Aug 11, 2010 By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

PERRY TWP. – Whitsett residents will celebrate their community Saturday during an all-day festivity at Weiss Memorial Park. The 17th annual Whitsett Community Day will begin at noon and last into the evening. Event organizers said residents and former residents are invited, as are all Perry Township residents and their family members and friends.

Township Supervisor Clarence Johnson, who resides in Whitsett, has been helping plan the event for the last several years, as have many members of his family.

Johnson said there is always plenty of food and fun, noting that everyone always has a good time.

The celebration generally attracts between 500 and 600 people, even though only about 50 families live in Whitsett.

Johnson said Whitsett is a close-knit community where people look out for each other and have pride in their homes and neighborhood.

“We always get a good crowd. There are people who plan on coming every year, and we get a lot of trail users who like to come,” Johnson said.

Weiss Memorial Park borders the Great Allegheny Passage, formerly known as the Yough River Trail, which is a bike trail that runs through Cumberland, Md., into Washington, D.C.

Organizers said people who attend Whitsett’s Community Day on Saturday are encouraged to bring their bikes and canoes if they wish.

For those who prefer to enjoy a more relaxed day, musical entertainment will be provided.

People are also encouraged to bring their most comfortable lawn chairs and spend the day chatting with others from the community.

Johnson said local musician Dave Kroskie will play the guitar and sing, and that a couple disc jockeys will also spin records and provide karaoke.

“No matter what you like to do, there’s something for everyone and it’s always a lot of fun,” he said.

In addition to entertainment, food will also be sold, including the much-anticipated ribs and chicken grilled every year.

“We always have good food,” Johnson said.

All proceeds from food sales will benefit other community events and projects, organizers said.