Sunday, June 23, 2024
Jeffrey W. HugHes PHotograPHy
CELEBRATING UNIONTOWN
Founding Day Festival returns Saturday to provide fun for all
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
In 2018, Michael Scott, publisher of the Herald-Standard, had just moved to the area and learned the city had a unique birthday.
It was founded on July 4, 1776, the same date our nation celebrates its independence.
He felt the special day was something to recognize and a great way for the newspaper to support the community.
“We at the paper wanted to do something to give back to the city, and it needed to be something the entire community could enjoy,” Scott said. “One of the first groups I contacted was the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Uniontown (RACU), and they suggested Marshall Park. They had plans to renovate and to complete the project could cost up to $300,000.”
Herald-standard
Marshall Park, a hidden gem near the Uniontown Public Library, will be transformed for the Founding Day Festival on Saturday, June 29.
In 2019, the first Founding Day Festival slated for Saturday, June 29 this year — was celebrated with live music, food trucks, craft and artisan vendors and activities for children.
There is no cost to attend the festival, which raises funds to help the Marshall
This year’s Founding Day Festival is moving to Marshall Park.
Park renovation project through business sponsorships, donations and car show registrations.
The event was stalled by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, but returned in 2022. By the end of three Founding Day festivals, more than $9,000 has been raised for the park.
“We’re using the funds we have as seed money to apply for matching grants. We’re actively applying for grants now and waiting to hear back,” Scott said. “I can’t wait to see it done, but once this project comes to fruition, it doesn’t mean the festival is over. We’ll sit down with the city and the RACU and pick a new community project.”
Jeffrey W. HugHes PHotograPHy
Vendors line the streets during the annual Founding Day Festival in Uniontown. This year, the festival will move to Marshall Park, where attendees will be treated to a vision of what the park could look like after it is renovated.
FESTIVAL
Continued from 3
In fact, Marshall Park will be the new location for this year’s Founding Day Festival so visitors will have a chance to see just what the park could provide in the future.
“Part of the design of Marshall Park is to have a place to hold festivals just like this in Uniontown. We’ll haul in the stage trailer for live music and place it in the spot where the pavilion is to be built. We hope to set things up so people can see a version of what this could look like when completed,” Scott said.
While spearheaded and hosted by the
Herald-Standard, the community has truly rallied around the cause.
Volunteers are hosting wagon rides, manning the kids’ zone, offering historical tours and more.
Others are merging their festivities with the success of Founding Day.
“The annual Fayette Chamber fireworks will move from Sunday to Saturday to close out the festival with their show this year. The Uniontown Mall provides the best viewing,” Scott said. “We thought we can have one big day, starting at 9 a.m. and ending with 9:30 p.m. fireworks.”
New Founding Day activities include horse drawn Conestoga wagon rides and two separate historical tours.
“We’re bringing in an
educational component with a trolley ride that includes a narrator, pointing out historic facts throughout the town and the (Fayette County) Historical Society will have a booth, promoting their self-guided historical walking tour,” Scott said.
The Herald-Standard will also bring back the HS Quest.
Beginning June 24, a special coin will be hidden in a public place in Uniontown and participants will be prompted to follow clues printed in the newspaper to locate it.
“People have a blast with this. They have until 3 p.m. June 28 to find and return the coin and they receive a treasure chest with a special prize,” Scott said.
Over the years, the festival has added new features,
and Scott said, the expansion will lead up to a special celebration.
“In 2026, Uniontown will celebrate 250 years. We want to continue adding a little more to this event until we reach this milestone birthday,” Scott said.
Founding Day is June 29 and will begin with the Firecracker 5K Run/Walk hosted by the city of Uniontown at 9 a.m., followed by a variety of festivities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. the same evening.
Marshall Park is located at 170 E. South St., Uniontown. There will be a large tent for shade and picnic tables set up. Those who plan to make a day of it may want to bring chairs, blankets or umbrellas. Founding Day is a rain or shine event.
