CONNELLSVILLE - A Connellsville Area High School student has gained support from several city organizations and individuals for a project he hopes will revive the East Park movie nights.

Ethan Keedy, a junior at the high school, has, with the assistance of the Connellsville Cultural Trust, high school teacher Linda Shearer, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and others, planned an Aug. 28 walk-a-thon, beginning at Yough Park at noon to the historic landmark on the city's South Side and back to Yough Park, where several activities will take place for participants and others.

"We Walk for East Park," is the first of many projects the local teen would like to undertake to improve the site.

"In my opinion, I know if we start at East Park, we can do a lot more in the years to come," said Keedy.

Movie nights at East Park were very popular during the 1950s and 1960s and drew hundreds to the weekly social event, according to historical accounts.

At Yough Park, walk participants and city residents will have the opportunity to take part in various events, including a Chinese auction, musical concerts, rock climbing and a raft poker run that is being sponsored by the "Connellsville, Pa. - We Play Here" committee that also planned the July 3 triathlon.

Tom Karpiak, city councilman and committee member, said that the poker run will begin at 2 p.m. at St. Rita's Church social hall on First Street, with participants receiving playing cards at the start and over the course that ends at Yough Park.

"The winning hands will receive cash prizes," he said.

City Mayor Charles Matthews recently commended Keedy for his willingness to plan the event.

"I think you are doing a good job," he said. "You are someone that is trying to do something good for the city."

Organizers continue to seek sponsors, donors and volunteers to help with the event, said cultural trust president Michael Edwards.

For a $100 contribution, a business or individual's name will be added to the T-shirt provided to registered walkers. Donations of lesser amounts will be used to defray costs tied to prizes, mailings and refreshments for the walkers.

Volunteers are needed the day of the event to help with registration, water stops, refreshment distribution and giving directions.

Registration and sponsor forms for the walk are available at the Connellsville Municipal Building, located at 110 N. Arch St., or the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority office, located at 124 W. Crawford Ave.

Registration is $15. Checks should be made payable to the Connellsville Cultural Trust.

For additional information, call Keedy at 724-887-3387 or Edwards at 724-626-1645.