APRIL
April 5
Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling
April 6 Fort Pitt Div Train Collectors Show
2022
April 13 & 14 Gun Show
May 10 – 12 Leisure Time Hot Tubs & Spa
May 18 & 19 Mike’s Minerals, Fossils, Jewelry & Crystal Show
JUNE
June 8 & 9 Reptile & Gem Show
2023
April 19 – 20 Ag Days
MAY
May 3 – 5 Kid Mania LLC
June 13 – 16 Shriners Circus
June 22 & 23 Gun Show
** FACILITIES FOR EVENTS OF ALL SIZES
Fair
From a meeting for 10 people to a trade show for thousands, The Washington County Fairgrounds & Expo Center has the facilities and the experience to help make your event a success. The Fairgrounds venues are situated on 156 acres and include five exhibit halls, ten barns, a show tent, show arena, a three thousand seat grandstand, and more parking than you will ever need.
The Mingo Creek Park Observatory stands on a hilltop within Mingo Creek County Park. The Amateur Astronomy Association of Pittsburgh owns and operates the observatory facility. (Photo by Ben Moyer)
At 861 square miles, Washington is a big county. It’s a long way from Dunlevy to Langeloth or from East Finley to Elrama. But you can travel even farther in Washington County — a lot farther, at least with your eyes. At Mingo Creek Park Observatory, you can reach the stars.
Perched high on a knob in Mingo Creek County Park, off Route 136 near Kammerer, midway between the city of Washington and Monongahela, the Mingo Creek observatory is the largest, most well-equipped amateur astronomical observatory in southwestern Pennsylvania. Owned and operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, the Mingo Creek Park Observatory is dedicated to the public education and enjoyment of astronomy — astronomy defined as: “The science of the celestial bodies and of their magnitudes and motions.”
AAAP opened the observatory in August 2005 through a cooperative agreement with the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation which allows the facility to occupy land within Mingo Creek County Park. AAAP chose the location because of its relatively remote setting and dark skies, removed from
urban light sources which mar the view of the night sky, at least for now.
“The mission of the Mingo Creek Park Observatory is to educate and make freely available to a diverse public of all ages programs on astronomy and the preservation of dark skies,” stated an AAAP spokesperson.
The observatory pursues its mission in many ways, but its feature attractions are “Star Parties,” held throughout spring, summer and fall, open to the public free of charge.
Star parties at Mingo Creek are informative, uplifting events. AAAP volunteers believe astronomy should be enjoyable, even to novice stargazers who come to the parties with minimal knowledge but lots of curiosity. Everyone makes visitors feel welcome and helps guests make the most of the observatory’s exhibits, presentations and telescopes.
Here’s how AAAP introduces Star Parties in one of its promotional brochures: “Take a whole bunch of friendly, intelligent, telescope-toting amateur astronomers, anxious to share their hobby, put them
Please see Stars, page 8
A visitor to a Mingo Creek Park Observatory Star Party peers at solar flares through the observatory’s 10-inch refractive telescope and protective lens filters. (Photo by Ben Moyer)
Continued from 7
in a large open meadow at the top of a gentle hill with excellent views to all horizons, add two large permanent telescopes and invite the public.” That’s a Mingo Creek Star Party.
At a Star Party, several AAAP members set up their own personal telescopes on the lawn and invite everyone to have a look at some celestial object the member has chosen to focus on. The members answer questions and offer suggestions on how to indulge astronomical interests.
But the big draw is the two large telescopes inside the observatory building. The observatory houses a 10-inch D&G refractory telescope that uses a series of lenses to form a magnified image of an object in space. At a Star Party last fall, AAAP volunteers used safety filters, then trained the refractor on the setting sun and invited attendees to peer through the eyepiece at greatly magnified solar flares and other phenomena they would, otherwise, never see. Everyone who gazed through the lens expressed awe at such striking scenes.
At the other end of the sprawling structure,
volunteers draw back the roof and operate the 24-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector telescope, allowing views into deeper space.
Reflector telescopes use curved mirrors instead of lenses to produce a magnified image with less distortion. Most telescopes used in advanced astronomical research are of reflective design. AAAP volunteers were able to acquire the telescope’s main components at a bargain and move it to Washington County for reassembly.
