What's going on in and around Somerset County?
Madolin Edwards96th Labor Day Festival
Michael O'Brien concert
Concerts-on-the-Green Summer Concert Series
The 42nd annual free summer concert series, Concerts-on-the-Green, is underway at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. The concerts are held on the grounds at 7 p.m. and run roughly to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to listen to these concerts which take place on the new Amphitheatre in front of the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum. Aug. 17: Denise Baldwin. Aug. 24: Swiggle Mountain Brass.
9th annual Lincoln Highway SupperMarket
The Lincoln Highway Experience’s annual Lincoln Highway SupperMarket is returning to the Route 30-based museum this summer for its ninth year. The popular weekly open-air food festival will take place on 13 Wednesdays until Aug. 24, 5-8 p.m., weather permitting, at the Lincoln Highway Experience’s grounds at 3435 Route 30 East in Latrobe. Guests can enjoy breezy summer evenings on the spacious lawn with great food from local chefs, BYOB, and live music. There is a charge per car for admission. Additional cost for food purchased from chefs’ booths. Tables are limited, so it is suggested that attendees also bring chairs or blankets, especially if you will be arriving late. No outside food or pets are permitted. The 2022 participating local chefs are Aroma Italiano, Chef Dato’s Table, Connections Café, Grateful Smoke BBQ and Simply Good. The live entertainment schedule includes: Aug. 17 — Gashouse Annie. Aug. 24 — Detention.
Traditional Kolo Dance lessons
St. Rochus Society — Croatian Hall Lodge No. 5 will offer Traditional Kolo Dance lessons at the Croatian Hall in the third floor (air conditioned) social room; 612 Broad St., Johnstown. Kolo Dance is traditional Croatian and Serbian Folk dance. Classes will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dates include Aug. 18, 23, 25, 30 and Sept 1, 6, 8. Classes will be offered at no charge. Classes will be offered in anticipation of Slavic Fest which will be taking place Sept. 16-17 at the Heritage Discovery Center. Contact Jim Shustrick at 814-421-4958 for information or to register for class.
Somerset County Fair
The 122nd annual Somerset County Fair is Aug. 18-27 at the Somerset County Fairgrounds, 7842 Mount Davis Road, Meyersdale. Judging events and shows, derbys, Central Pennsylvania country music artist Joe Quick, woodcarving, horse pulls, garden tractor pulls, Rafter Z Rodeo, children's pedal power contest, farm tractor pulls, pick up truck pull, horseshoe pitching contest, semi and hot truck night and junior livestock sale. www.somersetcountyfairpa.com.
'The Virtuous Burglar'
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is bringing "The Virtuous Burglar," a wildly hysterical farce, to life as part of the 2022 Log Art Theatre season. “The Virtuous Burglar” by Dario Fo is an adapted British farce filled with twists and turns. A burglar is discovered when the owner of the flat returns unexpectedly with his mistress. When the owner's wife arrives, the burglar is forced to pretend the mistress is his wife. The show will be in the Community Arts Center’s M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, which doubles as a black box theatre, 1217 Menoher Blvd., in the Westmont section of Johnstown. Aug. 19 and 20 — 7 p.m., Aug. 21 — 2 p.m. (matinee).
Richland Community Days Festival
The Richland Community Days Festival returns for the 13th year, Aug. 19-20, at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Theater Drive in Richland Township, by the Richland Township building and Richland High School. There will be a variety of activities for all ages including high quality musical entertainment both days on two stages, a parade on Friday evening, a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday evening, a children’s area with many fun things to do, inflatable rides, a classic car cruise on Saturday, games, displays, and many food, craft, and business vendors. A full schedule of entertainment includes Stacy & The Rejects, Shades Of June, Johnstown Civic Concert Band and Ole 97 Johnny Cash Tribute Band on Friday and Cajun Norm & The Jam Band, Octane, Giants Of Science, Manic Mango, Ground Zero, Three Of Hearts, and Jeff Jimerson & Airborne on Saturday. Visit the festival website at www.rcdays.com and follow them on Facebook for more information.