Express yourself
Uniontown Art Club to host show on Founding Day
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
The Uniontown Art Club will return for the fourth year to the Founding Day Festival on June 29 with a variety of art to sell.
Many artists will also demonstrate their craft, giving shoppers an opportunity to see how the unique pieces are created, often in the same way our ancestors did.
“Several of us will dress in colonial period clothing because we’re doing demonstrations just like they would have back then,” said Pete Pasqua, treasurer of the Uniontown Art Club.
The club has a rich history, in existence since 1927, and brings a variety of different skills to their work, both at the Art Club’s shop, Gallery 86, and at festivals and events throughout the year.
There will be artists skilled in leather making, jewelry making, Native American beading, sculpture and photography.
“We have members to demonstrate watercolor painting, weaving, pottery and wood carving,” Pasqua said. “One of our artists has an old-fashioned potter’s wheel called a kick wheel that has to be manually activated, and she often lets the kids try their hand at creating something. They get to experience that muddy clay
on their hands and get to see what that feels like.”
Pasqua uses hand tools, chisels, knives and mallets for his woodwork and enjoys sharing his talent with passersby.
“When you’re an artist, and people walk by your tent and have a reaction, it makes you feel good. Both kids and adults are often amazed, and
we love doing demonstrations for the public,” Pasqua said.
In celebration of the founding of Uniontown, they’ll also have a cut out photo opportunity for visitors, featuring Uncle Sam and his wife.
Shoppers have the benefit of purchasing one-of-a-kind products, and Pasqua said many return to a particular
Members of the Uniontown Art Club will offer demonstrations during the Founding Day Festival on Saturday, June 29.
Photos: herald-standard
artist for future work or commissions.
“We’ve found that people love to buy from artists because they want the unique items displayed in their home. They like getting to know us and knowing the story behind the piece they’ve purchased,” Pasqua said.
Look for the Uniontown Art Club display under a large tent at Marshall Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 29. For more information on the club itself, visit https://www. uniontownartclub.org/.
Registration open for 4th Firecracker 5K
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Kicking off the annual Founding Day celebration on June 29, the City of Uniontown is hosting a 9 a.m. 5K race.
For returning runners or walkers, the scenery will change, and participants will get the chance to see a little more of the city.
“We change the routes each year, so they are a little different. The Founding Day event has moved to Marshall Park, and we want to be involved over there so it will be included in this year’s 5K,” said Uniontown Mayor
Bill Gerke.
Gerke said they’re sure to include Bailey Park on the route as well.
“We’ve done a lot of renovations and upkeep at Bailey Park. There’s been a lot of community involvement with clean up days and the trail runs right behind Bailey,” Gerke said.
He hopes to see the same success the city had with Bailey Park in the future at Marshall Park.
“Our goal is to do a complete renovation to Marshall. It may come quicker than we originally anticipated, and it’ll be another place to bring the community together,” he said.
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More than 100 people arrive to run or walk the annual 5K, and Gerke hopes the numbers continue to grow.
“It’s a great event to bring people of the city and surrounding areas together, and it’s a great way to share our parks with the community,” Gerke said.
Registration is $30 per person. Sign up at www.uniontowncity.com, on Facebook at City of Uniontown, or in person at the Uniontown City Hall at 20 N. Gallatin Ave.
The top three male and female runners and walkers receive awards, and top runners in various age groups from 19 and under to 61 and up will also be recognized.
Submitted Founding Day festivities kick off on June 29 with the Firecracker 5K walk/ run held by the City of Uniontown.
Children
Learn more about first responders
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard
The Uniontown Emergency Show and Tell event will be one more stop during a day of exhibits and events happening at the Founding Day Festival on June 29.
“It’s a pretty cool demonstration with fire, police and EMS. They’re really passionate about their work and kids can get their pictures taken sitting in a fire truck or trying on a helmet,” said Michael Scott, publisher of the Herald-Standard.
SATURDAY JUNE 29, 2024
Scott Conn, chief of the Uniontown Fire Department, said they will bring at least one fire engine with rescue equipment, a rescue truck or a ladder truck and other tools of the trade.
