What's going on in and around Somerset County?
Covered bridges quilt auction
Somerset County Fair
The 122nd annual Somerset County Fair is Aug. 18-27 at the Somerset County Fairgrounds, 7842 Mount Davis Road, Meyersdale. Judging events and shows, derbys, Central Pennsylvania country music artist Joe Quick, woodcarving, horse pulls, garden tractor pulls, Rafter Z Rodeo, children's pedal power contest, farm tractor pulls, pick up truck pull, horseshoe pitching contest, semi and hot truck night and junior livestock sale. www.somersetcountyfairpa.com.
Concerts-on-the-Green Summer Concert Series
The 42nd annual free summer concert series, Concerts-on-the-Green, is underway at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. The concerts are held on the grounds at 7 p.m. and run roughly to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to listen to these concerts which take place on the new Amphitheatre in front of the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum. Aug. 24: Swiggle Mountain Brass.
9th annual Lincoln Highway SupperMarket
The Lincoln Highway Experience’s annual Lincoln Highway SupperMarket is returning to the Route 30-based museum this summer for its ninth year. The popular weekly open-air food festival will take place on 13 Wednesdays until Aug. 24, 5-8 p.m., weather permitting, at the Lincoln Highway Experience’s grounds at 3435 Route 30 East in Latrobe. Guests can enjoy breezy summer evenings on the spacious lawn with great food from local chefs, BYOB, and live music. There is a charge per car for admission. Additional cost for food purchased from chefs’ booths. Tables are limited, so it is suggested that attendees also bring chairs or blankets, especially if you will be arriving late. No outside food or pets are permitted. The 2022 participating local chefs are Aroma Italiano, Chef Dato’s Table, Connections Café, Grateful Smoke BBQ and Simply Good. The live entertainment schedule includes: Aug. 24 — Detention.
'Songs & Stories of the American Hobo'
Matthew Dodd will present a program of songs and stories of the American Hobo at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the Folk Meeting House in Springs. Dressed in accurate period clothing, Dodd sings and tells the true stories of the "Knights of the Road," who rode the rails in, on and under boxcars from job to job and town to town in the early 1900s. He uses period songs and stories from hobo autobiographies to tell how the true hobo (not a tramp or a bum) lived and why he chose that unique style of life. He sings and plays a variety of instruments to recreate the hobo philosophy. Admission is free and open to the public. The program is sponsored by the Springs Historical Society and will be presented in the Folk Meeting House on 1711 Springs Road in Springs. Call 814-442-4594 or go to www.springspa.org for more information.
Traditional Kolo Dance lessons
St. Rochus Society — Croatian Hall Lodge No. 5 will offer Traditional Kolo Dance lessons at the Croatian Hall in the third floor (air conditioned) social room; 612 Broad St., Johnstown. Kolo Dance is traditional Croatian and Serbian Folk dance. Classes will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dates include Aug. 25, 30 and Sept 1, 6, 8. Classes will be offered at no charge. Classes will be offered in anticipation of Slavic Fest which will be taking place Sept. 16-17 at the Heritage Discovery Center. Contact Jim Shustrick at 814-421-4958 for information or to register for class.
Movies Night
Movies night is back during the summer at Keystone State Park. The park will be playing a variety of movies at the beach house. The movies will be shown on a projector screen outside on the lawn. So grab your blankets, chairs and make sure you dress for the weather. The times for the movies are at 8:30 p.m., depending on when it gets dark. Movies will not be shown in inclement weather. Aug. 27 — Beethoven No. 1. Sept. 3 — Jumanji No. 1.
Sub sale
Boswell Volunteer Fire Department sub sale is at 8 a.m. Aug. 27, at the Boswell fire station, 606 Hower Ave., Boswell, and if staffing is available at the Route 30 park 'n' ride. Subs and pizzas from Conzatti's.
Jackie’s Garden Works Rooftop Concert Series
Jackie’s Garden Works Concert Series invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy live performances, food and drinks in one of Johnstown's unique venues. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. at the rooftop terrace atop of the ArtWorks Building, 413 Third Ave., Johnstown. The rooftop garden includes a large deck, native plant garden, a pergola, and a live flower feature wall. Aug. 27 — Matt Otis & The Sound. Sept. 24 – Jason Kuuch Quintet with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 22 — The Evergreens.
