Connellsville
Triathlon, ‘anything that floats’ contest set for this weekend CONNELLSVILLE – As plans are being finalized for Connellsville’s first triathlon on Saturday, the competition is taking a serious turn, according to certain participants of the “anything that floats” contest.
Fayette EMS paramedics and emergency medical technicians will oversee the safety of those participating in the swim, biking and running competitions. But, when the competitive events are over, several of them will be taking part in the afternoon river activity.
Special Operations Chief Jason Hayes said that two all-male teams from the organization are now being challenged by an all-female team from the emergency services business.
“So we have a little competition going,” he said. “It is all in good fun. We’re all family here and we like to have fun.”
While no one is sharing what type of raft will be used to float from the start of the event at First Street to Yough River Park, Hayes is sure the male teams have the advantage.
“We’re definitely going to win,” he said.
Councilman Tom Karpiak, one of the organizers for the Saturday event said that the river will likely have dozens of non-motorized watercraft lining the route as floating down the river on a sunny, weekend afternoon is very popular.
“The weather is supposed to be great,” he said, adding that everyone is invited to take part in any or all of the events throughout the day and throughout the city with several organizations hosting various activities.
Karpiak said that the community, its businesses and organizations along with neighboring Connellsville Township and South Connellsville Borough have been very supportive in offering financial and volunteer help and assistance with coordinating activities.
“We have had a lot a people come onboard,” he said. “A lot of people outside of Connellsville, too, want to see something nice happen here.
“We need to promote the natural resources we have here. There are people out there that like to do things, such as fishing, rafting and biking and Connellsville is the place they can do those things.”
The Trinity Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of East Fairview Avenue and Carnegie Avenue will begin serving a pancake breakfast at 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the church social hall. Cost is $5 with all proceeds benefiting the church roof fund.
At 11 a.m., the church members will serve lunch that includes a variety of items for sale.
Outside the church, a car show will be held with 30 trophies to be awarded at the conclusion of the event.
Registration is $8 per vehicle and the first 50 registrants will receive a dash plaque.
Disc jockey “Big Rich” will spin records from noon to 4 p.m.
Children from age six and up can take part in a Connellsville Cultural Trust sponsored Summer Art Camp at Crawford’s Cabin, adjacent to Yough Park.
Local artist Barbara Bailey will conduct two clay and pottery classes. Those 6 to 10 years of age will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and those 11 years of age and older from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no charge for the classes. Any donations will benefit the cultural trust.
The triathlon kicks off the Yough Park activities and begins at 9 a.m. with a 300-yard swim in the Youghiogheny River and then moves to a 10-mile bicycle ride through Connellsville and South Connellsville. The final event is a 3-mile course along the Great Allegheny Passage.
Teams and individuals can participate. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in Yough Park.
Registration cost is $40 for teens ages 14 to 17 and seniors age 61 and over. Those ages 18 to 60 will pay $45 to participate in the triathlon. Teams comprised of two or three people will be charged $120. The fee includes a T-shirt.
An award ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.
Entertainment and other activities will continue throughout the afternoon, including the “anything that floats” contest and a rubber duck race. Musical groups Stone Villains, Sector Seven and Passport will provide entertain with Culver Karate of Connellsville doing a demonstration.
Food and other vendors will also be set up in Yough Park.
At 6 p.m., the festivities will move to Lions Square along Crawford Avenue where disc jockey “Just Havin’ Fun” will spin oldies records for the Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored sock hop. The Connellsville Lions Club will have its concession stand open throughout the evening. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.
Keystone Fireworks will present a fireworks display at dusk to conclude the daylong activities.
For additional information about the triathlon or the Yough Park events, call Karpiak at 724-970-7590.