Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brownsville amphitheater slated for Friday
?xcitement is building in Brownsville for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Cast Iron Amphitheater at Snowden Square, scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday.
“The kids are excited but nervous because we’re doing everything from planning to hosting, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed the weather holds out for us on Friday,” said Kelli Dellarose, Brownsville Area High School chemistry teacher.
A team of Brownsville Area High School students known as Students In Action spearheaded this project called Operation Falcon Revitalization.
Dellarose helped establish the SIA team in 2011 and now serves as adviser with support from the district’s school board and superintendent Dr. Philip Savini Jr.
Students in Action partnered with the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County and Brownsville Borough Council on the amphitheater project. The students also worked with local organizations, nonprofits, elected officials, civic leaders and businesses.
McMillen Engineering of Uniontown served as engineer for the project while Jacqueline Gallagher of Studio for Spatial Practice took on the role of architect. Brownsville students added their input to the design.
Dellarose said the name Cast Iron was chosen for the amphitheater because its architecture was influenced by the Dunlap’s Creek Bridge in Brownsville, which was America’s first cast iron bridge.
“The students decided they wanted to keep the history of Brownsville and incorporate that into the structure,” Dellarose explained.
Friday’s ceremony includes a welcome and proclamation of Students In Action Day by Mayor Lester Ward, introduction of speakers by Lanieta Waqanivalu and remarks by state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson; state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin Township; Gallagher; Kourtney Polvinale, an original SIA member; Savini and Dellarose.
Carl DellaPenna Sr., president of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and Jack Lawver, president of the Brownsville Borough council, will make presentations. The Rev. Timothy J. Kruthaupt, pastor, The Historic Church of St. Peter, will offer a blessing. BAHS students will have a balloon release.
Performances include “Victory March” by Brownsville Area High School Band; singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Jayda Jones; “My Kind of Town” by Christian Sesek, another original SIA member; and “High School Musical Megamix” by the BAHS musical cast. Brownsville Area High School Drumline will perform a cadence just before the ribbon cutting. The Blended Reality band will close the program.