'How can anyone miss it?' Comments, contest results from the 75th Pa. Maple Festival

The streets of Meyersdale were abuzz with crowds and excitement during the 75th Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale on Saturday.

"We had over 100 units in the parade that lasted for an hour and a half," Paul Werner said after the Grand Feature Parade, which formed at 11th Avenue and came through Center Street from 1 p.m. until after 2:30 p.m.

Werner and his wife, Terrie, coordinate the parade and the car shows at the annual festival every year. He said that for the past 20 years since they have supervised the parade, it has never been canceled once — and while there may have been snow or rain afterward or even before, the parade time itself has always had clear weather.

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Along the route, Krystal Jarvis of Columbia, Maryland, was enjoying the parade with her children Joselynn, 6, and Josee, 12, Marshall, and her mother Kelly Jarvis of Garrett. Krystal Jarvis bought her daughter Joselynn a SpongeBob balloon from a walking vendor on the parade route, and she visits her mother, who has lived in Somerset County since 2009, every year at this time.

"We come to this festival every year," said Krystal Jarvis, who is originally from Prince George's County, Maryland. "The (Pennsylvania) Maple Festival is all about community and family and small-town friendliness and then it is wrapped in all these traditions, so how can anyone miss it?"

At the quilt show at Meyersdale's fire hall, the VanOverberg family of Mount Lebanon near Pittsburgh said that it is those traditions, such as maple syrup and quilts, that drew them to this festival.

"My grandmother quilted. She would have been 100 years old now. She made us a quilt of her aprons and dresses, and that's why I like quilts that look like garments," said Rich VanOverberg, who traveled to the festival with his wife, Therese, and daughter, Manon. "It's nice to get out of the city and it's a little bit of a drive but not bad. It's been a nice day all and all."

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Grace Oakes, a former maple queen who coordinates the Quilt Show, said that the show had a good attendance record this year. While the numbers may not have been up to last year's — when everyone was ready to return after a COVID pandemic hiatus — the event itself had still done well.

Blake Henry, who coordinates the Lions Pancake Shack at the Meyersdale Community Center across from the quilt show, related the same as Oakes. He said that the Pancake Shack has not seen the same attendance since before COVID-19, but this week still had a good showing for community night and Saturday morning.

"Our meals are takeout now, but visitors can come in and sit down inside or outside and our tables inside the gymnasium were filled this (Saturday) morning," he said.

According to Werner, festival organizers were blessed yet again this year.

"There were fire trucks, the queen's float, princesses, businesses, churches, shriners, politicians and one celebrity guest," said Werner, referring to Dr. Mehmet Oz, a television personality and cardiac surgeon currently running for Pennsylvania Senate. Oz showed up as a parade entry and walked through the parade route, taking photos with bystanders.

Werner said that the festival organizers knew Oz was coming for approximately a month, but received a firm confirmation on Saturday morning.

Oz said that his office was looking for a spring celebration to visit when they came across the maple festival in Meyersdale and it seemed like the perfect fit for the campaign trail.

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"We knew we had to be here since it was the 75th anniversary," Oz said. "I enjoyed myself today in the town of Meyersdale. I was flipping pancakes this morning (at the Lion's Pancake Shack) and talking to people on the parade route."

The Faner family of Meyersdale was sitting outside the Meyersdale Public Library watching the parade go by when Oz came through and greeted them.

"I've never met a celebrity before," said James Faner, who met Oz with his sisters Deby and Kathy, and father, Art Faner. "It was an experience I'll never forget and I even got to shake his hand. That was the first time I ever got to meet someone that special."

2022 Truck, Motorcycle, Side by Side and ATV Show results

1st Class ATV (All Terrain Vehicles)

• First place: Darlene Heitchew of Rockwood — 2011 Honda Recan.

• Second place: Tim Baker of Friedens — 2013 Honda Recan.

2nd Class Side By Side

• First place: Charles Teets of Meyersdale — 2020 Polaris.

• Second place: Edward Walker of Meyersdale — 2021 Bobcat UV34.

3rd Class Trucks thru 1980

• First place: Robert Miller of Davidsville — 1937 Ford Pickup.

• Second place: Jamie Bryner of Accident, Maryland — 1956 International S100 Pickup.

4th Class Trucks 1981-1990

• First place: Erik Baker of Meyersdale — 1985 Chevrolet.

