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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
PennLive/TNS State Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks County, speaks at a rally Sunday addressing abortion rights in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
Squatchfest Music Festival returns, bigger BY MANDY COLOSIMO
It has been two very long years since the area has heard the distinct call of the area Squatch-scream. Out of quarantine, the Squatchfest Music Festival will return, rain or shine, to the Kane Family Drive-In on Saturday, July 16. The gates will open at 2 p.m. and the live music begins at 3 p.m. Organizers are expecting the largest crowd ever. Over the years, the festival has drawn an impressive number of attendees, between 900 and 1,000, but this year could top 1,250, according to the
owner of the theater, Lowell Watts. What should one expect from a music festival themed by a sasquatch, some may be asking — More food than Bigfoot could consume, fireworks and fun for everyone in the family to enjoy, Straub brewery on the premises, and contests that even a Yeti could compete in — but, of course, most come for the musical line up. Five live bands are on the schedule this year. The following will each take the stage the day of the festival, JD Eicher, from Cleveland, Ohio; Handsome Jack, from Buffalo, N.
Y.; The Derek Woods Band, from Pittsburgh; Meet Loaf Rock & Roll Dreams, coming all the way from south Florida; and finally, local band, The Thunder Skulls, who hail from Kane. JD Eicher created the soundtrack for The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and has four albums to his credit. Handsome Jack is considered a fusion of boogie soul rock n’ roll, that’s powerful and emotional — with a similar style as The Black Crowes. The Derek Woods Band, known for their Americana/ Rock vibe, won a 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Award for their
song “Unforgiving Tree” and released a new album as well. Meet Loaf Rock & Roll Dreams, is a tribute to Meatloaf and performed by Benny Israel and powerhouse female counterpart Ariel Eva. All the greatest songs on the list will come crashing down, but he won’t do that. The Thunder Skulls have been playing together for nearly 15 years and consider themselves “rockers still learning about life.” They will light up the stage as the final band of the night at the festival. Nearing the end of the event, sometime between 10:30 and
11p.m. a theatrical event will be held. This involves calling out the beast himself, and, if successful in calling him in during the annual calling contest, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the best, most professional fireworks display in the area, according to the event website. This is a family friendly event and will offer children’s activities in the rear of the venue. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the grassy areas, but no outside food or beverages are allowed.
The event has plenty to offer and assures everyone that they will not go hungry — they announced it on their website. Tickets are available for presale now at $20 each, or on the day of the event, $25 each at the gate. For more information, visit www. squatchfest.org Squatchfest is sponsored by W.E. Swanson Agency, Erie Insurance; DuBois Harley Davidson; Straub Brewery; Greenman Trucking, Inc. in Kane; Roto-Rooter, Plumbing and Drain Service of Kane; Haberberger Disposal of Kane; and Pepsi.
Gangsters, Ness, and the rest; a preview of what’s to come BY MANDY COLOSIMO
Coudersport’s third annual Eliot Ness Fest, slated for the July 15-17 weekend, is attracting national attention with new events and notable guests. This year’s theme is, “The Siege of Coudersport.” Eliot Ness Fest recalls the famous crimefighter who spent his final years as a businessman in Coudersport. The time of prohibition was a time of indulgence and undercover, of course. Music was jazzy and the booze flowed, even though it was outlawed by the 18th Amendment during the early part of the 20th century. There were those who found success in running illegal spirits across state lines and under the noses of the law. “Thousands of people will converge on the small northcentral Pennsylvania town, which will be transformed into a lively Roaring ‘20s setting,” a press release from Ness Fest organizers states. “Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costumes.” The Potter County Historical Society is sponsoring a weekend that mixes the period with fascinating history programs, dozens of vintage cars and trucks, law enforcement displays and many other attractions spread out over three days. “We’ve had reservations and ticket orders pouring
in from as far away as California, Florida and two Canadian provinces,” said David Castano, Historical Society president and chair of the festival committee. Beginning Friday, July 15, and running through the afternoon of Sunday, July 17, the Eliot Ness Fest will take over the Coudersport downtown area. Those familiar with the stories and those who are not will enjoy seeing all the entertainment and street scenes throughout the weekend. Several of this year’s events have been creating a buzz. There will be a dramatic re-enactment of the trial that sent Capone to prison; an entertaining “Recruitment of the Untouchables” stage play; and six dramatic “street theater” scenes, including raids of gangster outposts and a showdown between rival mobsters. Topping the more than 100 vintage cars and trucks that will take Coudersport back in time is the famous 1924 RollsRoyce Roadster once owned by a prominent Chicago publisher Col. Robert McCormick, whose investigative reporter was assassinated by gangsters. Fearing that he was next, McCormick had his car bullet-proofed, according to the press release. The adventure begins on Gangster Day, where Capone and his mob take over
the town. Along the way, Capone, Johnny Torrio, and the rest of the gang are sure to meet up with their rivals, Bugs Moran, Hymie Weiss, and Dean O’Banion, along with the rest of the Irish mob. Beer gardens and “brothels” are among the places the gangsters will be meeting up. Three street performances are planned for Friday, along with music, food, and various vendors. But by Saturday, July 16, the law steps in to take back the streets. On Eliot Ness Day, historical figures appear as Ness and the Untouchables retake the town through a variety of street performances. Additionally, a Law Tent will be set up to meet real law enforcement personnel from agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and partners such as the Cleveland Police Historical Society. “A veteran federal lawman will present an eye-opening program, ‘Gangsters, Guns and Honest G-men,’” organizers stated in the press release. “A noted producer will examine how Eliot Ness’s time in Coudersport was tied to famous entertainers Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.” Other subject matter will include separating Ness’ accomplishments from fictionalized characters portrayed
by Hollywood stars Robert Stack and Kevin Costner in a TV series and blockbuster movie, respectively, both titled “The Untouchables.”” By Sunday, July 17, the town will be ready to get to church with the Ness family, and if one listens carefully to the chatter before or after the message, there is talk of a ruckus later in the day. Among notables coming to speak are Scott Sroka, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and grandson of “Untouchable” Joe Leeson; A. Brad Schwartz, co-author of a critically acclaimed book shedding light on Ness’ battle against Capone’s outfit; and officials from the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where Ness got his start in law enforcement. Several local businesses are getting in on the act, including the historic Hotel Crittenden. Ness and author Oscar Fraley met at the Crittenden to write the manuscript for the book, “The Untouchables,” an embellished account of Ness’ battles with the Chicago underworld that spawned the TV series and film. A schedule of events and summaries of attractions competing for festival attendees’ time continues to be updated on the website, eliotnessfest. com, and on the festival’s Facebook page.
Time to replace illegible license plates HARRISBURG — What do you do with a license plate that’s hard to read? “A registration plate is considered illegible when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet or if the registration plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity,” said state Rep. Mike Armanini, R-DuBois. “I’m hosting a pair of opportunities this month for constituents to replace those plates.” Armanini is working with local authorities in Ridgway and DuBois to hold the following events that will start the replacement process: Partnering with the Ridgway Police and Fire departments, Monday,
July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival lot on North Broad St. Partnering with the DuBois City and Sandy Township Police departments, Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the DuBois Area Plaza, 1221 East DuBois Ave. “There is no cost to replace the license plates and no requirement to register in advance for anyone planning to attend,” Armanini added. Questions about this or any legislative issue may be directed to Armanini’s DuBois office at (814) 375-4688 or his St. Marys office at (814) 781-6301.