Hot Rod Hootenanny For Hunger
Conemaugh Home Health presents the third annual "Hot Rod Hootenanny For Hunger," Aug. 27, at Alum Bank Community Fire Department Picnic Grounds (Route 56 and 96), Pleasantville. Showcar/motorcycle/Big Rig Cruise-in starts at 3 p.m. Classics, customs, hot rods, antiques, tuners, lowriders, racers, motorcycles and new this year, big rigs, are welcome. Bring your chairs and easy-up canopies and enjoy the afternoon. Truck and tractor pulls at 5 p.m. Concessions, restrooms, parking, special musical guests, oldies and classic rock by "The Laurel." Admission is a donation of unopened, non-perishable food items to be presented to the Bedford Food Outreach. Car cruise information at 814-659-9802. Pulling event information at 814-285-0044. Big rigs information at 814-322-7765.
Lords of 52nd Street headlines benefit
Highlands Health Clinic annual benefit concert Aug. 27 with Lords of 52nd Street, the original backing band for Billy Joel. Gates will open at 6 p.m. S’Wearing Hats: 7 p.m. Lords of 52nd Street: 9 p.m. The evening, which is sponsored by E.MAP in cooperation with JAHA, will be held at Peoples Natural Gas Park under the Polacek Pavilion. The Lords of 52nd Street, featuring Richie Cannata, Liberty DeVito and Russell Javors who were the original band members for Billy Joel, and whose songs include "Only the Good Die Young," "It’s Still Rock'n Roll to Me," "An Innocent Man," "Big Shot," "New York State of Mind," "She's Got a Way," "You May be Right," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "Miami 2017," and many more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.highlandshealthclinic.com, at the door and at the Discovery Center on Broad Street. Vendors will be Kona Ice, Island Cuisine, Stevens Memorial Holy Church, Perfect Man Perfect Pizza. A full bar will be available, and patrons must bring their IDs if they intend to purchase alcohol.
Music at Penn Alps presents the Mountain Maryland
Music at Penn Alps presents The Mountain Maryland Saxophone Quartet at 7 p.m. Aug. 27, in the handicapped-accessible Chapel at Spruce Forest in Grantsville, Maryland. Everyone is required to wear a mask. Tickets are available at the door, in the gift shop at Penn Alps Restaurant, or online at https://www.musicatpennalps.org/tickets. Persons 19 and under are admitted free.
Greensburg Music Fest
Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Greensburg Music Fest returns for its fourth year Aug. 27, where hundreds of music fans will flock to downtown Greensburg to enjoy live performances from more than 10 local bands on four stages. This all-ages music festival is free and lasts from 12 – 9 p.m. in the Helman-Ghrist parking lot and Palace Theatre. Free parking is provided by the City of Greensburg in the Robert A. Bell Parking Garage. In addition to the free headlining event, attendees who are looking for a more exclusive experience can purchase a Royal Treatment Palace Wristband, which allows patrons access to The Palace Theatre, Megan’s Suite, and S&T Bank Courtyard complete with air conditioning and indoor restroom facilities between 1 and 5:30 p.m. Free outdoor performances will take place consecutively throughout the festival on the Smail Mazda and Elegant Catering stages, located in the Helman-Ghrist Parking Lot beside The Palace Theatre and Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Art in the Alley. The sets will include covers and original songs by regional bands. Live Arts Everywhere and Zero Fossil are providing solar power for the stages.
Elegant Catering, Speals on Wheels, and Earth Wheel and Fire food trucks will be on site for attendees to enjoy local food with plenty of seating by each stage. Westmoreland Cutural Trust will have beverages for purchase, as well. Guests looking for a more hands-on experience can play large lawn games provided by Petagogy. Additional vendors will be present selling their local fare. For more information, visit www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org.
SPCP golf tournament
Service Paws of Central PA (SPCP) held its sixth annual golf tournament July 20, at Scotch Valley Country Club. The third place team was from the UPMC Altoona Foundation, the second from Encompass Health Altoona and the winning team was from DeGol Carpet. Dan Bradley won the Puppy Putt contest. A runner-up prize was awarded to Wes Elder who got within three feet of the pin; $25 gift cards were given to the six skill contest winners: Tony Alvarano, Keith Drass, David DeGol Sr., Wes Elder, Rachelle Hopsicker and Matt Taddy. The gift basket winners were: Tom Smith, Cory Tubo, Randy Fabbri, Marla L. Moon, O.D., F.A.A.O., Steve Dalecki and Frank Wiley. Tim Balconi won the 50-50 drawing. Service Paws of Central PA is a local nonprofit organization established to financially assist those in need of a service dog, and/or those who may already have a service dog and need help with extraordinary veterinary expenses.