“The rescue truck has specialty equipment for a variety of rescue scenarios: auto accidents, industrial incidents, etc. We’re fortunate because we received a grant several years ago and all of our vehicles have rescue tools on them,” Conn said.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about protective equipment used by first responders including masks, helmets and other gear.
The public also gets to connect with the men and women who serve the community.
“It is a chance to see that we’re just regular guys doing a job,” Conn said. “It breaks a barrier, educates and makes connections.”
And, for youngsters, it’s an opportunity to learn safety techniques and lessons they’ll take well into the future.
“We’re able to share and teach important lessons like what to do when they hear the smoke detector, how to make an escape plan if there’s a fire and things like that,” Conn said.
Conn encourages visitors to stop by, ask questions and learn more about what they do throughout the Founding Day celebration.
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Fireworks Over Fayette to cap festival
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Fireworks are a tradition many across the country look forward to when we celebrate our independence, gathering together as the sun sets to wait for the show to begin.
For decades, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce has hosted the county’s annual Fireworks Over Fayette.
This year, bold fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday, June 29 to close out the Founding Day Festival.
“We wanted to bring everything together to celebrate the holiday,” said Morgan Hunchuck, finance coordinator for the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
Jeffrey W. HugHes PHotograPHy
At dusk on June 29, Fireworks Over Fayette, hosted by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, will provide an awe-inspiring end to the Founding Day Festival.
Fayette Chamber fireworks end the day, and they wanted to be associated with the Founding Day festival. Why not make a day of it with a 5K at 9 a.m., the festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and finish up with fireworks at dusk,” Scott said.
The presenting sponsor for the chamber fireworks is 84 Lumber, and of course, working with businesses and the community is what the chamber thrives to do.
“We are in the business of networking and pulling people together, so we offer the fireworks because it’s important to the community and we want to do it for the families,” Hunchuck said.
“We’re thrilled to have the
The show lasts about 30 minutes and according to Michael Scott, publisher of the Herald-Standard, the Uniontown Mall is the best viewing location, though the areas between the intersection of Routes 40 and Route 119 and Route 40 and New Salem Road will also be filled with families, neighbors and friends.
Follow the Fireworks Over Fayette Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Unique food court will offer variety of treats
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
The Founding Day festival has always offered a variety of food trucks, but this year, coordinators have chosen a particular theme.
A unique and eclectic group of vendors will offer visitors something new. Whether you’re looking for a burger, a deli sandwich, an empanada or frog legs, the Founding Day Festival’s food court will have you covered.
“You’re always looking for a variety, of course. We can’t have five food trucks offering one type of food, so we really wanted to look for diversity and find something for everyone,” said Kendra Scalzi, events coordinator
for the Herald-Standard and Observer-Reporter.
So far, Juliet’s Empanadas, GHP (gyros, hoagies and pierogies), World Importing, and Worldwide Eatz are confirmed for the Founding Day Festival on June 29.
World Importing is the food truck sponsor and they offer BBQ, Italian and more.
Worldwide Eatz brings some flavors many haven’t tried before.
“They do a taco with watermelon salsa (the Jerk Chicken Taco) and something with alligator (in sandwich and taco options). They do funnel cakes and things like that too, but there’s definitely a wide variety there,” Scalzi said.
Visitors can grab something to eat throughout the day and
The Founding Day Festival’s food court will include a number of offerings for attendees.
enjoy the variety of activities at Marshall Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 29.
“[The Founding Day Festival] is in a central location, and there’s something for everyone. Visitors have shopping, food, live music, a car show and
a kid’s zone. The entire family can come and spend the whole day there,” Scalzi said. Scalzi is still accepting applications from food vendors interested in participating. Email kscalzi@belocal.net for an application.
Jeffrey W. HugHes PHotograPHy
Locally
Please
Activities will offer something for all ages at Founding Day
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
The entire community has rallied to help sponsor and participate in the special celebration of Uniontown’s birthday.
