SATURDAY, JUNE 28
10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
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Founding Day returns to celebrate Uniontown’s birthday on June 28
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
For the past several years, it’s been a combined effort between staff at the Herald-Standard and many others in the community to not only recognize the founding of Uniontown, but to raise funds for a good cause in the process. When Michael Scott, the newspaper’s former publisher, realized the city of Uniontown was founded on July 4, 1776, the same date our nation celebrates its independence, he wanted to do something special for the community.
The first Founding Day was celebrated in 2019 with live music, food, artisan vendors and children’s activities. Proceeds from the event went toward the $300,000 renovation project at Marshall Park, and as the event has grown, so has the mission to give back to the people of Uniontown.
“We … want to help make the city the best it can be,” said Sharon Wallach, regional advertising manager at the Herald-Standard, noting that city officials hope to put picnic tables at Marshall Park and eventually erect a permanent stage.
Those who come to Founding Day have an opportunity to check out the park, a hidden gem across the street from the Uniontown Public Library.
“It’s really beautiful for this event. People can sit on the grass under the trees, relax and listen to live music. We want the community to utilize Marshall Park on a daily basis,” Wallach said. Once the park renovation is complete, the Herald-Standard will move on to another community project to benefit from Founding Day proceeds.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, visitors can celebrate Uniontown’s birthday with a variety of events.
Things kick off with a Cruise-In and Arnie Amber’s Golden Oldies music.
Shoppers will appreciate the dozens of vendors, including the Uniontown Art Club selling unique items and offering demonstrations of their craft.
The VFW Post 8543 Band will play from noon to 2 p.m., followed by Fret Buzz Trio from 2 to 5 p.m.
There will be a Kids Zone sponsored by Love Fayette with inflatables and face painting, and horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the day.
“The free trolley rides will be new this year, and our local police and fire departments will be on hand,” Wallach said. “We also have several food trucks including Juliet’s Empanadas, Puerto Rico on Wheels and Piccolomini’s World Importing. Some retail vendors will return and some are new, such as Elevated Thoughts with their local T-shirts and coffee mugs, Donna’s Sale, Sandy Lonce and more.”
Jeffrey Hughes Photography Vendors and demonstrators help to celebrate Founding Day, set for June 28.
At dusk, residents can find the perfect spot to watch the traditional Fayette Chamber of Commerce fireworks. Areas between Routes 40 and 119 and New Salem Road as well as the Uniontown Mall provide great viewing spots for the entire family.
Wallach said leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Herald-Standard has been partnering with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and a county-wide committee to make 2026 extra special.
One of the county-wide committee members, the Uniontown Library, will be closed during Founding Day to make their parking lot available for activities. However, they are also preparing information for display on both Founding Day and the 250th anniversary.
“We have a decent collection of the Beeson family records. They founded Uniontown and we are putting together a showcase with the many logs
written by historians, a statue of Jacob Beeson and information on Marquis de Lafayette,” said library Director Christy Fusco.
“I’m really glad we have the Founding Day event because it recognizes all the people that gave us what we have today.”
With the number of volunteers and organizations supporting the unique experiences, programs and educational opportunities in Fayette County, Uniontown’s birthday is just one of the many events where the community can celebrate.
“Founding Day is growing and I think everyone in the community is working together to make it a better event year after year,” Wallach said.
Founding Day is rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marshall Park, 170 E. South St., Uniontown.
There will be a large tent for shade and picnic areas, but those who plan to make a day of it, may want to bring chairs, blankets or umbrellas.
Jeffrey Hughes Photography
Founding Day, held on June 28, donates some of its proceeds to help revitalize Marshall Park in Uniontown.
Jeffrey Hughes Photography
Against the backdrop of Marshall Park, visitors and residents can enjoy a day of wagon rides, live music and artisan vendors at June 28’s Founding Day festival.
Arnie Amber’s Golden Oldies returns for cruise-in at Marshall Park
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
From 10 a.m. to noon on Founding Day, car owners and enthusiasts will gather to see everything from classic cars to souped up modern ones and everything in between.
Popular radio personality Arnie Amber of WMBS said he’ll be playing a variety of oldies from the 1950’s and 1960’s during the festival on June 28. “We’ll play a lot of car songs, and if someone wants to request something, if we have it, we’ll play it. It’s a good variety throughout the day,” Amber said.