JSO tickets
Season 94 of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra tickets go on sale Sept. 1. This season JSO is celebrating the talents of the hometown musicians at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. Concerts include Shawn Roth from Richland High School + Bolero, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22; Home for the Holidays, orchestra led by music director James Blachly and Johnstown Symphony Chorus led by Jeffrey Webb, at 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; Kathy Voytko, who graduated from Bishop McCort High School, and open mic, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11; and Sibelius and Beethoven with MCG, with concertmaster Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, at 7:30 p.m. March 11. johnstownsymphony.org/hometown94.
Ethnic Festival
The streets of Cambria City will be filled with live music, food trucks serving flavors from the old country and more during Johnstown’s annual Ethnic Festival in Cambria City, Sept. 2- 4. Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center and the Venue of Merging Arts (VOMA) are part of this longstanding tradition offering world-class musical acts, exhibits and more all weekend long. The block party kicks off at 4 p.m. Sept. 2. In addition to the food vendors, festival goers can shop for handcrafted goods from artisan vendors. Beer tents will have a selection of IPA and domestic brews. Live music performances will happen on the Third Avenue Stage in the First National Bank Pop Plaza. This tented stagewill host more than 15 musical acts over the course of three days. Festival headliner Paolo Schianchi will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, in Art Works Building, 413 Third Ave. Johnstown.
101st annual I.O.O.F. picnic
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows 101st annual I.O.O.F. picnic, celebrating 203 years of Oddfellowship will be held Sept. 3 at the Kingood I.O.O.F. Grove, Route 281, Kingwood. Dinner that includes chicken barbecue, pies and more, will be served at noon. Also available will be hamburgers, hot dogs, hot coffee, ice cream, soft drinks, French fries and pizza. Somerset County Community Band will perform at 11:30 a.m. The Feels from 1:30-2:45 p.m.; Reality Band from 3-4:15 p.m.; Country Express from 4:30-5:45 p.m.; Reality Band again from 6-7:15 p.m. and Country Express from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Local craft vendors demonstrating crafts, Big Bingo, novelty stands with toys, trinkets, gadgets and may items for children.
Annual Forest Hills Labor Day Weekend Festival
The Adams Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 2's Forest Hills Labor Day Weekend Festival is Sept. 3–5. The festival will feature a wide variety of music entertainment, activities, vendors and the fireworks show. The festival is at the Berwind Wayside Park in Saint Michael. This year’s highlights include an all-you-can-eat breakfast each morning from 7–11 a.m. in the firehall; many food vendors serving a variety of food; and a large handmade craft vendor area with an array of items for patrons to purchase. Bingo and other games will be at the event. The Grand Fireworks Show is at 9 p.m. Sept. 4. A variety of live music and other entertainment will feature on Sept. 3: Freedom Rocks 11 a.m., Hard Rock, Koko, & Joe 3 p.m., The Wednesdays 7 p.m.; Sept. 4: Bazooka Joe Acoustic 11 a.m., Russell Wilburn 2:30 p.m., Three Of Hearts 6 p.m.; Sept. 5: Le Dance Academy 10 a.m., Tombstone 12:30 p.m., Johnstown Button Box 3 p.m. More information: 814-495-4111 or www.adamstwpfire.com.
Community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 3, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be country fried steak, mac & cheese, vegetables, fruit, bread and dessert. The meal will be served and sponsored by Windber Calvary UMC.
