Officials deem Fourth of July events a success
CONNELLSVILLE – A successful Fourth of July weekend event will net the Connellsville Recreation Department several thousand dollars, according to a submitted financial report. Councilman Tom Karpiak, who along with several volunteers spearheaded the city’s first triathlon, said Wednesday that more than $7,000 was raised during the event, with proceeds to be turned over to the local department after all invoices are paid.
Approximately 85 people took part in the swimming, biking and running event with several hundred gathering at the Yough River Park to watch or take part in contests and enjoy music and other entertainment.
Other activities also took place during the holiday weekend including a car show and breakfast hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church; farmers and art market, a cooperative effort by Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, the Trail Town Outreach Corps (TTOC) and the Connellsville Cultural Trust; a sock hop sponsored by the Connellsville Lions Club, cultural trust and Downtown Connellsville; and a fireworks display sponsored by the Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It was a banner day for Connellsville,” said Karpiak, noting the assistance given by dozens of businesses, organizations, civic groups and individuals and nearly 100 volunteers. “I’m elated how it went.
“I see hope in Connellsville, but hope without a vision doesn’t get you much. Now we have a vision of what we want to see in Connellsville.”
Hope and a vision also need faith and good works to be successful, he said.
“This is going to grow,” said Karpiak.
The turnout at previous events throughout the city creates optimism, said Mayor Charles Matthews.
“It would be nice to have an event at the (Yough River) park every Saturday,” he said, noting the success of Braddock’s Crossing, Art on the Yough and a recent Block Party sponsored by Connellsville Community Ministries.
“The partnership with all these groups is encouraging to me,” he said.
Karpiak and Matthews also voiced their support for Connellsville Area Senior High School student Ethan Keedy, who is working with several organizations to hold an Aug. 28 walk-a-thon to benefit East Park.
The event will begin at the historic landmark and continue to Yough River Park, where several vendors will offer food, crafts and other items for sale. Musical entertainment and a river raft poker run are also being planned.
Other ongoing events taking place in the city include the farmers and art market held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Connellsville Historical Society Crawford’s Cabin and Sunday evening concerts at Lions Square along Crawford Avenue.
TTOC and cultural trust have partnered with area farmers and backyard gardeners to establish a market that offers fresh produce.
Duda’s Farm Inc. is also taking part in the weekly event.
The first 25 customers to show their Herald-Standard, SpinIt, and Fay-Penn Community Discount Card will receive five Buy Local Bucks to use when making their Saturday morning purchases.
The discount card can be purchased at the market for $7 and used at more than 60 businesses through Fayette County.
“Just two visits at the market pays for the card and more,” said trust president Michael Edwards.
Sunday concerts continue through August with Laurel Mountain Bluegrass the featured band on July 25. In August, the Del Sols, Passport, George Lucas Country and Harold Betters will perform.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Turning to other matters, council also conducted the following business:
n Authorized the Aug. 14 closure of North Carnegie Avenue, between East Crawford Avenue and East Orchard Alley, for the Elks Lodge 503 annual beach party.
n Entered into an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for contractors to utilize certain city property during the 2011 reconstruction of the South Pittsburgh Street bridge that crosses Trump Run.
n Agreed to pay Widmer Engineering Inc. $960 for work tied to the city’s 2010 stormwater management program and $360 for its street-paving project.
n Authorized the Falcon Flag Football League to use East Park for practice and games beginning Sept. 11. Councilwoman Yvonne Rush, who is director of parks and recreation, said the activity is a continuation of the summer recreation program. School age youngsters are welcome to sign up for the program that will be supervised by Jaime McPoyle. Registration is $20 for the first child; $10 for second child and free for additional family members.
n Learned from director of public health and safety Councilwoman Marilyn Weaver that the city health board is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the board. Letters of interest should be sent to Weaver at 110 N. Arch St., Connellsville, Pa. 15425.