He’ll be celebrating 48 years on the
radio this fall and remembers his first cruise-in event in 1979. He’s also hosted every Founding Day cruise-in since its inception.
The weather can play a big role in the success of a classic car display.
“If Mother Nature cooperates, it can be jam packed. I’ve seen some rainy days that brought 30 or 35 cars, but with good weather, we can get into the triple digits,” Amber said. “I’ve seen as many as 175 cars so with good weather, I think this one will be successful.”
On those days with more than 150 cars, Amber said they often see people drive in from Pittsburgh, Cumberland, Md., Washington County and surrounding areas.
He enjoys watching the people interact and hearing the stories behind their rides. Some stop for a car they used to drive as a teenager; others see one similar to what they have in their own garage.
There’s a camaraderie among car fans that can’t be matched, he said.
“The fun part is seeing the expression on a lot of people’s faces. If you play a song and it brings back a certain memory, you’ve hit the nail on the head,” Amber said. “People like to get together to swap stories. It’s a goodnatured fraternity and a lot of fun.”
Anyone can register for the cruise and will receive a gift bag, a dash plaque and the chance to win a trophy.
Jeffrey Hughes Photography
Arnie Amber of WMBS will play classic tunes throughout the morning for the popular cruise-in of classic cars at Founding Day on June 28 at Marshall Park. Car enthusiasts are invited to bring their vehicles of all varieties.
Submitted
Celebrate Uniontown’s Founding Day and our nation’s independence in 2025 and into the 250th anniversary in 2026.
Fayette Chamber of Commerce, community prepares for the country’s 250th anniversary
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
For nearly a year now, a county-wide committee has been planning 13 months of celebratory events in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The celebration, themed Journey to Independence: From Revolution to Resilience, started on May 30 with the commemoration of Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 farewell tour with a live reenactment and other events.
On Founding Day, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce will host a booth with special activities, pairing the anniversary events with those of the formation of Uniontown. They’ve been brainstorming some unique ideas, said chamber Executive
Director Muriel Nuttall, including a modern update on a decades-old book.
“In the early 1970s, there was a storybook put together and distributed to the schools in the area. It was about a character Phineas Fayette,” said Nuttall. “We created a new character, Phineas’ great-granddaughter Fionna Fayette, and we have coloring books to share with the children.”
Residents of Fayette County will see Fionna return throughout the 13 months of celebration too.
Taking a page from the popular “Flat Stanley” series, an educational activity encouraging children to write and exchange stories with others, the chamber is teaming up with the Uniontown Library to encourage young people in the county to experience their hometown history with Flat Fionna this
summer.
They are hopeful the “live” version of Fionna will join them on Founding Day as well for photos.
As the year continues, look for educational and cultural programs, community engagement initiatives and more ways to connect Fayette County with the rich history and legacy of the country.
“We are working on 13 months of events. Some, we will plan; others, other businesses or organizations will plan. For example, the State Theatre is doing an All-American movie series as part of our 250th celebration,” Nuttall said. “It’s very exciting. Everything will culminate on July 4, 2026.”
Follow Fayette County, PA 250th on Facebook for current activities and opportunities.
Celebrates the City of Uniontown’s 149th Birthday
Herald-Standard
Members of the Uniontown Art Club will offer demonstrations during the Founding Day Festival in Uniontown on June 29
Uniontown Art Club returns to Founding Day
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
Each year, visitors to Founding Day look forward to checking out the offerings from the many artists of the Uniontown Art Club.
Pete Pasqua, the club’s treasurer, said several members will be dressed in period clothing, and if the weather cooperates, they will offer demonstrations on skills our ancestors may have needed, including leather or jewelry making, sculpture and woodworking.
“Each year we hope to bring in a few new artists,” Pasqua said. “We have members to demonstrate watercolor painting, weaving and pottery, and enjoy sharing our art with the public.”
In addition to demonstrations, the artists from the Uniontown Art Club will have work for sale.
Recognizing and supporting local artists since 1927, the club founded Gallery 86 to share its members’ gifts and talents. They’ll bring a portion of Gallery 86 to the visitors to Founding Day on June 28.
“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. They’re also offering more workshops and opportunities in an effort to share with the community.
“The first Sunday of the month, we have a craft workshop. On Wednesday
evenings, I host a woodcarving workshop for beginners to experts,” Pasqua said. “On the second Monday of each month, we’re hosting an open studio night, inviting the public in for refreshments and to see some of our artists at work.”