Education Showcase at American Legion Fair
The Cambria County Conservation District is hosting an Educational Showcase at the American Legion County Fair in Ebensburg, Sept. 4– 10. Each day a different presenter will be featured with interactive displays and short educational presentations. The week schedule includes: Sept. 4 – Critter Connections; a live, hands on program featuring unique animals. Labor Day will feature “The Bug Guy,” Ryan Bridge and his very large display insects from around the world. Sept. 6 REA Energy Services will show the shocking experience of electric lines. Sept 7 the Conservation District will open eyes to what lies in water. Sept. 8, Penn State Master Gardeners will show techniques to put gardens to rest and prepare for next spring. Sept. 9, artist Helen Barlick will lead a Wildflower Painting Class. (Prior registration is required to participate) Saturday wraps up the showcase with students from the St. Francis R.O.C.K. program with hands on science experiments. The showcase is geared to all ages and participants are encouraged to visit while spending time at the fair. To register for the painting class, call 814-472-2120 or email shhall@co.cambria.pa.us. Deadline to register is Aug. 19. To check the schedule for the daily programs, visit the Facebook Page.
Labor Day Festival
Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church, 147 High St., Meyersdale, will hold the 96th Labor Day Festival on Sept. 5. A buffet turkey and ham dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. Takeouts will be available. Outdoor activities include games, a basket raffle, funnel cakes and other refreshments from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ray Christiansen of Garrett will play the guitar and sing. Ava DiPasquale of Martinsburg, West Virginia, will also perform several songs. There will be seating outside for those who want to sit and listen to the music. The basket raffle will be in the garage. Basket and 50/50 winners will be pulled at 3:30 p.m. Participants need not to be present to win as long as a phone number is listed. All baskets must be picked up by Sept. 9. The church’s Labor Day festival was first held in 1925. The only known year that the festival was canceled was in 2020 because of COVID restrictions. For years it was called a reunion because some people from Meyersdale and other communities came every year. Shown is Aaron Thomas selling a dinner ticket to Chelsey Tressler. Both are members of Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church. Although the sign says 11 a.m. for the meal, that has been changed to 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Gregory festival
St. Gregory Catholic Church in Berlin (Macdonaldton), annual festival Sept. 4. Family style ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, noodles, green beans, church slaw and desserts will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the air-conditioned hall. There will be a bake sale, themed baskets, additional refreshments and games for all ages.
Labor Day Vendor Sale
Hickory Hollow Campground is having a vendor sale from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 4, at the Hickory Hollow Campground pavilion. Small, local businesses will be selling jewelry, cutting boards, concealed carrying purses, pottery and more.
Farmers' and Threshermen's Jubilee
The Farmers' and Threshermen's Jubilee in New Centerville, Sept. 7-11, is a country festival where antique machinery takes center stage. For more than 60 years, this festival has showcased the early machines of agricultural life — from ponderous steam engines and early gasoline tractors to horse and dog-powered machines. During the Jubilee there are demonstrations, parades and contests feature these antiques. http://www.ncrvfc.com/ for the full schedule of events.
GriefShare and DivorceCare
GriefShare and DIvorceCare will begin on Sept. 7, at Somerset Alliance Church. Classes are from 6:30-8 p.m. Call the church office at 814-445-8949 to register or with any questions.
Concerts in the Park
Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership Concerts in the Park, Central Park in Downtown Johnstown, from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 9 Midnight Acoustic. Refreshments available for purchase from Stadium Pub and Grille and Stone Bridge Brewing Co.
Mountain Craft Days
Mountain Craft Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 9, 10 and 11, is the Somerset Historical Center’s major educational event, held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day. This three-day outdoor festival features 125 crafts persons, artisans, and entertainers interpreting the rural folkways of western Pennsylvania. The event draws more than 9,000 visitors to the site each September, from all across the northeast and around the world. https://www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/.
Harvest Moon Wine Dinner
A harvest moon wine dinner is featured at 6 p.m. Sept. 9, at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, 80 Hickory St., Johnstown. A four course dinner by Balance Restaurant with wine pairings by Napa Wineries of Whitehall Lane and Trefethen. Dress is business casual. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased by calling 814-266-7891.
Hyatt's Angels 5K and 1 mile run/walk
Registration is now open for the "Hyatt's Angels" 9th annual 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk, 9 a.m. Sept. 10, in Jennerstown. Set at Pine Springs Camp, the landscape is a 3.1 mile out and back course that weaves through the countryside. The course includes "Hyatt's Hill" right after the half-way point. The chip-timed 5K includes online registration here https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Jennerstown/HyattsRunWithTheAngelsSomersetcounty Packet pick-up and same day registrations will be offered. Each participant will receive a run or walk bib, commemorative T-shirt and goody bag filled with promotions and swag items. After the run, free fruit, snacks and cold beverages will be available for participants to enjoy, including the cinnamon buns from the Coal Miner's Diner in Jennerstown.