At that autumn Star Party, a long line of guests queued up to peer down into the eyepiece and see a large, clear image of Jupiter with its rings crisp and clear, plus several of the planet’s 80 known moons.
Upcoming Star Parties are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, June 8, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight; and Saturday, July 13, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free, and there is no need to register. Visitors just show up and enjoy the eager hospitality of AAAP volunteers.
Most Star Parties are scheduled to coincide with the first quarter moon. That moon phase provides the best
A volunteer with the Amateur Astronomy Association of Pittsburgh explains solar phenomena visible by the telescope to guests at an AAAP Star Party during fall 2023. (Photo by Ben Moyer)
Continued from 8
viewing of lunar features because the sun’s rays strike the moon at an angle that produces good visual contrast on Earth. But the first quarter moon also sets early enough so the sky darkens, providing good viewing of deep-space objects such as nebulae, clusters and other galaxies.
If you’re thinking of attending a Star Party at Mingo Creek, watch the weather and sky conditions before leaving home. If the sky is heavily overcast or it’s raining, viewing will be less than ideal, and it’s best to plan to attend the next scheduled party.
Guests are asked to abide by a few Star Party rules. Signs ask visitors to turn off their car’s headlights as they approach the observatory grounds. Darkness is key to good stargazing. Star Party volunteers caution that one stray flash of a headlight can impair other visitors’ night vision for a half-hour. Visitors are asked not to bring flashlights and to refrain from smoking. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
A sweater or light jacket will help on cool evenings, and a folding lounge chair is nice.
The observatory also features a planetarium and classroom. While guests at the Star Party lined up for telescope views, others took seats in the planetarium for a ceiling show about objects in deep space “visible” only with equipment that detects electromagnetic radiation not visible to the human eye as light. Following the show, an AAAP volunteer made a presentation about the largest installation of electromagnetic receivers in the world, built in a remote part of Chile because of the desert air and high elevation.
The observatory has become a popular destination for scout troops, science classes from local schools and civic groups.
Mingo Creek Park Observatory is within Mingo Creek County Park at 3111 Rotue 136, Finleyville, PA 15332. The best access is from Route 136 at Kammerer. The observatory is in the northeast section of the park at the end of Mansion Hill Road.
The Amateur Astronomy Association of Pittsburgh eagerly accepts new members. No qualifications are necessary except an interest in the night sky. For more information about AAAP, its programs, meetings and facilities, visit 3ap.org.
Summer’s heat looms just around the corner, and anywhere you go in Greene County, you’re a long way from a beach. But that doesn’t mean Greene residents and visitors can’t take a refreshing dip. County recreation planners have prioritized safe, familyoriented swimming recreation with three countyowned pools conveniently placed near the county’s population centers.
“Here we have our three county pools for a county of 35,000 people,” said Greene County Department of Recreation Director Bret Moore. “That’s pretty unique for a county of our size.” Greene County ranks 58th in population among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
The Recreation Department’s mission statement explains this remarkable achievement for a small county: “Parks and Recreation will provide facilities and programs that enable the public to spend their leisure time within Greene County.”
The county-owned pools include the Greene County Water Park on the south side of Route 21 just east of Waynesburg near the Greene County Fairgrounds (200 East Roy Furman Highway, Waynesburg), the Mon View Pool at Greensboro (377 Stoney Hill Road, Greensboro) and the Carmichaels Pool in Cumberland Township’s Wana B Park at Carmichaels (355 Ceylon Road).
Unfortunately, the Carmichaels Pool will be closed this summer for repairs, but the Recreation Department views those repairs as ensuring many future years of swimming enjoyment at Carmichaels.
The Greene County Water Park at Waynesburg is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a snack bar, bathhouse with lockers, showers, a special diving area with two boards, a 150-foot spiral water slide, 25-foot straight slide, a huge 330,000-gallon pool and a 180-foot “lazy river” float channel with tubes for floating.
“I love this facility. It’s very clean and well kept, and my kids have a blast,” one anonymous reviewer posted on Facebook.
Mon View is a 200,000-gallon “T” shaped pool with a 20 by 2o foot children’s play area, showers, changing facilities and snack vending machines.