Education Showcase at American Legion Fair
The Cambria County Conservation District is hosting an Educational Showcase at the American Legion County Fair in Ebensburg, Sept. 4– 10. Each day a different presenter will be featured with interactive displays and short educational presentations. The week schedule includes: Sept. 4 – Critter Connections; a live, hands on program featuring unique animals. Labor Day will feature “The Bug Guy,” Ryan Bridge and his very large display insects from around the world. Sept. 6 REA Energy Services will show the shocking experience of electric lines. Sept 7 the Conservation District will open eyes to what lies in water. Sept. 8, Penn State Master Gardeners will show techniques to put gardens to rest and prepare for next spring. Sept. 9, artist Helen Barlick will lead a Wildflower Painting Class. (Prior registration is required to participate) Saturday wraps up the showcase with students from the St. Francis R.O.C.K. program with hands on science experiments. The showcase is geared to all ages and participants are encouraged to visit while spending time at the fair. To register for the painting class, call 814-472-2120 or email shhall@co.cambria.pa.us. Deadline to register is Aug. 19. To check the schedule for the daily programs, visit the Facebook Page.
Movies Night
Movies night is back during the summer at Keystone State Park. The park will be playing a variety of movies at the beach house. The movies will be shown on a projector screen outside on the lawn. So grab your blankets, chairs and make sure you dress for the weather. The times for the movies are at 8:30 p.m., depending on when it gets dark. Movies will not be shown in inclement weather. Aug. 20 — Night at the Museum No. 1. Aug. 27 — Beethoven No. 1. Sept. 3 — Jumanji No. 1.
Pirates at the Park
Uptown Painting Party features Pirates at the Park, 11 a.m. Aug. 20, at the Paul E. Fuller Playground in Meyersdale. All ages welcome. Paint class, costume contest, lunch included, treasure hunt, photos with pirates, and play on the new playground. Tickets must be reserved by calling 1-877-81-party.
RVFD 10th annual Benefit Golf Scramble
The Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department 10th annual Benefit Golf Scramble is Aug. 20 at Oakbrook Golf Course with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. First, second and third place winners will receive a foursome of golf to a premier golf destination. Kickers and greenie prizes. Contact Nicholas Foreman to reserve your team. 814-233-2511, foremantreecare@gmail.com.
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
The annual Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival is Aug. 20-21, at Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset. Marshelle Bradford Exchange, Colebrook Road, NuBlu, Midnight Rooster, Robert Mabe Band, Tiger Maple String Band and Echo Valley are on tap. Re-enactors, children's area, food, Mountain Laurel 5K, demonstrations and vendors. www.laurelhillbluegrass.com, 814-445-7725.
Annual Joyful Church Bazaar
Joyful Church located on the Garrett Shortcut Road, will be holding its annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug 20. There will be live music, hay rides, children's activities along with various vendors, crafts and flea market items. Food will be available including apple dumplings.
Community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 20, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, fruit, bread and dessert. The meal will be served by Windber Business & Professional Women. The Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Stevanus reunion
The 97th annual Stevanus reunion will be held Aug. 20, at the New Hope Church, 3398 Cumberland Highway, Meyersdale. Coffee, doughnuts and juice will be served at 9:30 a.m. for early fellowship. Then at 12:30 p.m., a lunch will be served. Bring your favorite prepared entree, salad or dessert to share. Drinks and tableware will be provided. After lunch there will be a program of singing, sharing of genealogical information, telling stories and giving of door prizes. All are welcome to participate and share news and musical talents. The children will enjoy games and goodie bags. A freewill-offering will be lifted to offset expenses. Current CDC guidelines will be followed, with hand sanitizer and gloves provided. The wearing of masks is optional. Contact Ethel Stevanus (814-324-4339) or Jane (Stevanus) Brocht (814-267-2199) for those with questions.
Punt, Pass and Kick
The Somerset Area Jaycees' Somerset County Punt, Pass and Kick for ages 8 to 15 as of Dec. 31, will be Aug. 20 at the Somerset football field. Sign up is at 8:30 a.m. Kick off at 9 a.m. Cleats permitted.
