Weather forecast prompts change in Washington County’s wagon train schedule
Courtesy of Bill Glowacki
The National Pike Wagon Train that runs through Washington County will depart Saturday morning from Washington Park and traverse toward Scenery Hill.
Bill Glowacki Sr., a wagon master, said predicted thunderstorms prompted the decision to eliminate Friday’s departure from Claysville Park.
“Hopefully, we’ll pull out around 9 (a.m.) and go to Scenery Hill,” Glowacki said. “We should get there at around 2 (p.m.) and sit down there for about a half an hour.”
The wagon train will then travel to the old Scenery Hill School.
The Fayette County Wagon Train – separate from the one in Washington County – will start its journey Saturday morning, heading from Farmington Volunteer Fire Department through Hopwood and ending up at Mount St. Macrina in North Union Township.
Both wagon trains are part of the annual National Road Festival, held the third weekend in May. It is known as the “world’s longest festival,” taking place along 90 miles of the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania (Route 40) through Somerset, Fayette and Washington counties.
The authentic wagon trains make their way from town to town while people line the streets to get a glimpse. Many communities and towns along Route 40 hold their own activities ranging from festivals to arts and craft shows.
“It’s an honor to ride down Route 40 and think of those who rode before me,” said Randy Breakiron, wagon train master for Fayette County. “We’re doing this with modern amenities — heat and campers — and they had to find firewood and food on their travels.”