There are moderate daily and seasonal fees to use the county pools. Greene County residents, children and seniors get discounts.
“Our residents really enjoy these pools every summer,” Moore said. “But the Carmichaels and Mon View pools also draw people from Fayette County,
and the Waynesburg (Greene County Water Park) pool gets use from Morgantown and Washington.”
Visitors, including families with small children, can feel safe at the Greene County pools.
“Other pools around this region and up in Allegheny County have had difficulty finding enough lifeguards to operate at full capacity,” Moore said. “But we have been lucky here in Greene County. We have plenty of good lifeguards, mostly local young people who see it as a great summer job opportunity.”
Moore said the Department of Recreation offers special events that increase interest in using the pools.
“We’ll be opening the Waynesburg and Mon View pools on June 1 this summer,” he said. “We plan to have a disc jockey at those two pools on alternating Fridays — one Friday at Waynesburg and the next at Mon View. People enjoy this, and we get nice attendance. WVAQ Radio in Morgantown is planning to do its special event at Mon View again. Last year, on the date they broadcast from Mon View, they paid for everyone’s admission to swim and use the roller rink.”
Both the Greene County Water Park and the Mon View Pool are available for rental for private parties from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during June and July. To arrange park rental, contact the Greene Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323.
Moore said pool visitors can beat the heat while leaving any concerns about the weather to pool staff and lifeguards, who keep a close eye on approaching storms.
“We post it on our website right away if we need to temporarily close,” Moore explained. “But closings are rare. I think we only closed twice all last summer. When we close, it’s because of approaching thunderstorms. If our guards see lightning, we ask everyone to stay out of the water for a half hour.”
Otherwise, Greene County’s pools are a dependably refreshing break from the summer heat and an ideal place to relax with family and friends.
For more information on Greene County’s swimming pools or any county-managed recreational resource in Greene County, check the Greene County Department of Recreation website at county.greene. pa.us. Click on “Parks and Recreation Office.” Or call 724-852-5323.
Imagine swimming in a crystal lake, surrounded
Please see Pools, page 12
Continued from 11
by wooded hills and lush valleys, with scarcely a trace of human intrusion in sight. You might assume you’d need to travel to some remote wilderness for such an experience, but you need only go as far as Ryerson Station State Park, near the western limit of Greene County.
The setting is just as described above, but instead of a pristine lake, there is a sparkling swimming pool and splash park with command views of surrounding ridges. The first impression in a visitor’s mind is: “What a lovely spot to swim.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently built Ryerson Station State Park’s modern swimming pool and splash park on the shore of the former Duke Lake. Once, the popular Duke Lake shimmered across the valley that flanks the pool. But the impoundment’s dam became unstable, and the lake had to be drained.
Subsidence from underground coal mining beneath the dam was the suspected cause of the instability. Consol Energy eventually paid DCNR a settlement to remake the park in a new image. Part
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of that money went into developing this rural area’s only public swimming and splash park facility.
“Some visitors know there had been a pool here before, but we’ve replaced it and greatly improved it,” said Casse Criss, DCNR’s park manager at Ryerson Station. We also have some additional plans to offset the recreation lost when it was determined the lake could not be refilled, including a stream reconstruction project to offer better stream fishing that we hope to begin soon.”
Criss explained that the pool and splash park were designed with curving outlines to avoid conflicting visually with the natural setting. “Architects tried to harmonize with the surroundings,” she said.
Despite the pool’s “out-of-the-way” location, it’s already popular — so much so that Criss and her staff have had to adapt to the shortage of parking spaces that sometimes arise on high-use weekends.
“This pool is popular with local visitors and from West Virginia, Washington and Uniontown,” Criss said. “There have been some days when we’ve almost hit capacity, mostly holiday weekends. And occasionally there are issues with parking, so that we have to ask people to use an overflow lot, then walk
some distance to the pool.”
Because they are Pennsylvania state park facilities, there’s no fee for using the pool or splash park.
The splash park, adjacent to the pool, provides options for both visitors and park staff, enabling staff to cope with the challenge of finding enough lifeguards to keep the pool open throughout the season, which generally is Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“Kids really enjoy the splash park,” Criss said. “And it’s nice that we have it because we can keep it open with only one lifeguard or even a staff person that’s first-aid certified even if we must close the pool. But we were fortunate last year in getting lifeguards and hope that continues.”
