North Belle Vernon to host scarecrow festival
In an effort to help out a flood-ravaged neighboring river town, borough officials in North Belle Vernon have organized a fall-themed event for the community.
“We want to help promote little towns along the river and make the town come alive. And it will benefit another river town that’s hurting,” said Melanie Patterson, event chairwoman, referring to the Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 8 in the community park.
Patterson said the cash proceeds from the festival will go to the flood recovery efforts in Connellsville.
The Scarecrow Festival will run from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a showing of “The Wizard of Oz” on the lawn at dusk. There will also be a number of vendors with food, activities and games set up in the park, while Gas House Annie performs in the gazebo, Patterson added.
The Mon River Town Program recently distributed a $500 grant to rural river towns, including North Belle Vernon, to help “connect communities with growing outdoor recreational market and improve the Mon River Valley,” Patterson said.
The grant will be used to fund the event, she said.
Festival-goers will be able to submit their decorated scarecrow with a $10 registration fee and an entry form. Patterson said they must be in good taste, and will be on display along the park fencing during the month of October until their annual Halloween Movie in the Park on Oct. 29.
More information on the contest can be found at NBVpark.com or on their Facebook page. The winner of the contest will receive a $100 cash prize.
“We just want to celebrate and promote our river town and bring everyone together for a great community event,” Patterson said. “And we get to help someone else in their time of need. It’s just the right thing to do. Our neighbors need help.”