Cambria County Arts and Heritage Festival
The Laurel Highlands' Historical Village's 4th annual Cambria County Arts and Heritage Festival is Sept. 10-11, at Duman Park, north of Route 422 along Route 271 in Northern Cambria. Bring your chair. Food, arts and craft vendors, nonprofits, music, historic groups, dance and many others will be present. Civil War church service at 9 a.m. Sunday under the main tent. The Pennsylvania Unexplained returns with speakers including Stan Gordon, author and Bigfoot researcher, and guest hosts of the History Channel show Ancient Aliens. Dress in renn fair attire. Food and paper products will be collected during the weekend for needy veterans. For information, call 814-288-7917.
Sandyvale Wine Festival
Sandyvale Wine Festival is Sept. 10, at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, 80 Hickory St., Johnstown, 1 p.m. VIP ticket and 2 p.m. for general admission. Featuring Pennsylvania wineries and vendors. Photo ID must be presented at the gate. Rain or shine. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Johnstown Galleria. Sandyvalememorialgardens.org.
Crafters participating in Ligonier Night Market
Shoppers will notice something different Sept. 15, at the monthly Ligonier Night Market — craft vendors. Artisans from throughout the region will participate in the final Ligonier Night Market of the year — selling handmade pottery, woodcrafts, clothing, artwork, jewelry and other unique items. The crafters will be among the more than 40 vendors scheduled to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. around The Diamond and along Main Street in historic downtown Ligonier. Hy-5, sponsored by Misty Heagan, Realtor, will provide live music Sept. 15 on the Diamond Park bandstand. The Ligonier Night Market is held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month through September. For news and updates, visit ligoniercountrymarket.com,ligonier.com, or the LCM’s Facebook page.
Log Art Theatre Academy - Aladdin
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County (CACCC) will be producing its first play throughLog Art Theatre Academy with Aladdin at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 18, in the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum of CACCC.Participating children and youth include ages 9 through 17 years. ArtReach’s adaptation of Aladdin presents the classic story of one young man’s quest to win the hand of his beautiful Princess. Through his daring and clever deeds, Aladdin defeats evil and brings goodness and peace to his kingdom. Information to purchase tickets is on the Community Arts Center’s website https://caccc.org/lata and all social media platforms.
DeVilbiss reunion
The former DeVilbiss employees are having an informal reunion at Oakhurst Grille, at noon Sept 24. RSVP by Sept. 14 to Brenda Winkelman 412-451-8580.
Scarecrow Festival
The 11th Georgian Place Scarecrow Festival is Sept. 17. To enter a scarecrow in the contest or for more information, message the Georgian Place Scarecrow Festival @gpscarecrowfestival. #gpscarecrowfestival.
Friends of NRA fundraiser
Somerset County Friends of NRA annual fundraiser on behalf of the NRA Foundation is at 2 p.m. Sept. 18, at the Bakersville fire hall, 2143 Bakersville-Edie Road, Somerset. Dinner starts at 4 p.m. Banquet and raffle highlights include dinner, raffles, auctions and a chance to win NRA guns, gear, decor and collectibles.
Mt. Davis Gravel Grinder
The 5th annual Mt. Davis Gravel Grinder at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 24, rain or shine, is a gravel road bicycle race on a course that will take you up and over the highest point in the state. Proceeds to volunteer fire departments of Somerset County to support the local townships and boroughs along the course. The venue starts at the Somerset County Fairgrounds in Meyersdale. There are long and short courses. Cash and prizes. Free T-shirt to the first 100 registered. Post race part includes grub and beverage. www.mtdavisgravelgrinder.com.
Fall Basket Party
A fall basket party, benefitting the Nardecchia Spay/Neuter Fund, will be held Sept. 25, at the Richland fire hall, 1321 Scalp Ave., Johnstown. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Drawings start at 2 p.m. More than 200 baskets, money tree, basket of cheer, lottery tree. Donation includes 25 basket tickets and light lunch. Bring a bag of cat food and receive 25 extra basket tickets free. No canned food. No treats. Bags must be 3# or more. Pet food to be donated to local pet food pantries. For tickets call Dianna at 814-244-8073, or LuAnn at 814-445-7473.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County events for the end of August and into September