Ryerson Station State Park and its pool are best reached from Route 21 west. Go west on Rotue 21 from Waynesburg for 19 miles to Bristoria Road. Turn left (south) on Bristoria Road and go one mile to the park.
For current information and conditions at the pool, check the park’s website at the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources website dcnr. pa.gov. Select “state parks,” then Ryerson Station State Park. You can call the park office at 724-4284254.
Fayette County is a paddler’s paradise. “Paddler” here being those who venture onto water under their own power, in kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rafts or the fast-growing menu of recreational craft options.
What renders Fayette so favorable to non-motorized boating?
Fayette County is defined by flowing water. The county’s entire western boundary is the Monongahela River, winding northward toward “The Point,” where it joins the Allegheny at Pittsburgh. Jacob’s Creek forms most of Fayette’s northern border, snaking westward from where it tumbles out of the mountains at Laurelville to cleave Everson and Scottdale boroughs on its way to the Youghiogheny near Whitsett. Farther upriver, the Youghiogheny frames much of the county’s eastern limit. The Youghiogheny flows down from Maryland through Youghiogheny Reservoir and then northward to the remote old settlement of Bidwell Station. Its west
bank is Fayette County, and its east bank is Somerset. At Bidwell, the “Yough” turns sharply west into Fayette’s interior, carving a southeast-to-northwest corridor through the county’s heart. Only Fayette’s southern border, the artificially drawn Mason-Dixon Line, is an entirely dry-land boundary.
Upon those hundreds of river miles, paddlers can find a diverse range of conditions, from tranquil to challenging, and match their skills and comfort level to the water’s mood.
Why paddle?
Paddling is an enjoyable activity you can share with others; it gets you outdoors, and it can be good exercise if you choose a route that requires quick maneuvering in fast water or a flatwater trip where your paddle supplies the power. It can also be as relaxing as you want it to be. Many paddlers choose a calm river span on a nice
Continued from 15
afternoon, settling in and letting the current ease them.
Paddling is also a great way to see a familiar landscape in a whole new way. Most of us get everywhere we go by car. So, that narrow ribbon of countryside along the highway “becomes” the place. Familiar landmarks and commercial establishments define where you are, and you know what’s next.
Paddling through that same landscape, sometimes only a short distance from that familiar highway, yields an entirely different perspective on the place you
thought you knew. When floating in a stream or river, manufactured developments are often screened by vegetation or terrain. You might be only a few hundred yards from a bustling strip mall, but tucked within the stream corridor, you sense you could be a hundred miles away in some unexplored region. Paddling is an escape from the familiar and a portal to adventure — exhilarating or mild.
“People come from all over the world to paddle our Youghiogheny,” said Eric Martin, CEO of Wilderness
Continued from 16
Voyageurs guides and outfitters based in Ohiopyle. “Yet, folks living within 30 miles of the Yough tend to undervalue it. For example, downriver from Connellsville, what we river regulars call the ‘Bottom Yough,’ people tend to discount the scenic value because it’s not ‘in the mountains,’ but even there, you slide into a protected corridor of river where there’s little evidence of human activity along the shoreline for five or six miles to Dawson and beyond. You can count the buildings you pass on one hand, but you’ll see herons, bald eagles, and can have good fishing, plus easy access. You can even run your own shuttle with a bicycle if you want via the Great Allegheny Passage. And you don’t need a lot of experience on that section, though you should always use life jackets. Tucked out of sight behind the river hills below Connellsville is an undervalued river outing at our doorstep.”
Few people know all the Youghiogheny’s facets and moods as well as Martin. An expert whitewater paddler himself, he’s been guiding adventurers down the Yough and other regional streams for decades. He says the Youghiogheny’s distinctly different sections are what make the river so attractive to people with various skills and recreational objectives.
“The rare quality of the Yough is that we generally have water levels you can paddle every day of the year,” Martin said. “Because of the Yough Dam upstream, the levels can be altered to accommodate recreation, so it rarely gets too low to paddle. Even in high water, if you want to paddle you can put in at the dam and paddle the couple of calm miles down to the Ramcat access and still have an amazing outing.
