What's going on in and around Somerset County for the beginning of August?
Johnny Cash tribute
Conemaugh Township Rotary donation
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, through Aug. 18. 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. 3: Northern Cambria Community Band. Aug. 10: Denise Baldwin. Aug. 17: Denise Baldwin. 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. 3 — Tim Bush. Aug. 10 — Gary Stewart. Aug. 17 — Gashouse Annie. Aug. 24 — Detention.
Antique Tractor Festival
The 21st annual Stoystown Lions in conjunction with Laurel Highlands Antique Power Club Antique Tractor Festival is Aug. 4-7. Food includes breakfast, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot sausage sandwiches, ice cream, soft drinks, pork dinner and barbecued chicken dinner. Tractor parade, weight pulls, community church service, kids pedal pulls and Roof Garden Tractor Buddies all on tap for the festival.
Artistically BeYoutiful
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County hosts Artistically BeYoutiful: a Community Giveaway, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 5. This will be a partnership between Operation BeYOUtiful and the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. Artistically BeYoutiful is a free giveaway day to enable those with economic hardships and financial destress to find new items that are needed for their household. During this giveaway, Operation BeYOUtiful will be providing an assortment of clothes for all ages and sizes, small kitchen appliances, household items, bathroom toiletries, soaps, electronics, and makeup. All participants will be required to register for free at the door and must check out at registration with their selected items before departing.
Shanksville Community Picnic
The Shanksville Community Picnic, sponsored by the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, kicks off at 4 p.m., Aug. 5, with the opening of games and the kitchen at the community grove. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a parade up Main Street, then "Ridgemont High," will take the bandstand amphitheater stage. Concert goers are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. Aug. 6, the kitchen and games open at 11 a.m., games and a huge basket raffle and a guns and ammo raffle. Music lineup: Friday evening: Ridgemont High 7-10 p.m. Saturday: Next Gen Noon -2:30 p.m., Glory Guys 3-5:30 p.m., Somerset County Community Band 6-7 p.m., Ole '97 7:30-10:30 p.m. All picnic proceeds help the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department serve the community. They are on Facebook @SVFD627. The website is www.shanksvillevfd.org.
Counseling
The Rev. John Knoll at Middlecreek Church of the Brethren, 226 Middlecreek Road, Rockwood, is taking appointments for counseling. The church phone number 814-926-2033.
First Fridays at the Somerset Historical Center
First Friday Food Trucks and Music at the Somerset Historical Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 5, is a relaxing evening of music and local food outside on the lawn. The event features music by local acoustic duo Partners in Crime and food for purchase by the Grumbling Gypsy, Out of the Smoke BBQ, and the HGSSC Concessions.Tractor rides, games and campfires will be running throughout the evening. Parking is charged but admission is free. Seating is available, but feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets. First Fridays at the Somerset Historical Center are sponsored by the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County and scheduled for each first Friday in June, July, and August. Parking fee and other proceeds benefit the Historical and Genealogical Society. For more information and events visit SomersetHistoricalCenter.org.
The Bottle Works’ 3rd Avenue Folk & Arts Festival
Summer activities and programs are heating up at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center with the return of the Third Avenue Folk & Arts Festival Aug. 5-7. Enjoy live art and demonstrations and musical performances, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more. Staring Aug 5 at 5 p.m., attendees are invited to the opening night of the highly anticipated exhibit The Molok. At 6 p.m., magic will be in the air as Folklorist Michael Allision gives a presentation about Magic in Pennsylvania. Closing opening night is indie artist Jason Gamble and Friends. In addition to the Molok Exhibition, attendees can explore our Black Light Exhibition in the Black Box Theatre, formerly known as the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center. Throughout the summer, students from our Arts Academy and Camp BW have been creating this glow-in-the-dark art exhibit for guests to see. Island Cuisine will be serving tropical favorites; Ace’s Banquet will be dishing out traditional Eastern European meals like halupki (stuffed cabbage) and haluski (cabbage and noodles). They will also have some American classics like chicken tenders and fries, sweet treats from the BW Concessions Stand, homemade gobs from Lambcakes, chips, soda and more. A party is not a party without cold brews and wine. The festival bar will be available throughout the festival.