Summit Level Hike
Join a Park Ranger at 2 p.m. Aug. 21, for a 3 mile Summit Level hike from the head of Inclined Plane 6 to near where the Summit Hotel was in Summitville, near the head of Inclined Plane 5. Reservations are required for this free hike and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at 814-886-6150. The Summit Level was the highest point that the Allegheny Portage Railroad crossed the Allegheny Mountains. Participants will learn about the inclines and levels of the railroad, how the system functioned, the town of Summitville, and much more. Participants are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring water. The hike will take place rain or shine.
Music at Penn Alps presents Jonathan Carney and Family
Music at Penn Alps presents Jonathan Carney, his daughter Gracie, and Jacob Jahiel playing violin, baroque violin, and viola da gamba, at 7 p.m. Aug. 20, in the Great Hall at Spruce Forest in Grantsville, Maryland. Wear a mask. Tickets are available at the door, in the gift shop at Penn Alps Restaurant, or online at https://www.musicatpennalps.org/tickets. A new air conditioning system has been installed so problems with temperature have been eliminated.
Somerset County Tourism Grant Workshop
Go Laurel Highlands will host a Tourism Grant Workshop to review the 2023 Somerset County Tourism Grant Program at 9 a.m. Aug. 22, at the Somerset County Technology Center. All Somerset County-based tourism businesses and organizations are encouraged to attend this free workshop. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Marissa Roberts at mroberts@golaurelhighlands.com or 724-238-5661 ext. 101. The deadline to RSVP is Aug. 18. GO Laurel Highlands Executive Director Ann Nemanic will lead the workshop by outlining the program’s guidelines, criteria, application and reporting process. Attendees will have a one-on-one opportunity to ask specific questions pertaining to their businesses. Tourism grant applications will be available online at www.golaurelhighlands.com/grants on Sept. 1 and completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 7. Awards will be announced and presented in early December. The tourism grant program is funded by 40% of the Somerset County lodging tax, which became effective September 2002. Awards are granted annually on the basis of merit by the Somerset County Tourism Grant Review Committee and administered by the Somerset County commissioners and GO Laurel Highlands, the county’s official destination marketing organization. Since the inception of the program, 772 grants have been awarded totaling more than $5.5 million.
'Songs & Stories of the American Hobo'
Matthew Dodd will present a program of songs and stories of the American Hobo at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the Folk Meeting House in Springs. Dressed in accurate period clothing, Dodd sings and tells the true stories of the "Knights of the Road," who rode the rails in, on and under boxcars from job to job and town to town in the early 1900s. He uses period songs and stories from hobo autobiographies to tell how the true hobo (not a tramp or a bum) lived and why he chose that unique style of life. He sings and plays a variety of instruments to recreate the hobo philosophy. Admission is free and open to the public. The program is sponsored by the Springs Historical Society and will be presented in the Folk Meeting House on 1711 Springs Road in Springs. Call 814-442-4594 or go to www.springspa.org for more information.
Jackie’s Garden Works Rooftop Concert Series
Jackie’s Garden Works Concert Series invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy live performances, food and drinks in one of Johnstown's unique venues. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. at the rooftop terrace atop of the ArtWorks Building, 413 Third Ave., Johnstown. The rooftop garden includes a large deck, native plant garden, a pergola, and a live flower feature wall. Aug. 27 — Matt Otis & The Sound. Sept. 24 – Jason Kuuch Quintet with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 22 — The Evergreens.
Hot Rod Hootenanny For Hunger
Conemaugh Home Health presents the third annual "Hot Rod Hootenanny For Hunger," Aug. 27, at Alum Bank Community Fire Department Picnic Grounds (Route 56 and 96), Pleasantville. Showcar/motorcycle/Big Rig Cruise-in starts at 3 p.m. Classics, customs, hot rods, antiques, tuners, lowriders, racers, motorcycles and new this year, big rigs, are welcome. Bring your chairs and easy-up canopies and enjoy the afternoon. Truck and tractor pulls at 5 p.m. Concessions, restrooms, parking, special musical guests, oldies and classic rock by "The Laurel." Admission is a donation of unopened, non-perishable food items to be presented to the Bedford Food Outreach. Car cruise information at 814-659-9802. Pulling event information at 814-285-0044. Big rigs information at 814-322-7765.