“Below Ramcat, the ‘Middle Yough’ gets more challenging but can still be paddled by adventurous families in rafts or those with moderate experience in kayaks or properly outfitted canoes. And below Ohiopyle are miles of Class III and Class IV rapids daily, which is quite an anomaly in the country. When you couple all that with ease of access, made possible by Ohiopyle State Park in those sections, this is a world-class outdoor resource for people.”
Martin advises beginners, however, that on more challenging segments like the “Lower Yough,” from Ohiopyle down to Bruner Run takeout, it’s best to sign on with a licensed guide or outfitter to experience the river.
“What new paddlers often don’t realize is that the river is constantly changing. If you’re not experienced, you don’t know what you’ll run into on that one day you’re out. Maybe it’s an average flow, or it could be extremely high, which is a whole different trip. That’s why we’re here as guides and outfitters, to provide that experienced
knowledge to those with a passing or casual interest, people who are attracted to whitewater but it’s not their life’s passion. We make this recreational resource available to anyone every day.”
Paddling options in Fayette County go well beyond the Youghiogheny. The Mountain Watershed Association has worked to promote paddling on Indian Creek, a major tributary to the Yough. Mountain Watershed has established canoe and kayak access ramps along Indian Creek along Route 381/711 near Indian Head and where Indian Creek enters the Indian Creek Reservoir near Mill Run. Paddling is not allowed, however, on the Indian Creek Reservoir itself. Indian Creek paddlers must “take out” where they enter the lake just downstream from the Route 381 bridge. Mountain Watershed’s Indian Creek Valley Bike/Hike Trail parallels much of this course.
Often overlooked are paddling opportunities on the Monongahela River. The “Mon” is all flatwater, due to the series of dams and locks built along its course to facilitate industrial traffic and commerce. But the steep forested bluffs above the Mon offer scenic paddling for miles, with public canoe/kayak access on the Fayette County shore at Point Marion and Masontown, and on the Greene County shore at Greensboro and Rices Landing.
The Morgantown Area Paddlers organization holds frequent paddle outings on the Monongahela to welcome new paddlers and to enhance appreciation of the Monongahela as a recreational destination. Check their website for paddling events at uppermonriver.org.
Fayette also has miles of lesser-known paddling on Redstone Creek, Dunlap Creek and Jacobs Creek. These streams feature few official access points, and exploring paddlers are not likely to meet other boaters. Plan ahead, be prepared for emergencies and always wear life jackets.
True “flatwater” paddling options are plentiful in the county. Public lakes such as Dunlap Creek Lake, Virgin Run Lake and Jacobs Creek Lake all offer public access so paddlers can get on the water and enjoy the setting.
Paddling does present risk, so never paddle alone. Always tell a friend or family where your group is going and when you expect to return. Finally, always use lifejackets and common sense when deciding where and when to paddle. Avoid high-flow events, and never challenge streams or stream conditions beyond your capabilities. There’s no disgrace in saying: “That’s beyond my skill level.”
An excellent resource for planning paddling trips is the list of Water Trail Guides available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website at pfbc.pa.gov/WaterTrail.htm. This site provides paddling distance between access points, known hazards and contact information for local trail sponsors.
In Fayette County, you can always find the right place to paddle.
PreSchool, ages 3-5 Keystone Stars Level 4
Voted Best of the Best in 2023
Kindergarten PA Dept. Ed Approved
1st Grade PA Dept. Ed Approved
2nd Grade PA Dept. Ed Approved
Before & A er Care K through 6th Preschool and School Age Summer Program
• Degreed & Certi ed Faculty
• Handicapped Accessible
• Accommodating Children With Special Needs
• Award Winning ABEKA Curriculum
• STEM Incorporated Learning
• Address Music & Drama
• Spanish
• Outdoor Education
• Sign Language
All event information was gathered from local tourism websites and was accurate at the time of publication. Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or visit the websites provided for more information.
ONGOING
SATURDAYS, STARTING APRIL 27
Cooking Demonstrations with Kate in the Kitchen Cabin Free
Bradford House Museum, 175 South Main St., Washington bradfordhouse.org
SECOND THURSDAY
Irwin Shop Crawl
Downtown Irwin downtownirwin.com
Water Guarians
Afterschool Club Free
5 p.m.