Meyersdale Community Day
The Meyersdale Community Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 6, will include a car cruise, live music, food trucks and vendors. Sponsored by Meyersdale Borough, Meyersdale Area Merchants Association, Somerset Trust Co., and Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center.
Berlin Golf Scramble
The Berlin Brothersvalley Education Foundation Golf Scramble is Aug. 6, at Northwinds Golf Course, Central City. Tee off 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration one hour before tee off. Skill prizes. Includes cart and lunch. Contact 814-442-1032 or 814-483-4283.
"Jesus Day"
The Light Team has set apart 6 p.m. Aug. 6, as Jesus Day, with a Bonfire Rally 4 Revival in Meyersdale playground park. Church bells should ring at 6 p.m. Singing and praying prior to the rally.
Winona Avenue Band concert
Winona Avenue Band from Indianapolis, Indiana, will be performing at Swell Ministries, 701 North St., Suite 2, Berlin, at 6 p.m. Aug. 6. It is a free concert. Winona Avenue’s music is inspired by many of the early 2000’s pop-punk and emo bands, both secular and Christian. Daniel and David Deputy's songs feel nostalgic and new at the same time.
Street Fair
The Boswell Churches will be hosting the annual Street Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6, at the Boswell Fireman's Grove, 201 Hower Ave., Boswell. The event is free other than the food. All food proceeds go back to community organizations. There will be hot sausage sandwiches, pigs in the blanket, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and other foods and desserts. Also planned is a car show, live music and children's activities. The event will be held rain or shine.
Sub and pizza sale
A sub and pizza sale will be held Aug. 6, starting at 8 a.m., at New Beginnings Outreach Center Church in the Dream Center. Items are from Kovals. All proceeds benefit Operation Christmas Child. The church is one mile north of Jennerstown on the right at 7398 Somerset Pike, Boswell. For more information or to pre-order, contact the church at 814-629-5001.
Community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 6, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be spaghetti, vegetables, fruit, bread and dessert. The meal will be sponsored by Jennerstown UMC.
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. 6 — Max No. 1. Aug. 13: Casper. Aug. 20: Night at the Museum No. 1. Aug. 27 — Beethoven No. 1.
Singspiration
A singspiration will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 7, at the Red Run Church, 670 Meyersdale Road, Grantsville, Maryland.
Backpack program
With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, First Apostolic Church, 141 Forward Blvd., Somerset, will be hosting a backpack and school supply giveaway from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 7, in the church parking lot. The backpack and school supply giveaway is for all school aged children. Children must be present to receive a backpack and supplies.
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 beginning Aug. 9. Dates include Aug. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 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.
“The Virtuous Burglar”
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is bringing "The Virtuous Burglar," a wildly hysterical farce, to life as part of the 2022 Log Art Theatre season. “The Virtuous Burglar” by Dario Fo is an adapted British farce filled with twists and turns. A burglar is discovered when the owner of the flat returns unexpectedly with his mistress. When the owner's wife arrives, the burglar is forced to pretend the mistress is his wife. The show will be in the Community Arts Center’s M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, which doubles as a black box theatre, 1217 Menoher Blvd., in the Westmont section of Johnstown. Aug. 12 and 13, and Aug. 19 and 20 — 7 p.m., Aug. 14 and Aug. 21 — 2 p.m. (matinee).
Concerts in the Park
Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership Concerts in the Park, Central Park in Downtown Johnstown, from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 12 Cajun Norm. Sept. 9 Midnight Acoustic. Refreshments available for purchase from Stadium Pub and Grille and Stone Bridge Brewing Co.
Benefit auction
A benefit auction for Mennonite Central Committee will be held on the grounds of Kaufman Mennonite Church, 916 Miller Picking Road, Davidsville, Aug. 12-13. Friday from 6-8 p.m., participate in a silent auction and preview live auction items. Saturday at 9 a.m., starts a bake sale and live auction of quilts, collectibles and handcrafted items. Barbecue chicken will be available for take out at 11 a.m. View auction items at Kaufman Church Facebook page.