They’ve also launched seasonal artist market events and plan to hold one in the fall and over the holidays.
“You don’t have to be a member of the art club; these events are for the public to come in and see what we’re doing, and we hope they learn and enjoy,” Pasqua said.
The Uniontown Art Club display will be under the large tent at Marshall Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the club, visit uniontownartclub.org.
Submitted
VFW band returns for special performance on Founding Day
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
It’s not uncommon to catch the 60-piece VFW Post 8543 Band playing at special events throughout the community.
This year, they will return to Founding Day festivities on June 28 to entertain visitors at Marshall Park with a variety of patriotic tunes, rock, pop and ballads.
“I think it’s fun because we play such a variety of material,” said bandmaster Rich Miller. “(Our members) range from 14 to 95 years old. When the two mix, the young people learn from the
older folks, and the older folks have a great time sharing with the younger kids.”
The band was created by World War II veterans, and used to include only those who served. Over the years, the band opened its doors to all who love music, whether they want to develop their skills or just fine tune them.
As Miller noted, “Once you learn how to play an instrument, you can play for the rest of your life.”
Members also receive plenty of opportunities to play.
The band most recently performed at the Lafayette Farewell Tour at Friendship Hill. They’ll be at the Storey
Square Concert Series in Uniontown in mid-August, and will perform their annual Christmas concert at the State Theatre Center for the Arts on Nov. 30
The band rehearses on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, March through December at the VFW Hall. Interested parties can email Miller at bkband@breezeline.net.
“It’s just about finding an organization to join,” he said. “We have a great time.” VFW Post 8543 Band will take the stage at Founding Day from noon to 2 p.m. Directly following the band, guests can enjoy music from Fret Buzz Trio from 2 to 5 p.m. The five-piece band also covers a variety of classic and modern rock.
Jeffrey Hughes Photography
The VFW Post 8543 Band will entertain visitors at Founding Day on June 28.
The VFW Post 8543 Band accepts all musicians to practice and perform for the community.
Submitted
Dr. Jessica Scott purchased her trolley last fall with the hopes of participating in community events and supporting her students over the summer. The serendipitous “Dr. Scott’s Neighborhood” on the side of the trolley was the sign Jessica Scott needed to convince herself to buy it.
Take a trolley ride during Founding Day
By Melissa Gibson
Contributing writer
Dr. Jessica Scott has a love for her community, supporting children in their educational endeavors and watching young people succeed. The principal at Marshall Elementary in the Laurel Highlands School District also loves old-fashioned trolleys. They aren’t easy to come by, but when Scott saw the pictures of one for sale north of Pittsburgh, she said she knew it was meant to be.
“I bought it because the side of it says, ‘Dr. Scott’s Neighborhood’ similar to (the) ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ trolley. I thought I could take it around the neighborhoods in the summer and hand out books to the kids,” Scott said. “We don’t have anything like it in town.”
trolley.
It can seat 14 adults – more, as children join in on the fun. It’s coming to Founding Day on June 28 to offer free rides for visitors.
Made in 1983, the trolley has a wooden interior and balcony space on the back reminding many of childhood television and entertainment. It’s also equipped with a sound system allowing music to flow inside and outside the
“I want to use it for community events. I’ve been in the Christmas parade and the Pike Day parade earlier this year. The kids get a kick out of it, and they’re excited when they see it,” Scott said.
Dr. Scott’s Neighborhood trolley is available for rides from noon to 3 p.m. at Marshall Park.
Horse-drawn wagon rides available throughout Founding Day celebration
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
Horsing Round Carriage Service will return to offer free wagon rides on Founding Day for the second year. At 9 years old, Beth Shipley’s father bought her a pony, and after watching the annual wagon train come through during Pike Days, she knew she wanted to do something similar.
“I’ve always thought I would love to have a team of horses to drive. I’ve had them since 1991, and in 2000 we decided to start offering rides as a business too,” Shipley said. “We do weddings, proms and birthday parties. The kids love them, and when I see these little girls, 4 years old and older, wanting to just wrap their arms around them and hug them, I know just where
their heart is.”
Shipley’s carriage rides were featured in two 2021 episodes of ABC’s “The Bachelor.”
At Founding Day, riders won’t hop into a Cinderella-like carriage, but the tan, covered wagon that seats eight to 10 guests will give visitors a unique experience.