This year, Love Fayette will host the highly anticipated Kids Zone during the Founding Day Festival on June 29.
“Love Fayette is a group of local churches and at the heart of the nonprofit, we want to come together to reach people all over Fayette County. Instead of doing projects individually, we’re stronger together,” said Lyndsey McKinney, kids director at Faith Assembly of God.
They’re supporting the local YMCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and food
Love Fayette will host the highly anticipated Kids Zone during the Founding Day Festival on June 29.
drives throughout the year to name a few, with the goal of lifting up the community.
Celebrating Founding Day is one more way they can connect and support those in Fayette County.
Churches have volunteered to sponsor different portions of the Kids Zone ranging from multiple inflatables to obstacle courses and fun games for the entire family.
“We are currently working on having balloon animals, face painting and a craft
table,” McKinney said. “Our churches in Love Fayette will each take an activity and lead it.”
The kids-themed events and activities are just one way Love Fayette is getting involved.
True to their mission, they’re also excited to support the fundraiser for Uniontown’s Marshall Park.
“Seeing the park revamped for the community and brought back to life is awesome. The vision to be able to one day, hold different events and other community things at Marshall Park is of course, something we can support,” McKinney said. “It’s planting these little seeds today and watching what it will become in the future.”
The Kids Zone will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Marshall Park on June 29.
SHOP NAPPING FAVORITES
New this year: Wagon rides, trolley tours offered
Submitted
at Founding Day Festival
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Visitors to this year’s Founding Day Festival will have a chance to take part in a new event, a wagon ride or a longer, historical tour.
“We’ll have two horse-drawn Conestoga wagons going at a time. We can take five or six people on those, and they’ll rotate throughout the day,” said Greg Hearn, event coordinator.
Not only does the event offer entertainment, there’s a bit of education as well.
“The kids will love the horses, and it’s fascinating to get inside the wagon and see how people used to travel,” Hearn said.
He participates in the annual National Road Festival’s Conestoga wagon train and loves to share the experience with others.
“These rides will be shorter, and the horses can’t go all day, but we’ll offer rides from 11 a.m. to around 3 p.m.,” Hearn said.
There will be a second option in the event visitors miss the horse-drawn wagons or want to do both.
A tractor/trolley historical tour will also be underway.
“We have a large tractor with a canopy to shade you from the sun. It’s got picnic tables, railings and a step to get on and can seat 50 to 60 people at a time,” Hearn said.
He plans to connect a microphone and speaker to the wagon for narrator Pete Malik to share historical sites throughout Uniontown on the tour.
“This will be a longer ride, will include the history of Uniontown, and we’ll stop at different places along the route to learn more about it,” Hearn said.
Those tours will continue throughout the day from 11 am. to 7 p.m. Both rides are free for visitors and no registration is necessary.
Wagon rides and trolley tours offer a way to explore Uniontown during June 29’s Founding Day Festival.
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Start your engines
Car show brings more entertainment to Founding Day celebrations
By Melissa Gibson
For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
DJ Arnie Amber with WMBS and Jim Beck of Beck’s Wrecks have been hosting car shows throughout Uniontown and surrounding areas for years.
They’ll bring car enthusiasts together once again on June 29 for the Founding Day Festival and are hoping people will come out to
enjoy cars and support a good cause.
“The success of a car show depends on a few things. Mother Nature has a lot to do with it. We’ve had anywhere from 60 cars to 200,” Amber said.
“Anyone who wants to register and join us is welcome.”
This year, the car show will be held across the street from Marshall Park in the Uniontown Library parking lot.
CAR, Page 22
Photos: Jeffrey W. hughes PhotograPhy
Patrons check out cars during a past car show during the Founding Day Festival.
Cars on display during the Founding Day Festival run the gamut from newer vehicles to classics.
Amber primarily serves as emcee and DJ.
Beck is managing the classifications and judging portion of the show.
Registration is $10 and will begin at 10 a.m. on the day of the event, and spots are first come, first serve. At 3 p.m. judging will be finalized and an awards ceremony will follow.
