What's going on in and around Somerset County?
Concert at Swell Ministries
Rotary donates toward project
Rap superstar Nelly coming to 1st Summit Arena
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. July 27: Civic Band. Aug. 3: Northern Cambria Community Band. Aug. 10: Denise Baldwin. Aug. 17: Denise Baldwin. Aug. 24: Swiggle Mountain Brass.
Graffiti night
The Johnstown Street Surviors car club graffiti night at the Silver Drive-In at 1664 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, July 27. Gates open at 7 p.m. Car cruise before the movies. Movie starting at dusk around 9 p.m. The movies are Grease and Herbie the Love Bug. Admission is charged. Bring a battery powered radio to listen to the movies. If the movie is canceled on Wednesday, it will be held Thursday. Call the Silver Drive -In for weather updates 814-266-9177.
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: July 27 — Detention. Aug. 3 — Tim Bush. Aug. 10 — Gary Stewart. Aug. 17 — Gashouse Annie. Aug. 24 — Detention.
Trivia Night
Trivia Night is 6:30 p.m. July 27, at the Meyersdale American Legion Post 112, 413 Grant St., Meyersdale. The event is the last Wednesday of every month for four rounds of competitive trivia. This month's categories is Round 1 — general trivia; round 2 — sports trivia; round 3 — brand name trivia; and round 4 — "A Night at the Movies." Teams welcome up to six individuals per team. No entry fee. Group prize awarded to the first place team. Limited menu available — hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and pizza.
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. July 30 — We Bought a Zoo. Aug. 6 — Max No. 1. Aug. 13: Casper. Aug. 20: Night at the Museum No. 1.
“JSA Open” 3-P Rifle Competition
The Jerome Junior Rifle Team (JJRT) will host its first ever “Outdoor 3-Position (3-P) 50 yard .22 caliber small-bore rifle competition.” The competition, which will include an indoor air-rifle match with .177 caliber rifles, will be conducted at the Jerome Sportsmen’s Association (JSA) facilities, 3220 Jerome Hill Road, Hollsopple. It starts from noon through 4 p.m. July 29, and starting at 8 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m. both days, July 30-31.
Pre-registeration is encouraged. There will be a chicken and burger barbecue and other food, snacks and drinks available for sale, proceeds to benefit the JJRT. The competition is sanctioned by NRA Shooting Sports. Awards will be given in the men’s and women’s divisions for the “Top Three” in each category.
In addition, a special “Youth BB Gun Competition,” for children 8 to 13 years of age, will be held on Sunday afternoon. Members of the Jerome Jr. BB Gun team are scheduled to compete at the Indoor Range and any individuals, or BB Gun teams, are also invited to register for this special youth match. The Daisy model 499 Target Rifle is required and non-members must provide their own rifles. The “Top Shots” of the BB Gun Match will also receive awards.
All 3-P and BB Gun competitors must preregister for the “JSA Open” by July, 25. For information, match rules, and registration fees for your team or individual competitors, contact Barry Rininger, JJRT head coach at 1-814-233-6000, or email him at BsrBuildingSystems@gmail.com. For BB Gun information, contact Nikki Tedrow, BB match coordinator at:1-814-701-6427, or email her at JeromeJrRifle@gmail.com.
Annual Senior Picnic
Tickets are still available at any county Senior Community Center or at the Area Agency on Aging services complex, 1338 South Edgewood Ave., Somerset, for the annual Senior Picnic, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County. It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29, at the Somerset County Fairgrounds, 7842 Mount Davis Road, Meyersdale. Lunch is served at noon. Tickets may be purchased at any Senior Community Service Center or at the Area Agency on Aging office at 1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset. For more information, call 814-443-2681. On the menu is hamburger on bun, two chicken strips, mac n' cheese and watermelon. Musical entertainment will be provided by local group The Krazy Kat Daddies. There will also be a car show. The first 25 cars to sign up get a free ticket. Plenty of parking available on-site and 1950s attire is encouraged.
Cars & Coffee
Cars & Coffee hosted by The White House Restaurant, 515 Thomas St., Meyersdale, is 9 a.m. to noon, July 30. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Best in show announced at 11:30 a.m. Text Ben at 814-525-4292 for more details.