Mountain Watershed Association, 299 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville mtwatershed.com/2023/08/31/waterguardians-after-school-club-returns-toconnellsville
APRIL 2
The Price is Right Live!
$39.75-59.75
7 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/the-price-isright-live/
APRIL 3
Waynesburg University Baseball vs. Franciscan Free
1 p.m.
W. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg waynesburgsports.com/sports/baseball
APRIL 4
Pop-Up Studio: Storytelling with Mixed Media Collage
$20 member, $25 non-member 10 a.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg
APRIL 5
An Evening with Lewis and Clark: The Symposium on Life and Customs in Western Pennsylvania
$30
Bradford House Museum bradfordhouse.org
John Oates: An Evening of Songs and Songs and Stories
$39-84
8 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/johnoates-2024
Soulshine: An Allman Brothers Experience
$35
8 p.m.
The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin lamptheatre.org/soulshine
APRIL 6
Waynesburg University Baseball vs. Bethany Free
1 p.m.
W. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg waynesburgsports.com/sports/baseball
McDonald Trail Station/History Center Opening Day Free
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
161 S. McDonald St., McDonald mcdonaldtrailstation.com
Best Friends Girl: The #1 Cars Experience
$30
8 p.m.
The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin lamptheatre.org/best-friends-girl
RCB: Pictures of an Exhibition
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/rcb-picturesat-an-exhibition/
APRIL 7
Buddy Guy
$89.75-69.75
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/buddy-guy-2/
Tales from Christie’s Salesrooms Talk
$40 member, $50 non-member 2 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/talk-talesfrom-christies-salesrooms
APRIL 9
Discovery
6:30 p.m.
Rostraver Township Historical Society, 800 Fellsburg Road, Rostraver Township
Continued on page 21
APRIL 10
Jazz Concert: Tania Grubbs
$20 member, $25 non-member 7 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/jazz-concerttania-grubbs/
Yachtley Crew
$24.75-49.75
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/yachtley-crew
APRIL 11 TO 28
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
$25 adults, $15 youth Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Dr. S., Canonsburg littlelake.org
APRIL 12 AND 13
Stomp
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
$10 presale, $12 at the door Greensburg Civic Theatre, 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg gctheatre.org/event-post/the-stinky-cheeseman-and-other-fairly-stupid-tales
APRIL 13
Waynesburg University
Baseball vs. Washington & Jefferson
Free
1 p.m.
W. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg waynesburgsports.com/sports/baseball
APRIL 13 AND 14
Eldora Park Walking Tour
$12 per person
Noon to 3 p.m.
Donora Historical Society & Smog Museum, 595 McKean Ave., Donora sites.google.com/site/donorahistoricalsociety
APRIL 16
Ore Banks and Charcoal
Hearths
Free
6 p.m.
Greene County Historical Museum, 918 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg greenecountyhistory.org
Jazz Ensemble
Free
7:30 p.m.
Goodwin Performing Arts Center at Waynesburg University waynesburg.edu/events/jazz-ensembleconcert-8
Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles
$38-90
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/rain-beatlestribute-2024
APRIL 19
The New Pure Gold $27
The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin lamptheatre.org/the-new-pure-gold
APRIL 19, 20, 26 AND 27
Legend of the Magic Water Show
$7 per person show only, $30 per person dinner theater Pennsylvania Maple Festival, 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale pamaplefestival.com/legend-of-the-magicwater.html
APRIL 20
Hammer-In Festival Free
9 a.m.
114 Water St., Rices Landing riversofsteel.com/experiences/festivals/ hammer-in-blacksmithing-festival/
Waynesburg University
Baseball vs. Allegheny Free
1 p.m.
W. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg waynesburgsports.com/sports/baseball
Artswalk 2024
Free
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg
thewestmoreland.org/event/artswalk-2024
Pendulum: A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
$32
8 p.m.
The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin lamptheatre.org/pendulum-ccr-tribute
APRIL 20 TO 28
Quilt Show
9 a.m.