5th Class Truck 1991-2000

• First place: Dick Kinsinger of Somerset — 1994 Chevy S10.

6th Class Truck 2001-2022

• First place: Rick Bennett of Indiana — 2011 Ford F150.

• Second place: Matt Kopasko of Windber — 2014 Ford F150.

7th Class Big Trucks (no trailers) through 1980

• No entries.

8th Class Big Trucks (no trailers) 1981-2022

• No entries.

9th Class Trucks Special Interests (Fire, Tow, Rollbacks)

• 1st Place Butch Lepley of Meyersdale — 2022 Ford F650 Rollback.

10th Class Car / Trucks (El Camino, Ranchero)

• First place: Ron Plummer of Everett — 1980 Chevy.

11th Class Motorcycles through 1990

• First place: Charles Lambert of Aurora, West Virginia — 1979 Suzuki.

• Second place: John Shaffer of Boynton — 1988 Harley.

12th Class Motorcycles 1991-2022

• First place: Rick Kirkland of Friedens — 2013 Boss Hoss.

• Second place: Tim Bittner of Meyersdale — 2016 Indian Classic.

13th Class Miscellaneous (anything else which director feels is warranted. Must have director’s approval)

• First place: Rudy & Liz Kotor of Johnstown — 2004 Chevy SSR.

• Second place: Larry Hardik of Scottdale — 1968 Honda Mini rail.

Best of Show

• First place: Erik Baker of Meyersdale.

• Second place: Danny Steinberg of Meyersdale.

• Third place: Rick Kirkland of Friedens.

2022 Parade results

Bands

• First place: Portage Marching Band.

• Second place: Meyersdale Area High School.

• Third place: Berlin Brothersvalley High School.

Corps and Drill teams

Jr. Baton and Drum Corps

• 1st New Centerville Spinnettes.

Sr. Baton and Drum Corps

• 1st New Centerville Spinnettes.

Drill Teams

• 1st Studio 7 School of Dance.

Fife & Drum Corps

• Berlin Fife & Drum.

Best Mechanized Unit

• Mason Dixon Off Road.

Best Commercial Unit

• Showtime Entertainment Service.

Special Music

• Thomas Drug Store.

Floats

Past

• 1st Chickentown Gas & Steam.

Present

• First: Mountain Valley Bible Church.

• Second: Somerset County Military Family Support.

Future

1st Amateur Astronomer Association of Pittsburgh.

Fire department results

• Best Appearing Company: Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department.

• Squad: Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department/Somerset Volunteer Fire Department.

• Rescue: Wellersburg Volunteer Fire Department.

• Longest Distance: Thad Stevens Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department.

• Tanker: Accident (Maryland) Volunteer Fire Department.

• Oldest: Grantsville (Maryland) Volunteer Fire Department.

• Pumper 500 GPM & below: New Centerville Volunteer Fire Department.

• Pumper 750-1250 GPH: Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department.

• Pumper 1500 & above GPH: Somerset Volunteer Fire Department.

• Ambulance: Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department.

• Pumper Tanker: Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Department.

2022 Window Display winners

Class 1 — Commercial

• First: Meyersdale Public Library — Murphy’s Building, Corner Window, Meyersdale.

• Second: Nancy Wilt — 320 Main St., Meyersdale.

Class 2 — Collectors/Hobbies

• First: Martha Albright — Murphy’s Building, Center Window, Meyersdale.

• Second: Tammy Woullard — 233 Center St., Meyersdale.

• Third: Thomas Drug Store — 327 Main St., Meyersdale.

Class 3 — Maple

• First: Michael Merrill — 220 Center St., Meyersdale.

• Second: Fox’s Pizza Den — 322 Main St., Meyersdale.

• Third: Meyersdale Historic Society — 527 Main St., Meyersdale.

Class 4 — Antiques

• First: Thomas Drug Store — 327 Main St., Meyersdale.

2022 Maple Festival races at Meyersdale Train Station, Great Allegheny Passage

5K run

First Male — Isaac Opperman, 15, 17:29.

10-under

No. 1: John Keckley, 6, 31:49; 2. Damian Stiffey, 10, 38:27; 3. Asher Keckley, 3, 48:19; 4. Eli Fundis, 7, 1:02.47; 5. Amos Fundis, 4, 1:03.25 20-29.

