What's going on in and around Somerset County in September?
Meyersdale Eastern Star makes donations
Kodi Lee concert
Donation to center
Black belt promotions
Jubilee contests
The Farmers and Threshermen's Jubilee will be held Sept. 7-11 in New Centerville. Scarecrow and pumpkins for judging contests will be entered between 3-6 p.m. Sept. 6, in the Museum Hall.
Pumpkin decorating contest rules: 1. No carved pumpkins. 2. Pumpkins must stand on their own. Do not cut the pumpkin in any way to make it stand. 3. No plastic pumpkins. 4. Pumpkins must be picked up between 3-4 p.m. Sept. 11. Any pumpkins not picked up will become the property of the New Centerville and Rural Volunteer Fire Co. 5. Exhibits removed before 3 p.m. will forfeit their prize. Age categories are: primary division — ages 6 years and younger; junior division — ages 7-12 years; senior division — ages 13-18 years; and adult division — ages 19 and older.
Scarecrow contest: 1. No scarecrows from last year may be entered. 2. Only one scarecrow per person, per category. 3. Scarecrow can't be taller than 6 feet. 4. Scarecrows must be able to stand on its own. 5. Registration is from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 6. 6. Any scarecrow not picked up before 3-4 p.m. Sept. 11, will become the property of New Centerville and Rural Volunteer Fire Co. 7. Exhibits removed before 3 p.m. will forfeit their prize.
Both contests are sponsored by the Mt. Union Church Camp No. 502 Auxiliary and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. For more information, contact 814-926-3142.
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 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. Sept. 3 — Jumanji No. 1.
Ferndale class reunion
Ferndale Area High School Class of 1967 is having an informal 55th reunion Labor Day Weekend, from 1-4 p.m. Sept 3, at Woodside Bar & Grill, 430 Highland Park Road, Johnstown. Any questions, call 814-241-3146.
JSO tickets
Season 94 of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra tickets on sale. 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.
CACCC exhibition: The Narrow Path, the Art of Robert Onkst
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County (CACCC) present its September 2022 exhibition, The Narrow Path, an exhibition of acrylic paintings by Robert Onkst, from Sept. 3—30, during the 51st Log House Arts Festival. It will be in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery at CACCC with an opening receptionfrom 1-3 p.m. Sept. 10, with an artist talk and Q&A at 2 p.m. A video tour of the artwork will be available at the CACCC’s YouTube & Facebook pages after the start of the exhibit. The Narrow Path will be on display from Sept. 3-30. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
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.
Berlin Bluegrass Festival
Berlin Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Berlin Grove from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 4-5 for Labor Day weekend. Pork and roast beef will be served on Sunday and there will be a chicken barbecue on Monday. Homemade desserts will be provided by Trinity Lutheran Church, which will also call bingo for those two days. The Berlin Boy Scouts will have hand-dipped ice cream. There will be 16 different groups coming in to perform for festival. The event is held by the Berlin Grove Association.
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.
Hillcrest Grange meets
Hillcrest Grangers will celebrate the 106th anniversary of their organization at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7, at the office building of the Berlin Area Historical Society. F. Carl Walker will be recognized for 60 continuous years of membership while Virginia Hay will receive her “Golden Sheaf Certificate” for 50 continuous years of membership. Special music will be provided by Lee Woida with cake and ice cream to close out the fellowship hour.
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.
Antique & Classic Car & Motorcycle Event
The Johnstown Super Cruise Committee annual Antique & Classic Car & Motorcycle Event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 10, at the Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship Church, 3429 Elton Road in the Richland Township area of Johnstown. All antique, classic, tuner, rat rod, truck, and newer vehicles and motorcycles are welcome. Dash plaques for first 150 vehicles. Cruise vehicle registration fee. Free admission for general public. Rain or shine. Basket raffle, door prizes, games, food, auto displays, military displays and K-9 dog demonstration. Music will be performed by one of the region’s premier bands, Three Of Hearts. Proceeds benefit the Laurel Highlands Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 364. Call 814-288-6035 or 814-242-1792 or visit the Facebook page.
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.
"Still Listening" speaker series
The Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) will present the first in its ‘Still Listening’ guest speaker series on local history in September at the historic Dunnings Creek Friends Meetinghouse (also known as the Old Brick Quaker Church), 285 Old Quaker Church Road, Fishertown, as well as online via Zoom, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21. Journalist Cody McDevitt of Somerset, author of "Banished From Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Western Pennsylvania"(2020), will tell the little-known history of the time in 1923 when Black and Hispanic residents were evicted and forced to flee Johnstown in fear for their lives. This is considered one of the worst civil rights injustices in Pennsylvania history, yet few local people are aware that it even happened. After the presentation, the author will be available to answer questions, and copies of the book will be available for sale. The event will be held There is no admission charge. Light refreshments
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. Sept. 24 – Jason Kuuch Quintet with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 22 — The Evergreens.
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.
I Love Lucy “Babalu! Chaos at the Cabana!”
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is bringing another Log Art Theatre Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre production with I Love Lucy “Babalu! Chaos at the Cabana!” Sept. 24 — dinner served at 6 p.m., and Sept. 25 — dinner served at 1 p.m. (matinee), performedby Iron Bridge Dinner Theatre in the Atelier and Studio on the second floor of the Arts Center, 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. I Love Lucy “Babalu! Chaos at the Cabana!” is a hysterical comedy that is full of twists and turns, love, death and betrayal. This production will have an evening and matinee performance and include a catered meal from Joey Del's 2001 Caterers, the murder mystery, wine for purchase, 50/50, and a questionnaire with prizes for those attendees who can figure out “whodunit”. Menu is garden tossed salad with Italian dressing, chicken parmigiano, Germelli pasta ala olio with marinara sauce, Italian green beans, double chocolate cake. Wine for purchase from Vin De Matrix Winery. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Community Arts Center of Cambria County at 814-255-6515 or visit the Community Arts Center’s website (www.caccc.org). Tickets for the Play-Only performances will also be available for purchase at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
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.
"Loretta Hummel & Country Grass"
Loretta Hummel & Couontry Grass will bring country Gospel and Bluegrass performance at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, at the Springs Historical Society, 1711 Springs Road, Springs. Multi-award winner from the Country Gospel Music Association, Eastern Division. 814-442-4594 www.springspa.org and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County events for the beginning of September