“We’ll have 10 different categories and a first, second and third in each category so at least 30 participants will walk away with something,” Beck said. “The categories will be anywhere from pre1940 to muscle cars.”
Amber hosts at least 40 car shows over the summer and said younger teens are beginning to get the car show bug too.
“You never know what you’re going to see. The teens might not have the older classics but it’s interesting to see what the newer cars come with and how they are fixing up their cars,” Amber said.
For car enthusiasts, it’s another weekend to enjoy their passion.
“It’s the camaraderie. You get a chance to sit and talk with people you haven’t seen in a while. You see new cars, get up close to them and relive some of the memories of those older cars,” Amber said. “The music helps with that too. We have some great oldies of the 50’s and 60’s that take you back.”
Registration will be open from 10 a.m. to noon and the car show will officially begin at 11 a.m.
Jeffrey W. HugHes PHotograPHy
The annual car show will return to the Founding Day Festival on June 29. This year vehicles will be parked in the lot of the Uniontown Public Library.
Go for a walkabout
Fayette Historical Society shares self-guided tour for festival
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
Visitors should be sure to stop by the Fayette County Historical Society booth during the Founding Day Festival on June 29, where they can pick up a few valuable pieces of information.
Staff will wear historical attire and share a background on the historical society. They will also have patriotic and history-themed pins and magnets for sale.
But, most importantly, they’ll share their new self-guided walking historical tour information.
Attendees can pick up a card with a QR code and spend the afternoon visiting various sites throughout Uniontown.
“There are 18 sites on the tour. When you scan the QR code, it will give you the information about each site. It begins in the eastern part of Hopwood, and as you descend the mountain, it takes you into downtown Uniontown,” said Jo Lofstead, secretary of the society’s board.
Lofstead said the history of Uniontown can be divided into two to three phases.
It’s the site of the start of the French and Indian War. By the late 1800’s, Lofstead said, the economic boom of the coal era meant more millions per capita in Uniontown than any other city in the United States. With the closure of mines and
decline in the industry, Uniontown had to work to rebuild.
“It’s unknown to a lot of people. It would surprise people to know in 1940, there were 246,000 people in the county,” Lofstead said.
The tour can be taken during the Founding Day Festival on June 29, or any day throughout the year.
“Some locations on the list
include the courthouse and the State Theatre. There are some fun ghost stories and tales associated with them, and we talk a little about that,” Lofstead said. “The White Swan Hotel was an elegant hotel in the 1940’s and 50’s. It started as a little tavern when the national road was built, and it’s one of the longest running commercial locations in
ABOVE: The White Swan Hotel was built in the early 1800’s as the last stop for food, drink and lodging before traveling over the mountains. LEFT: Visitors to the Founding Day Festival on June 29 can learn more about the Barnes Mansion during the Fayette Historical Society’s self-guided tour of Uniontown.
Courtesy of the fayette County historiCal soCiety
Pennsylvania history,” she said.
Whether interested in the ornate fixtures and architecture of historical buildings or the stories associated with them, the historical walking tour provides something for everyone.
For more information, visit https://www.uniontownwalkingtour.com/.
Live music will entertain guests
By Melissa Gibson For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
The VFW Post 8543 Band will take the stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 29 to play a variety of jazz, blues, pop, patriotic and more, kicking off the first of the music selections at the Founding Day Festival.
The 60-piece band has been together for 12 years and will perform with several vocalists.
“The band started with guys that came home from World War II that were in military bands, and they wanted to keep playing. We range in age from 16 to 94 and only a handful of us are veterans anymore,” said Bandmaster Rich Miller.
After a performance at the 2013 Pennsylvania V.F.W. Convention, they were named the official PA State V.F.W. Band and continue to share their talent throughout the year, including the annual Holiday Concert at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown.
Following the VFW Band, from 1 to 4 p.m., DJ Arnie Amber will provide a stroll down memory lane with golden oldies.
