Masontown honors nation’s birthday
MASONTOWN – A Fourth of July celebration to rival any other celebration was held Sunday at German-Masontown Park, drawing hundreds of people by offering a daylong event with free entertainment. As children, both young and young at heart, gathered around to watch master magician Chuck Caputo perform slight-of-hand tricks, others walked through the park, sampling goodies from a variety of vendors, participating in contests and chatting with neighbors they may not have seen for years.
“I’ve already run into some people I haven’t seen in years. That’s one thing that makes this event so great. It’s become the thing families in Masontown do. They get together and come down to see what’s going on at the park,” said Kris Kelly, chairwoman of the Masontown Fourth of July Committee.
Kelly said support from the community and local businesses is what keeps the event-filled celebration going. Everything at the park, other than food purchased from vendors, is free.
In addition to the magic act, “Jelly Bean” the clown and friends were at the park passing out balloons to children. Inflatable rides for children, face painting and a free petting zoo and pony rides were also available.
“We have a lot going on. There’s something for everyone,” Kelly said. “It’s nice to see the kids and families here having a good time. This is what it’s all about.”
Masontown Borough Councilwoman Kay Rendina, who oversaw the contests being held throughout the day, said the community seems to really enjoy the annual event.
“It’s always a lot of fun. You get to see people you haven’t seen in a long time, and everyone just has a good time,” she said.
Baked apple pie, cake decorating and floral arrangement contests were held and awards given out. Other contests included a pet parade and coloring contest for children ages 12 and under.
Masontown Rotary Club also held its annual races for children. A variety of races were held, including dashes, sack and three-legged.
Pat Gump, who assisted Rendina with the pie, cake and floral arrangement contests, described the festivities at the park as “wonderful.”
Gump, who is also a member of Masontown Matters, a volunteer group of citizens dedicated to beautifying and revitalizing Masontown, said it’s nice to see events occurring in the borough that attract so much interest.
Masontown Borough Councilman Bob Brown said German-Masontown Park is the “hidden jewel of Fayette County,” noting that council recently named a new parks and recreation authority that is in the process of scheduling other events to take place this summer at the park.
“It’s great to see so many people out in Masontown celebrating the birth of our county,” Brown said.
Disc jockey “Dusty Joe” provided musical entertainment throughout the day, and at evening “The Vibrations” and “Zig Zag” took the stage leading up to the fireworks display at dusk.