Wagon train rolls through area
Bright, sunny weather brought out the crowds to celebrate the 34th annual National Road Festival Saturday with activities stretching 90 miles up and down Route 40 in Somerset, Fayette and Washington counties. The weather proved a welcome relief to the National Pike Wagon Train Association, which had been traveling west since Thursday when it took off from Grantsville, Md. With lunch and overnight stops along the way, the wagon train continued towards its final encampment at Mount St. Macrina just west of Uniontown Saturday night.
Stopping for a lunch break in Hopwood Saturday, wagon master Charles “Doc’ Sherry of Farmington said, “We’ve had a great day today after two wet, cold days on Thursday and Friday. We had a couple of little breakdowns but other than that, it’s been alright.’
The lunch spot in Hopwood behind the fitness center was filled with people coming to see the wagon train – especially the horses.
“I think everybody’s enjoying it,’ Sherry said of the crowd.
Asked what he liked about participating in the wagon train, Sherry said, “I enjoy the people, the friendships and being with the horses.’
Faye Augustine of Addison wore a lovely purple gown and red hat as she rode in the wagon train. She reported it began with 17 wagons and 44 horsemen – altogether 99 people participated in what she called “a beautiful wagon train.’
A member of the Girl Scouts, Augustine encouraged local Girl Scouts to begin participating in the event years ago.
“This is the 25th year the Girl Scouts have participated and we’re honoring them tonight at Mount St. Macrina,’ Augustine said.
There are 10 to 20 Girl Scouts walking the route from Addison to Mount St. Macrina every year – a feat that’s “pretty darn good,’ Augustine noted, “and they’ve walked no matter what the weather.’
Ray Theodori of McClellandtown drove a wagon pulled by three Belgian horses that belong to his father-in-law Tony Myers.
He estimated he’s been participating in the wagon train about 25 years. He began as a small boy.
“I just like working with the horse and the camaraderie and the kids in the back,’ he said.
Those children riding in the back of the wagon include Adam Burke, 10, of McClellandtown, who’s been riding in the wagon train for three years.
“I like the thrill of riding. It’s fun,’ smiled Burke, wearing a big, black cowboy hat. “And Tony lets me drive.’
Hopwood was filled with people Saturday as they turned out for the wagon train as well as activities hosted by the Hopwood Village Project.
“This is our eighth year,’ said Patty Tobal of hosting activities for the National Road Festival. “We crowed a king, John Petro, and a queen, Martha Polito. Both are long-time residents of Hopwood. They are Hopwood Village royalty and they will serve for a year.’
The king and queen rode in the parade along with previous royalty, Al and Margaret Botti.
Bill Simpson, who was in charge of the parade, commented, “It’s a beautiful day and we’re really pleased with the turnout.’
Parade participants included General George Marshal AMVETS Post 103, Albert Gallatin High School Junior ROTC, elected officials, county search and rescue dogs, Hopwood Village Project, antique and classic cars, queens, Laurel Highlands Middle School Band, Laurel Highlands Senior High Band, Laurel Highlands Cheerleaders, representatives of Hutchinson, Clark, Hatfield and Marshall schools, Corvette Club, Hopwood Area Recreation Council, Rolling Thunder and the fire department.
Thurman King, who was wounded in Iraq while serving with the Army, rode with the AMVETS. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device and suffered injuries to his right leg and back as well as tintinitus and post traumatic distress syndrome.
“Basically, good people from the AMVETS asked if I wanted to participate and being that I live here in Hopwood, I agreed. I think it’s great,’ said King of the festival. “In this small-town community, most everybody knows everybody and I hope they keep it going.’
Jessica Show, a junior who plays the piccolo in the Laurel Highlands Senior High Band, was marching in the parade for the fifth or sixth year.
“It’s something to bring attention to Hopwood. I’ve lived here all my life,’ said Show. “There’s a lot of good food and a lot of people come out.’
Chad Miller, who teaches social studies for Laurel Highlands, pointed out that Show is one of nine students who are working with the Hopwood Village Project as their senior project. The others include Danielle Kerfoot, Rebecca Russell, Lindsay Carolla, Josh Ward, Huey Baker, Jarred Hildock, Nick Erminio and Billy Work.
“They’re doing a good job. They’ve been here since 8 a.m., blocking the area off, directing traffic, two will be guiding parade, Jessica is in the parade and at the fishing derby, they’ll be helping the kids fish and cooking hot dogs. They’ll be here until 5 or 6 p.m. today. We can’t do it without them.’
Ariel Laight, 16, a Laurel Highlands sophomore and cheerleader who also marched in the parade, said, “I thought the parade was very nice and it’s a beautiful day and I liked the cars. The horses are very beautiful and I thought the chocolate fountain was good.’
Laight referred to a chocolate fountain operated along with a snow cone machine by the cheerleader boosters, one of many organizations selling food and refreshments along Route 40 during the festival.
Rebecca Yarish, 14, an eighth-grade student at Laurel Highlands Middle School who also made the freshman cheerleading squad, said of the parade, “I thought it was a good experience. I’ve been working with the cheerleaders’ booth, too, and it was very busy.’
Third Presbyterian Church used the festival as a mission experience, passing out free drinks and refreshments to passers-by.
“We had a good crowd. It started early,’ said Karen Chrise, who noted they gave out a lot of drinks to students in the bands after the parade was over.
There was also celebrating in Uniontown, where officials greeted the wagon train with proclamations.
“This is important to the people of Fayette County and we want to keep this tradition going,’ said county commissioner Vincent A. Vicites.
The Uniontown Downtown Business Authority held a car cruise in parking lots near the Fayette Chamber of Commerce that attracted 45 cars while DJ Arnie Amber played classic tunes from the ’50s and ’60s.
“We have participants as far away as Elizabeth, Charleroi and Bentleyville,’ said Jim Beck. “They range from a Model T Roadster to a 2004 Thunderbird. It’s a sunny day with nice weather and that created a nice turnout. We have cars of every make and color.’
William Kushie noted his grandson enjoyed the wagon train and that the trip was worth coming from Elizabeth.
Denise Rosenberger of Markleysburg brought her tangerine-colored 1935 Chevrolet coupe to the show: “It’s very nice. We got here a little late.’
She sat with Pat Raymond, whose husband, J.D. Raymond, brought a turquoise 1946 Ford to the show, who also agreed the show was nice. The two women also talked about the wagon train and the National Road Festival.
Said Raymond, “I think it’s getting better every year.’
The National Road Festival continues today with local activities at Mount Washington Tavern in Farmington, Hopwood, Mount St. Macrina, Searight Toll House and Brownsville.