Host of the “Oldies Unlimited” show on WMBS, Amber will be at the festival all day, whether pumping great tunes at the car show or sharing the best of the oldies with those taking in the festival’s other
activities across the street at Marshall Park.
Closing out the music for the day, from 4 to 7 p.m. guests will hear from the C&T Acoustic Band.
“We play anything from the Top 40’s to the oldies,” said Craig Haywood, a co-founding member of the band.
“We’ve been around for two years under C&T Acoustic but
Tony Ross and I have been playing for 40 years.”
Chances are, fans have enjoyed a performance or two by Haywood and Ross in and around Uniontown, Connellsville and Washington, and know the duo are ready to take requests.
“We know a lot of songs and hope everyone has a great time,” Haywood said.
Submitted photoS
The VFW Post 8543 Band will kick off a day of music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Founding Day Festival on June 29.
C&T Acoustic will play at the Founding Day Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 29.
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Foundation built
The Oak Grove Cemetery in Uniontown is the final resting place for many historic figures, including
Beeson family, Uniontown’s founders.
By Alyssa Choiniere For the Herald-Standard newsroom@heraldstandard.com
The following story, published in 2023, offers a glimpse into Uniontown’s founding
Nick Jacobs of Windber, the son of
BEESONS, Page 30
Uniontown’s founding began with a quest for religious freedom, and today, the descendants of the city’s founders are driven to live up to the family name: Beeson.
AlyssA Choiniere/For the Herald-Standard
members of the
Beesons
Continued from 28
Mary Beeson, traces his family history back 10 generations to Thomas Beeson, born in Lancashire, England, in 1634. Members of the Beeson family came to America by ship in the 1670s and ‘80s, Jacobs said.
“They left England because they were persecuted for their Quaker beliefs,” he said.
Richard Beeson settled near Martinsburg, West Virginia, and had nine children, including Henry and Jacob, who became the founders of Uniontown.
“At 25, Henry decided to head for the Kentucky area with his wife. She was riding behind him, carrying a baby,” Jacobs said.
They took a break on their journey to stay with friends in Mount Braddock in 1768.
named it Beesontown.
Jacobs said his family history played a major role in his childhood and throughout his life.
“My mother was very proud to be a descendant of the founders of Uniontown,” he said.
Richard Beeson
settled near Martinsburg, West Virginia,
and had nine children, including Henry and Jacob, who became the founders of Uniontown.
“One side drank tea with their fingers up and the other drank wine from a jug off their shoulders,” he said.
They fell in love with the area and decided to stay instead of continuing, Jacobs said.
They selected a 225-acre tract of land along what is now Morgantown Street and built a log cabin they named Mount Vernon.
The log cabin was located near the current site of Mount Vernon Towers apartments.
His mother, Mary Carolyn Beeson, was the daughter of Wallace Edgar Beeson and Dora Hagerty Beeson. Jacobs said his grandfather was an engineer on the railroad — “a big deal in those days” — and died from a stroke when Jacobs was a young boy.
Henry Beeson was accompanied by his brother, Jacob Beeson, the following year.
They settled the area and originally
Jacobs’s father was born to “dirt poor Italian immigrants” named Iacoboni and changed his surname to Jacobs. Jacobs recalled his roots and visiting both sides of his family, with the English heritage and the Presbyterian church on one side and “hail Mary full of grace” on the other, he said.
Jacobs said many members of the family in both past and present generations made an impact in history. A family member taught former President Richard Nixon how to play the piano, and a Beeson was listed as a major donor for the San Diego Zoo, he said. The Beeson Divinity School of Samford University was named for the family. The Beesons even made an appearance in the classic TV series “Gunsmoke,” with the Long Branch Saloon. A member of the Beeson family owned the real saloon, he said.
Jacobs said his family history, in part, motivated him in his career, in which he was recognized for his work in breast cancer research.
“It was always kind of a driver in the back of my head. I had all these Beeson relatives that did well. It was something that gave me a push,” he said. “I’ve been all over the world, and that was in the back of my head: ‘You’re a Beeson. Make it happen.’”
Nick Jacobs
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