Pennsylvania Maple Festival, 202 Main St., Meyersdale pamaplefestival.com/quilt-show.html
APRIL 21
Pittsburgh Oldies All Stars
$38, $43, $53, $58, $78
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/pittsburgholdies-2024
Truck, Motorcycle, Side-by-Side and ATV Show
Pennsylvania Maple Festival 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale pamaplefestival.com/truck-and-motorcycle-
show.html
APRIL 21, 24 TO 28
Pennsylvania Maple Festival
120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale pamaplefestival.com
APRIL 26
Art on Tap: Fla-mingle
$12 member, $15 non-member
7 to 10 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N Main St., Greensburg facebook.com/thewestmoreland
APRIL 26 AND 27
Jersey Boys
$16-42
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/stage-rightjersey-boys
APRIL 27
Opening Day at Greene County Museum
10 a.m.
Greene County Historical Museum, 918 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg greenecountyhistory.org
Kite Day
Free
Noon to 3 p.m.
Washington Park, 283 Dunn Ave., Washington
facebook.com/thewashingtonpark
Waynesburg University
Baseball vs. Juniata
Free
1 p.m.
W. Roy Furman Highway in Waynesburg waynesburgsports.com/sports/baseball
Brass Metropolis: A Tribute to Chicago
$35
8 p.m.
The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin lamptheatre.org/brass-metropolis
Children’s Studio: Starry Night
$20 member, $25 non-member
10 a.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/childrens-
saturday-studio-starry-night
Grand Feature Parade
1 p.m.
Pennsylvania Maple Festival, 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale
pamaplefestival.com/grand-featureparade.html
Spring Car Cruise
Free
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Irwin Business & Professional Association, Main Street, Irwin downtownirwin.com
MAY 3
Benise - Fiesta!
$32.50-95.50
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/benise-fiesta
First Friday
Free
4-8 p.m.
Downtown Washington Community Pavilion facebook.com/WashPAFirstFridays
Continued on page 24
MAY 4
Birds and Blooms Hike in the Indian Creek Gorge Free
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Indian Creek Valley Gorge mtwatershed.com/event/birds-bloomshike-in-the-gorge
MAY 7
Pop-Up Studio: Semi-Precious Jewelry Making
$20 member, $25 non-member 5 to 8 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/pop-up-studiosemi-precious-jewelry-making
MAY 9
Wait Until Dark
$24 adults, $15 youth Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Dr. S., Canonsburg littlelake.org
Jersey Seasons: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
$33-75
7:30 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/jerseyseasons-2024
MAY 11
Duncan & Miller Museum Sidewalk Sale Free
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Duncan & Miller Glass Museum, 100 Ridge Ave., Washington duncan-miller.org
Makers Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Overton Village and Museum, 109 W. Overton Road, Scottdale westovertonvillage.org
Rose Care Masterclass
Free, but registration encouraged
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Remember Me Rose Garden, 6488 Old Lincoln Highway, Stoystown remembermerosegarden.org
Wine, Whiskey and Sweets Walk
$25
1-5 p.m.
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St., Town Hall, Ligonier ligonier.com
MAY 14
Achievement in the Arts
5 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg
thepalacetheatre.org/westmorelandcultural-trust/wct-community-focus
The Mon-Yough Now and Then
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rostraver Township Historical Society, 800 Fellsburg Road, Rostraver Township
MAY 17 TO 19
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
$11-16 presale, $13-18 at the door Greensburg Civic Theatre, 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg gctheatre.org/event-post/the-curiousincident-of-the-dog-in-the-nighttime
MAY 18
Spring Tea and Garden Party
$50
Bradford House Museum
bradfordhouse.org
Artist Tour and Happy Hour
$20 member, $25 non-member 3-4:30 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/artist-tourhappy-hour-2/
West Newton River CleanupSpring Free
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mountain Watershed Association, West Newton Public Launch mtwatershed.com/event/west-newtonriver-cleanup-spring
MAY 18 AND 19
ATV Motocross National Championship
High Point Raceway, 218 Taylortown Road, Mount Morris
atvmotocross.com/event/high-point-mx
MAY 18 TO JUNE 5
Westmoreland Art National
Continued on page 26
Juried Art Exhibit in partnership with Westmoreland County Community College
6 p.m.
WCCC, Health and Culinary Center, 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood
MAY 19
Flashlight Drags
$40 for racers, $10 for spectators
Gates open at noon, racing 2-6 p.m.
