Queen Kicks Off South Connellsville Centennial
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – Native Ike Sherwood was proud to celebrate a part of his community’s heritage Monday as he and his wife, Judy, came out with their family to the playground to enjoy the opening festivities in honor of the borough’s 100th milestone.
The centennial celebration, which is being held all week, kicked off with a carnival sponsored by the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company, along with a queen contest.
“I’m overwhelmed at the turnout,” said Clyde Martz, borough councilman and centennial committee member. “I think it’s fantastic this many people showed up.”
State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Dunbar) was also on hand to present Mayor Pete Casini and several council members with a citation in recognition of the centennial. “Hopefully, (the borough) will have a successful future of another hundred years,” said Kasunic.
The queen contest included girls ages 6 months to 18 years, with the winners receiving crowns, roses and a sash that included Mersadie Marko, Tiny Tot; Trinity Hatfield, Little Miss; along with Kiley Groh, first runner-up; and Samara Gray, second runner-up; Mia Christie, Young Miss; and Sara Laws, Miss Teen.
Laws, a senior at Connellsville Area High School, said living in the borough has enabled her to make a lot of friends. “It’s a nice neighborhood,” Laws added.
The “queens” will ride in a parade that will take place along South Pittsburgh Street Thursday at 7 p.m.
While the carnival will continue to operate at the playground throughout the week, the firemen will put their skills to the test today with a battle of the barrel contest.
A hot dog eating contest is slated for Wednesday and a free concert by the band “Punch” on Friday.
The remaining activities will take place Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. at the honor roll, where a memorial service will be held followed by a soap box derby at 9 a.m. at the same location.
A car-and-bike show will continue throughout the day from 1 to 6 p.m., sponsored by Scott C’s Auto in Connellsville.
Registration will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a cost of $5 per vehicle with dash plaques awarded to the first 200 cars, as well as first-, second- and third-place trophies awarded in the categories of Ford, Dodge/Mopar, muscle car, bike, truck, GM, rat rod, street rod, classic car and antique.
Additional awards for mayor’s choice/best in show, kid’s choice and the Tom Corvin Memorial Trophy will also be distributed.
An array of food vendors will also be on hand along with music provided by a disc jockey, door prizes and 50/50.
In the evening, the sounds of The Stone Villians will fill the air from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by Scott Blasey of The Clarks and special guest Abby Abbondanza, formerly of the Poverty Neck Hillbillies from 8 to 10 p.m.
A fireworks display, made possible with proceeds from various fundraisers and donations, will wrap up the centennial.
On Sunday, the community is invited to a picnic at the playground and is asked to bring a covered dish.