Jun 24, 2010 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The city mayor has issued a challenge to those that have touted that “there is nothing to do in Connellsville” to take advantage of the numerous activities scheduled throughout the summer, and most taking place in the city. Noting the success of the Memorial Day weekend Geranium Festival hosted by the Connellsville Area Garden Club that also included a car show sponsored by the Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church, Matthews said that patronage at the events are vital to the success of the organization.

“These organizations need to be commended,” he said. “The Geranium Festival was excellent again this year.

“The Trinity Church had nearly 80 cars in the parking lots. It, too, was an extreme success.”

Matthews also noted an earlier held U.S. Flag ceremony conducted by American Legion Post 301 to properly dispose of unusable flags.

“We need to support these groups and attendance at these events does that,” he said.

Upcoming events include the following:

n June 26 and 27 – Braddock’s Crossing at Crawford’s Cabin. The re-enactment of the historic crossing of the Youghiogheny River will take place at 1 p.m. each day. Also, the Connellsville Cultural Trust will be sponsoring “Art on the Yough” at Yough Park. The event will feature artists, musicians and youth activities. The events begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. There is no admission fee.

n June 26 – The Connellsville Garden Club will host its annual garden tour. Eight gardeners will have their flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and vegetables on display. Lunch is also provided with the purchase of a ticket.

n July 3 – The city will host its first triathlon and various other activities beginning at 9 a.m. at Yough Park. Food vendors and musical groups will provide a variety of food and entertainment.

The Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church will host a car show and offer breakfast and lunch at the church located at Carnegie and Fairview avenues.

At 6 p.m., the venue moves to Lions Square for a sock hop. A fireworks display sponsored by the Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce will conclude the days’ events.

n July 7 – Connellsville Church Tour, sponsored by Steps for a Healthier Fayette. The tour begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Connellsville Presbyterian Church located at the intersection of South Pittsburgh Street and Green Street. Also, the 28th Annual John Woodruff 5K Run and Walk will be held beginning at 7 p.m.

n July 8-10 – St. Rita’s R.C. Church annual festival.

n July 18 – The Westside Hill Italian Bash.

n July 25 – Habitat for Humanity benefit dinner and concert featuring Chris Higbee will be held at Christian Klay Winery in Chalk Hill. The benefit will aid the construction of a home in Connellsville for a local couple.

Also, beginning July 3, the Trail Town Outreach Corps will hold a Farmer’s Market each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crawford’s Cabin featuring local produce, jams, jellies and other items.

Each Sunday through August the Connellsville Lions Club will host a variety of musical concerts at Lions Square beginning at 7 p.m.

Matthews, meanwhile, said that event organizers should be commended for working together to offer multiple activities.

“The partnerships are great,” he said.

“This is how we’re going to get Connellsville moving forward.”