Meet us in the Meadows
Salt + Light Meadows, 7756 Kingwood Road, Confluence, event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30. Cut your own bouquet, snap a photo in front of the shed mural, participate in a free garden art activity with children and sign up for your spot in the upcoming workshops. Vendors include Sechler Sugar Shack, O'Happy Day Designs, Flood City Stitch, Tissue Farms, Charcuterie by Kar, What Mia Saw Photography and Audie's Apothecary. Garden Art Kid activities, mini photography sessions, u-pick flower experience and sunflower bouquets.
Take-out only Ethnic Food Festival
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 605 Graham Ave., Windber, 814-467-7191, take-out only Ethnic Food Festival is from 10-5 p.m. July 30, and 12-4 p.m. July 31. Get your favorite ethnic festival foods and church favorites during this take out only event, including halupki, haluszki, pagacz, kielbossa, hot sausage, pizza, baked goods and more. The regular Sunday 11 a.m. Mass will be a Polka Mass. Music from the Johnstown Button Box.
Military Timeline Weekend
The Westmoreland Historical Society will host a Military Timeline Weekend at Historic Hanna’s Town on July 30 and 31. Explore a “timeline” of American military history including French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II, and more. The event will include 18th century military tactic demonstrations featuring reenactment units portraying the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Civil War cannon and mortar fire demonstrations represent the 19th century, and fast forward to the 20th century there will be a World War II battle reenactment between Allied Forces and the Germans held Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. There will also be displays of Civil War memorabilia, WWII weapons, munitions and field gear collections, and a photography display of a firsthand account of the Vietnam War.
Event includes admission to Penn's Woods: Plenty for the Use of Man, an exhibit at the Westmoreland History Education Center highlighting the local and regional history of woodworking and carpentry. Also in the Education Center is an additional exhibit of photography by the Westmoreland Photographers Society highlighting the beauty and richness of Pennsylvania trees and forests. The Westmoreland History Museum Shop offers a selection of history-inspired books, ceramics, jewelry, 18th century toys and games, jams, teas, and more!
‘Hits of the ‘40s’ Outdoor Concert
Historic Hanna’s Town WWII-style Cantina 7 p.m. July 30, featuring ‘Hits of the ‘40s’ band concert. They encourage all to get into the wartime spirit and dress for the ‘40s and jive the night away. This outdoor concert will take place in front of the Lefevre House at Historic Hanna's Town. Bring camp chairs. westmorelandhistory.org, on Facebook: Historic Hanna’s Town & Westmoreland History, and on Instagram @WestmorelandHistory. For information about Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland Historical Society, call 724-836-1800.
Co-ed softball tournament
Co-ed softball tournament is July 30, at 834 Madison Ave., Somerset. Seven males and three females. Payout will be based on number of teams. Raffles include a special bat raffle. Concession stand will be open. Cornhole tournament after softball. Message Lance Smith on Facebook or text him at 814-521-0201.
Spaghetti dinner
St. Philip and James Catholic Church, 247 High St., Meyersdale, spaghetti dinner from 12-2 p.m. July 31. Free will offering to benefit Labor Day Festival expenses. Menu includes spaghetti andmeatballs, salad, bread, drinks and dessert. Take outs available.
Car cruise
Classics, antiques, customs, hot rods, motorcycles, tuners are all welcome for the Central City Car Show and Street Festival 1-5 p.m. July 31, at Queen of Angels Church, St. John Site, 162 Wheeler St., Central City. Live music from 2-5 p.m. features oldies by the band Americana. Meet hot rodding legends "Weezy," "Chunk," "Polish Hammer" and "Nick the Organist." Features food, soft drinks, beer and other refreshments. First 25 cars receive a gift. All vehicles blessed upon request. All proceeds benefit a local family who recently experienced a tragic and untimely loss. Call Queen of Angels rectory, 814-754-5224 for more information.
Salisbury Community VBS
The Salisbury Community Vacation Bible School is from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 1-5, at the Salisbury Church of the Brethren "Faith Factory," 153 Union St., Salisbury. VBS is for ages 4-12. There will be Bible stories, crafts, music, snacks, games and more. Register on Facebook at Salisbury Church of the Brethren.
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.
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.
Singspiration
A singspiration will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 7, at the Red Run Church, 670 Meyersdale Road, Grantsville, Maryland.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County events for the end of July and beginning of August