Greene County Airport, 417 E. Roy Furman Hwy, Waynesburg flashlightdrags.com
My Mother’s Italian. My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy
$45-75
3 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg thepalacetheatre.org/events/my-mothersitalian
Sunday Fun Day: Asian American and Pacidic Islander Heritage
Free
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/sunday-funday-asian-american-and-pacific-islanderheritage
MAY 21
The RMS Lusitania, Part II Free
6-7 p.m.
Greene County Historical Museum, 918 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg greenecountyhistory.org
MAY 24
Art on Tap: National Scavenger Hunt
$12 member, $15 non-member 7-10 p.m.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg thewestmoreland.org/event/art-on-tapnational-scavenger-hunt
MAY 24 AND 25
Let’s Dance
$17-22, children under 12 free Washington Symphony Orchestra, 285 E. Wheeling St., Washington
washsym.org
MAY 24 TO 26
Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival
Free
Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, 210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA pghfoodtruckfest.com
Northeast Amateur Regional High Point Raceway, 218 Taylortown Road, Mount Morris mxsports.com/event/high-point-raceway
MAY 31
Commemorating the Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood
Johnstown Flood National Memorial, 733 Lake Road, South Fork
JUNE 1
Second Annual Fayette County Fiber Festival
Free
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fayette County Fairgrounds Fiddlers Build-
ing, 132 Pechin Road, Dunbar fayettecofiberfestival.weebly.com
National Trail Day Pancake Breakfast
8 a.m. to noon
$8 adults, $4 child 10 and under McDonald Trail Station and History Center, 161 S. McDonald St., McDonald mcdonaldtrailstation.com
Antiques on the Diamond Free
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier ligonier.com
LSHT Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival
$20 general admission, $25 at the door 4-10 p.m.
Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails, 503 Green Valley St., Johnstown lshikingtrails.com/EVENTS#LSHTBEERWINEA NDSPIRITSFESTIVALJUNE2024
JUNE 1 AND 2
Mason-Dixon GNCC
High Point Raceway, 218 Taylortown Road, Continued on page 30
Mount Morris gnccracing.com/event/mason-dixon
JUNE 3-8
Mister Rogers Family Days Latrobe Art Center & Cafe, 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe misterrogersfamilyday.org
JUNE 6
Sunday Evening Band Concert: Blairsville Community Band
Free
7-9 p.m.
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier ligonier.com
JUNE 6 TO 23
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
$25 adults, $15 youth Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Dr. S., Canonsburg littlelake.org
JUNE 7
First Friday
Free
4-8 p.m.
Downtown Washington Community Pavilion facebook.com/WashPAFirstFridays
JUNE 8
Cruisin’ to the Museum Car Show $10 per vehicle, spectators are free Registration 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., winners announced at 3 p.m.
Greene County Historical Museum, 918 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg greenecountyhistory.org
Greene County Mega Pull
6 p.m.
Greene County Fairgrounds, 107 Fairgrounds Road, Waynesburg greenecountyfair.org/mega-pull
Color Run
$20
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Washington Park and Pool, 283 Dunn Ave., Washington facebook.com/thewashingtonpark
Irwin Street Market Free
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Irwin Business & Professional Association
Main Street downtownirwin.com
JUNE 10
The Port Royal #2 Mine Disaster
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Rostraver Township Historical Society, 800 Fellsburg Road, Rostraver Township
JUNE 14 TO 16
High Point National Pro Motocross
Purchase tickets online
highpointmx.com/event/high-point-national High Point Raceway, 218 Taylortown Road, Mount Morris
JUNE 20
Ligonier Night Market Free
5-8 p.m.
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier ligonier.com
JUNE 22
18th Annual “Inside Ligonier
Valley”: A Home Tour
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, 3435 State Route 30 E., Latrobe lhhc.org/news-events/ligonier-valley-hometour.html
JUNE 28-30
Ligonier Valley Bluegrass Festival
44 Fire Hall Road, Ligonier
JUNE 29
Founding Day Free
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown Uniontown foundingdayfestival.com
JUNE 30
Sunday Evening Band Concert: Jeannette Community Band Free
7-9 p.m.
Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St. ligonier.com
