May 13, 2003 By Jackie Beranek 3 min read

DAWSON – Borough council is gearing up for the annual Tri-Town Historical Society Homecoming slated for June 6-8. Council President Patty Lint asked that all residents clean their sidewalks and yards and cut their grass for the big event.

“We need to take some pride in our community,” said Lint. “If every resident would simply clean up their little corner of town, we could have Dawson looking good by Homecoming weekend.”

Council discussed setting extended burning days and hours in the borough but decided that they would not act on the issue because too many residents in the past have allowed fires to burn and smolder overnight, causing problems for people with breathing problems.

Lint reminded residents that burning days are Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and all day Saturday. She also said that Fayette County’s Hard to Recycle Drop off Event at the Fayette County Fairgrounds is scheduled for June 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Secretary Mary Jane Winterhalter said the Homecoming weekend actually began this past Sunday with a Mother’s Day dinner at the Vanderbilt Fire Hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“I think we served about 95 people on Sunday,” said Winterhalter, “and I can tell you that we were exhausted when we were finished. Everyone really seemed to have a real nice time.”

Winterhalter also gave a hint of events to come.

“This year on Friday night, June 6, we will be starting at 6 p.m. at the Brownfield Community Center with a Senior Salute,” said Winterhalter. “Anyone born in 1923 or before (still living) and having ties to the Tri-Town area will be recognized at that time. All they have to do to take part is give me a call at 724-529-2724 so we can put them on the schedule.”

Winterhalter said June 7 events the committee is working on would include an auction, kid’s games, music, a Homecoming parade, the annual river duck race, Karaoke and evening fireworks.

On Sunday, the festival committee has planned a car show from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. along with a picnic and an Ecumenical Service to be held outdoors.

Winterhalter said the committee is also selling jar candles as a fund-raiser.

“We have a lot of plans for the weekend,” said Winterhalter. “We are looking for crafters, food vendors, cars for the car show and parade and anyone wanting to participate in any or all of our events.”

Parade Chairman John Pyda asked council to send a letter to CSX, asking them to make sure that trains passing through Dawson that weekend go slow since the committee is expecting a large crowd in town.

“I could send the letter myself, but I’m sure that it would mean a lot more coming from council,” said Pyda. “We need to slow the trains coming through town for the safety of everyone.”

In other matters, council:

– Addressed a complaint by Roy Hess of North Dawson Hill. Hess said he turned in a police report a couple of weeks ago and has gotten no action. Mayor Barbara Wilhelm said she would get in touch with Police Chief Roger Adams.

– Agreed to check into getting recycling containers in town.

– Agreed to have an emergency river radio fixed.