“We’ll bring two Percherons. They originated hundreds of years ago in Normandy, France and were bred for plow or work horses. They’re as big as the Clydesdales and weigh around 2,200 pounds,” Shipley said.
Dunbar-based Horsing Round Carriage Service will offer free wagon rides from noon to 3 p.m.
More opportunities to take a horsedrawn ride will be available through Rocky Ridge Acres, which is based in Waynesburg.
Owner Fred Kiger has been in operation since 1996 and will also return to Founding Day for the second year.
“Our wagon seats 12-14 people and the kids always like to visit with the horses,” Kiger said. “We’ll bring two mares: big Belgians, about 1,800 to 2,000 pounds.”
The wagon Kiger calls a “people mover” is similar to a large hay wagon, painted red, with the Rocky Ridge Acres logo. They do more than wagon rides, however.
“We do carriage rides at weddings and travel to a lot of the festivals and fairs. We also show horses,” Kiger said, noting he’s excited to return to Founding Day. “I love the atmosphere. The crowd is always great.”
Rocky Ridge Acres will offer free rides from 1 to 3 p.m.
Above: Herald-Standard
Horsing Round Carriage Service will bring two of their older Percherons to pull the wagon around Uniontown on Founding Day.
Right: Jeffrey Hughes Photography
Rocky Ridge Acres in Waynesburg will be back for Founding Day on June 28.
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REMEMBERING WHAT WAS
As Uniontown nears its 250th birthday, it’s time to take a stroll down memory lane. Please enjoy these photos we’ve gathered to give you a glimpse into the past.
Submitted
Submitted
The Uniontown Shopping Center, circa 1966
Crowds gather for a parade on Main Street in Uniontown in this photo from the 1930s.
Submitted A parade down Main Street marked July 4, 1946.
Submitted
Gen. George C. Marshall at the rededication of Fort Necessity in 1954.
By Melissa Gibson Contributing writer
More than a decade ago, members of Faith Assembly in Uniontown gathered and partnered with neighboring churches to find ways to transform Fayette County through service, resources and love.
This summer, they’ll focus those efforts on bringing fun and joy to the youngsters who come to the Founding Day festival on June 28.
“We are super excited. We hosted last year and it was really fun because we were able to facilitate connections in the
community and have kids in a friendly competition, racing with each other,” said Faith Assembly Ministry Assistant Allison Haines.
They’re planning on multiple inflatables, including an obstacle course and large scale lawn games. Depending on the weather, they have some additional kid-friendly activities up their sleeves too.
“We had so much interest last year, even in the inclement weather,” Haines said, referring to the rainy day. “I was surprised that people wanted to stick it out and stay and enjoy the day. We hope it continues to grow. They loved the Kids Zone.”
Faith Assembly and Love Fayette hosts Kids Zone on Founding Day
The entire area is free to families, sponsored by the group of churches that join Faith Assembly, calling themselves Love Fayette.
“We are very community oriented. We love to say, ‘How can we serve?’ We believe we’re put on this Earth to do that, and we’re looking for ways to show people God’s love through individuals,” Haines said.
“Partnering gives us more people to volunteer for shifts and more funds donated to make this the best it can be. We want the community to know we’re in the area, and both Faith Assembly and Love Fayette are happy to serve in any capacity we can.”
Jeffrey Hughes Photography
Faith Assembly and Love Fayette will sponsor the Kids Zone, including an obstacle course inflatable and yard games.
LIVE MUSIC
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ..............................................
Arnie Amber’s Golden Oldies
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.............................................................. VFW Post 8543 Band
2 to 5 p.m. .................................................................................
FOOD TRUCKS
Have an “ICE DAY” Shaved Ice
Hi Gear
Lexi’s Lemonade
Juliet’s Empanadas
Creativeface Face Painting
Donna’s Sale
Elevated Thoughts
Fayette County Historical Society
First National Bank
Highmark Wholecare
Frett Buzz Trio
Piccolomini’s World Importing
Puerto Rico On Wheels
Trina’s Kettle Corn
VENDORS
Jeffrey Hughes Fine Art Photography
Renewal by Andersen
Sandy Lonce
Uniontown Art Club
Vintage Grace Boutique
ALL-DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Horse-drawn Conestoga Wagon Rides and Narrated History Trolley Rides
Fayette County Historical Society
Self-Guided Historic Walk of Uniontown
Kids Zone
Art on Wheels and Easels: Car Show and Uniontown Art Club Display and Sales
Car show registration begins at 9 a.m.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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