11-19

No. 1: Ryan Yoder, 15, 22:32; 2. Joey Comfort, 14, 22:39; 3. Evan Yoder, 16, 34:19; 4. Alex Clark, 17, 37:52.

20-29

No. 1. Connor Eberly, 28, 22:26; 2. Reuben McCoy, 28, 29:24.

30-39

No. 1: Greg Opp, 32, 17:38; 2. Eli Traup, 34, 25:30; 3. Aaron Keckley, 32, 31:50; 4. Cody Frick, 32, 34:51; 5. Jess Fundis, 34, 1:03.23.

40-49

No. 1: Anthony Clark, 46, 37:52; 2. Aaron Schafer, 42, 38:48.

50-59

No. 1: Kevin Peterson, 50, 25:45; 2. John Walters, 58, 28:35.

60-69

No. 1: Ken Yommer, 60, 32:14; 2. Graham Walker, 60, 35:42; 3. Lee Porter, 68, 40:28; 4. Dennis Slopp, 68, 41:145; Wayne Fundis, 60, 1:04.06.

70-plus

No. 1: Charles Stotler, 73, 43:31.

First Female — Karina Nwoko, 31, 21:18.

19-under

No. 1: Aurora Comfort, 13, 26:57; 2. Katelyn Vansickle, 16, 33:463; 3. Bruck Ohler, 14, 39:27.

20-29

No. 1: Danielle Burkholder, 29, 27:21; 2. Layne Deakins, 23, 30:533; 3. Ashleigh McCoy, 26, 55:24.

30-34

No. 1: Jenna Hankinson, 33, 29:14; 2. Tess Schafer, 30, 31:543; 3. Jodi Reed, 33, 38:43; 4. Shaina Keckley, 30, 46:05.

35-39

No. 1: Krystal Faidley, 35, 27:02; 2. Lisa Comfort, 38, 28:43; 3. Shannon Scheffel, 38, 29:56; 4. Lisa Zyga, 39, 34:51; 5. Katie Spiri, 37, 36:08.

40-49

No. 1: April Kretchman, 48, 34:28; 2. Misty Vansickle, 40, 39:56.

50-59

No. 1: Getchen McClain, 59, 32:03; 2. Rachel Maust, 52, 42:54.

60-69

No. 1: Sue Porter, 66, 30:35; 2. Betsy Smith, 62, 33:57; 3. Barbara Yoder, 61, 38:45.

8K run

First Male — Bobby Alkire, 37 33:43 .

30-39

No. 1: Terry Apple, 37, 1:04.22.

40-49

No. 1: Craig Cavanaugh, 44, 46:54.

50-59

No. 1: Tom Deakins, 55, 35:32.

60-69

No. 1: Larry Ferrens, 68, 40:15.

First Female — Lizzie Sayler, 17, 39:34.

30-39

No. 1: Brianna Walker, 32, 43:09; 2. Brandi Raley, 31, 45:49.

50-59

No. 1: Leanne Renzi, 55, 46:58.

5K walk

First Male — Richard Webber, 73 38:37.

19-under

No. 1: Landon Gnagey, 6, 49:54; 2. Bryson Kline, 7, 49:54.

30-39

No. 1: Travis Shaulis, 32, 51:37; 2. Josh Wiltrout, 38, 1:04.18.

40-44

No. 1: Eric Beckner, 42, 47:43; 2. Chad Stiffey, 41, 49:36.

45-49

No. 1: Jason Smith, 47, 44:13; 2. Bill Stutzman, 48, 44:38; 3. Jason Tipton, 46, 51:37.

50-54

No. 1: Michael Lear, 53, 42:23; 2. John Biedzinski, 50, 43:22.

55-59

No. 1: Mark Long, 57, 40:19; 2. Don Cade, 57, 41:08; 3. Jeff Paul, 59, 43:17; 4. Doug Gnagey, 58, 50:04; 5. James Gibson, 55, 59:45.

60-69

No. 1: Robert Jones, 60, 41:36; 2. Jeff Moser, 61, 46:37; 3. Ted Minnick, 62, 47:42; 4. Bill Heffern, 66, 1:09.02.

70-74

No. 1: Charles Smith, 72, 42:39; 2. Marty Ryba, 71, 49:53; 3. Jim Winsor, 70, 53:22.