Antique and Vintage Fair
The Antique and Vintage Fair on the streets of Somerset is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13. Held rain or shine. No pets. More than 75 dealers of antiques, collectibles, primitives, farmhouse and vintage treasures, food trucks and food vendors. Antique & Classic Car Show from 12-2 p.m. in the Somerset Trust Co. parking lot at 151 W. Main St.
The Fallingwater Soirée is back
Enjoy Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Fayette County during a special fundraising event, the Fallingwater Soirée, from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 13. Attendees will enjoy wine and signature cocktails crafted with local spirits, dine on cuisine curated by Chef Kate Romane of Black Radish Kitchen, and experience self-guided tours of the house, where live music will be provided by MCG Jazz. Tickets are on sale now on the Fallingwater website at Fallingwater.org/Soiree.
Conservancy and Friends of Fallingwater members are asked to call Fallingwater Visitor Services at 724-329-8501 to purchase their specially priced member tickets. Proceeds from the event support the ongoing preservation of Fallingwater, which opened for public tours in 1964, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and was voted the most important building of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects.
Jake Martin Benefit
A sporting clay shoot and basket raffle to benefit Jake Martin to assist with medical expenses in his battle with cancer, will be held Aug. 14, at Stonycreek Shooting Center, 510 Kimmel Road, Berlin, 814-279-3020. One hundred sporting clay targets, T-shirt and lunch. Pappy D's catered lunch starts at 12 p.m. Shooting registration from 1-1:45 p.m. Skeet shoot starts at 2 p.m. Basket raffle, snacks, drinks following shoot. Bring own cart or rent one.
Cash Bingo
Cask Bingo at the Meyersdale Elks Aug. 14. Doors open at 12 p.m. Early birds 1 p.m. for an additional charge. Regular Bingo at 2 p.m. Basket raffle and 50/50. Concession stand. Proceeds benefit the Meyersdale Salisbury Berlin Relay For Life.
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.
Richland Community Days Festival
The Richland Community Days Festival returns for the 13th year, Aug. 19-20, at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Theater Drive in Richland Township, by the Richland Township building and Richland High School. Quality musical entertainment on two stages, a parade, fireworks show, children's area, classic car cruise, games, displays and food, craft, commercial and nonprofit organization community vendors. www.rcdays.com.
Pirates at the Park
Uptown Painting Party features Pirates at the Park, 11 a.m. Aug. 20, at the Paul E. Fuller Playground in Meyersdale. All ages welcome. Paint class, costume contest, lunch included, treasure hunt, photos with pirates, and play on the new playground. Tickets must be reserved by calling 1-877-81-party.
RVFD 10th annual Benefit Golf Scramble
The Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department 10th annual Benefit Golf Scramble is Aug. 20 at Oakbrook Golf Course with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. First, second and third place winners will receive a foursome of golf to a premier golf destination. Kickers and greenie prizes. Contact Nicholas Foreman to reserve your team. 814-233-2511, foremantreecare@gmail.com.
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
The annual Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival is Aug. 20-21, at Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset. Marshelle Bradford Exchange, Colebrook Road, NuBlu, Midnight Rooster, Robert Mabe Band, Tiger Maple String Band and Echo Valley are on tap. Re-enactors, children's area, food, Mountain Laurel 5K, demonstrations and vendors. www.laurelhillbluegrass.com, 814-445-7725.
"Songs & Stories of the American Hobo"
"Songs & Stories of the American Hobo" by Matthew Dodd 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at Springs Historical Society. Dodd sings and tells the true stories of the "Knights of the Road" who rode the rails using period songs and stories from hobo autobiographies. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Springs Historical Society, 1711 Springs Road, Springs, 814-442-4594, www.springspa.org and on Facebook.
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.
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.
Military families
The Rockwood American Legion Post 279 would like to recognize the families with loved ones in the military. So for those who have a husband, wife, brother or sister in the U.S. military, contact the post Chaplain Fred Weber either by phone/text at 724-797-1172.
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 at an available. 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.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County events for early August 2022