Military families
The Rockwood American Legion Post 279 would like to recognize the families with loved ones in the military. So for those who have a husband, wife, brother or sister in the U.S. military, contact the post Chaplain Fred Weber either by phone/text at 724-797-1172.
Robotic Doges recruitment
Laurel Highlands Education and Robotics Inc. is now recruiting 9th-12th grade students for the 2022-23 high school robotics team. The link to a Google Form which any student or family member can complete to express interest is High School Robotics Team Interest Survey: https://forms.gle/PKA3v2sW2fzpuo827. They will then contact responders with more information.
101st annual I.O.O.F. picnic
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows 101st annual I.O.O.F. picnic, celebrating 203 years of Oddfellowship will be held Sept. 3 at the Kingood I.O.O.F. Grove, Route 281, Kingwood. Dinner that includes chicken barbecue, pies and more, will be served at noon. Also available will be hamburgers, hot dogs, hot coffee, ice cream, soft drinks, French fries and pizza. Somerset County Community Band will perform at 11:30 a.m. The Feels from 1:30-2:45 p.m.; Reality Band from 3-4:15 p.m.; Country Express from 4:30-5:45 p.m.; Reality Band again from 6-7:15 p.m. and Country Express from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Local craft vendors demonstrating crafts, Big Bingo, novelty stands with toys, trinkets, gadgets and may items for children.
Farmers' and Threshermen's Jubilee
The Farmers' and Threshermen's Jubilee in New Centerville, Sept. 7-11, is a country festival where antique machinery takes center stage. For more than 60 years, this festival has showcased the early machines of agricultural life — from ponderous steam engines and early gasoline tractors to horse and dog-powered machines. During the Jubilee there are demonstrations, parades and contests feature these antiques. http://www.ncrvfc.com/ for the full schedule of events.
Concerts in the Park
Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership Concerts in the Park, Central Park in Downtown Johnstown, from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 9 Midnight Acoustic. Refreshments available for purchase from Stadium Pub and Grille and Stone Bridge Brewing Co.
Mountain Craft Days
Mountain Craft Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 9, 10 and 11, is the Somerset Historical Center’s major educational event, held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day. This three-day outdoor festival features 125 crafts persons, artisans, and entertainers interpreting the rural folkways of western Pennsylvania. The event draws more than 9,000 visitors to the site each September, from all across the northeast and around the world. https://www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/.
Hyatt's Angels 5K and 1 mile run/walk
Registration is now open for the "Hyatt's Angels" 9th annual 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk, 9 a.m. Sept. 10, in Jennerstown. Set at Pine Springs Camp, the landscape is a 3.1 mile out and back course that weaves through the countryside. The course includes "Hyatt's Hill" right after the half-way point. The chip-timed 5K includes online registration here https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Jennerstown/HyattsRunWithTheAngelsSomersetcounty
Packet pick-up and same day registrations will be offered. Each participant will receive a run or walk bib, commemorative T-shirt and goody bag filled with promotions and swag items. After the run, free fruit, snacks and cold beverages will be available for participants to enjoy, including the cinnamon buns from the Coal Miner's Diner in Jennerstown.
Cambria County Arts and Heritage Festival
The Laurel Highlands' Historical Village's 4th annual Cambria County Arts and Heritage Festival is Sept. 10-11, at Duman Park, north of Route 422 along Route 271 in Northern Cambria. Bring your chair. Food, arts and craft vendors, nonprofits, music, historic groups, dance and many others will be present. Civil War church service at 9 a.m. Sunday under the main tent. The Pennsylvania Unexplained returns with speakers including Stan Gordon, author and Bigfoot researcher, and guest hosts of the History Channel show Ancient Aliens. Dress in renn fair attire. Food and paper products will be collected during the weekend for needy veterans. For information, call 814-288-7917.
Scarecrow Festival
The 11th Georgian Place Scarecrow Festival is Sept. 17. To enter a scarecrow in the contest or for more information, message the Georgian Place Scarecrow Festival @gpscarecrowfestival. #gpscarecrowfestival