family/friends trip (8 people) to Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival — advice & alternatives?

Hey all,

We’re planning a group of 8 people (6 adults + 2 kids) to the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival this October. I’ve read mixed things about crowds and parking, so I’m hoping for some real-world advice from folks who’ve been.

Questions:

1. How early should we get there for parking, or is the shuttle the only sane option?
2. What activities are actually worth the money for a group our size (train ride, historic tours, etc.) and how much is the cost?
3. Any “don’t miss” food or vendors?
4. If you’ve done this before, what do you wish you knew in advance and is it really worth the hype?