75+

No. 1: Gary Rhodes, 82, 49:05; 2. James Benshoff, 78, 1:02.57.

First Female — Kim Zimmerman, 53 38:49.

19-under

No. 1: Morgan Beckner, 16, 47:43; 2. Lakyn Lear, 19, 52:46.

20-29

No. 1: Hannah Novak, 25, 49:51; 2. Madison Lear, 22, 52:47; 3. Sidney Lear, 24, 56:14; 4. Samantha Christner, 27, 59:58.

30-39

No. 1: Heather Nightingale, 39, 47:24; 2. Jessica Rosenberger, 33, 47:25; 3. Amanda Heffern, 32, 59:05; 4. Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd, 37, 1:02.56; 5. Christa Wiltrout, 39, 1:04.17.

40-44

No. 1: Mandy Toath, 42, 41:36; Nichole Gring, 43, 45:16; 3. Danielle Bittner, 41, 52:18.

45-49

No. 1: Stephanie Smith, 48, 44:12; 2. Lara Stutzman, 47, 44:38.

50-54

No. 1: Allyson Martz, 50, 45:10; 2. Molly Novak, 54, 49:51; 3. Karen Lear, 51, 56:17; 4. Melanie Lane, 53, 59:58.

55-59

No. 1: Bonnie Yommer, 59, 46:37; 2. Joanna Minnick, 59, 47:42; 3. Melinda Gibson, 57, 59:45.

60-64

No. 1: Lisa Appleby, 61, 39:38; 2. Jeanne Henry, 62, 40:07; 3. Lori Gindlesperger, 61, 44:43; 4. Patty Knisely, 60, 1:10.59.

65-69

No. 1: Sherry Obert, 66, 40:27; 2. Deb Heffern, 65, 59:05; 3. Cindy Saylor, 65, 1:10.59.

70-plus

No. 1: Teresa Bartos, 74, 48:16.

2002 Antique, Classic and Street Rod Car Show results

1st Class Model T and Model A

• First place: Bob Shultz — Model A.

2nd Class Antique Cars through 1949 (except Class 1)

• First place: Roger Rittenhouse — 1933 Chevy Master.

• Second place: James Garrey — 1934 Chevy Rad Rod.

3rd Class Antique Cars thru 1950-1959

• First place: Travis Beal — 55 Olds 98.

4th Class Antique Cars thru 1960-1997

• First place: Bob & Teresa Landis — 1978 Ford Thunderbird.

• Second place: Larry Tinkey — 1965 Ford Falcon Futura.

5th Class Antique Trucks through 1959 (except class 1)

• First place: Jonas Klink – 54 Chevy Truck.

6th Class Antique Trucks thru 1960-1997

• First place: Ronnie Romeburg — 1970 Chevy.

• Second place: Rick Albright — 1974 Ford Truck.

7th Class Two Seat Sports cars through 2022

• First place: Ron and Vicki Rombesburg — 2003 Corvette.

• Second place: Jerry Kords — 2019 Corvette.

8th Class Classic Mustangs through 2019

• First place: Steven Stiffey — 2021 Ford Mustang GT.

• Second place: Bill Nicholson — 2007 Ford Mustang.

9th Class Classic Street Rods pre 1949

No entries.

10th Class Muscle Cars 1950-1970

• First place: Donald Ickes — 1955 Chevy Stephen Emerick, Meyersdale.

• Second place: Mel Corley — 1969 Chevy Camaro.

11th Class Muscle Cars 1971-1990

• First place: Ken Duerring, Garrett.

• Second place: Dan Brown, Meyersdale.

12th Class Classic Special Interest 1991-2022

First place: Melissa Gerbes, Johnstown.

Second place: Darlene Heitchew — 1995 Pontiac Grand AM; Matthew Gerber — 2011 Volkswagen GTI.

13th Class Miscellaneous Including “kit” or reproduction cars, or anything else which director feels is warranted

• First place: Tom Hughes — 2020 Ford.

• Second place: Richard Irwin — 1981 Volkswagon Camper.

Longest Distance

James Turney, Corida, Florida.

Best of Show

• First place: Garrett Schmidt of Springs.

• Second place: Darlene Heitchew of Rockwood.

• Third place: Travis Beal of Meyersdale.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Winners from the 75th PA Maple Festival