E xclusive interview with our neighbor
David Newell
N ational Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association Show is in full gear for 2016

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2016
With Our Neighbor David Newell
Pavilion will be Newest Attraction as
Market Reaches 13th Season
National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association
Show is in Full Gear for 2016
Upcoming Events for Spring and Summer
Owner of Famous Century Inn Starts to Rebuild
INSIDE WASHINGTON COUNTY PRODUCED BY:
PUBLISHER
Jeff M. Kotula
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Tara M. Gleason
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
MANAGING EDITOR
Debbie A. Sims
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Matt Miller
Observer Publishing Company
PRINTER
Knepper Press
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER
Mike Melone
Melone Advertising Group
PRODUCTION
Paula Dudley
Melone Advertising Group
EDITORIAL
Earl Bugaile
Sylvia Cavallo
Kristin Emery
John
E. Sacco
Beth Seabright
ART / PHOTOGRAPHY
The Fred Rodgers Company
Melone Advertising Group
Observer Publishing Company
375 Southpointe Boulevard
Suite 240
Canonsburg, PA 15317 washcochamber.com
visitwashingtoncountypa.com
Inside Washington County is published by the
Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.
© Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
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By John E. Sacco
T he crack of the bat and the chatter from the fielders of the Washington Wild Things and Pennsylvania
Rebellion professional baseball and softball teams will not be the only sounds emanating from CONSOL Energy Park in North Franklin Township in Washington County this spring, summer and fall.
The ballpark, built initially to be the home of the Frontier
League’s Wild Things, has evolved into a multi-use facility over
experience, whether it is a ball game, concert or something else.
We want people to come, enjoy themselves and leave thinking, what a great place.”
One of those people who thinks CONSOL Energy Park is a good place is Bridgete Kirwan, who is the head of the popular
Washington Antiques Fair – which hosts shows the last Sunday of each month from March through October.
the past 15 years, hosting area college and high school baseball teams, the WPIAL baseball championships, concerts, professional wrestling, youth athletic tournaments, camps – tryout and instructional – for professional, college-bound players and youth players, antique shows and many other activities which all enhance the value of the beautiful ballpark and Washington County.
“In essence, when the ballpark was built, we were bringing in the Wild Things,” said Christine Blaine, director of marketing and communications for the Wild Things and Rebellion. “But the thought all along was that the park could be a community asset.”
Blaine said keeping the ballpark open and providing entertainment is the goal of Stuart and Francine Williams, the managing partners of the organization.
“It is important to the Williams family to utilize the ballpark for the community and to keep it open as many days out of the year as the weather will allow. The hope has always been, and continues to be, to add to the quality of life in Washington
County. Beyond that, there also is an effort to make it a venue for others outside our county and community to enjoy an
Kirwan said the antique fair has a loyal following from all over the county and it attracts people from outside the country and an occasional celebrity.
This will be Kirwan’s 38th season and 12th at CONSOL
Energy Park. The fair was previously operated out of The
Meadows for 26 years. But the construction of the casino prompted a move to a new venue.
“We have a big following,” Kirwan said. “And CONSOL
Energy Park is a good fit. It is right off Interstate 70. The vendors come right into the parking lot and can set up and begin to sell their goods. We have a good relationship with the
Wild Things and they are very cooperative and they know what we need. It has really been a lot of fun.”
Kirwan reminds patrons that in March the show will be held the next-to-last Sunday of the month as Easter is the last
Sunday of the month.
Blaine acknowledges the antique fairs are very popular and they are good for the community and for many outside the area.
She said the circuit that has been created through the
38 years allows Kirwan to see as many as 200 to 250 vendors each show.
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While concerts and other events draw people to the park, baseball and softball continue to be compelling factors.
California University plays its home baseball games at the park.
Trinity High School and a host of other high school teams play games at the site as well. Blaine added that youth tournaments, both baseball and softball, will be a focal point moving forward.
“Our facility lends itself to it,” she added. “The youth tournaments have been on our radar. Washington County
Tourism views youth tournaments as an untapped market for our hotel and visitor attraction efforts. We dipped our toes last year; this year we are going to go full force to make it happen.”
One of the most attractive and anticipated features is the
WPIAL baseball championships, which are contested at
CONSOL Energy Park. For the past several years, the
WPIAL’s champion in four classifications has been crowned there.
The title games will again be played there this year as part of two double-headers over two days. The current format will have to change in 2017 as the PIAA has expanded to six classifications in multiple sports, including baseball.
Blaine said the Wild Things will do what is necessary to accommodate the WPIAL.
“It has been a great partnership,” Blaine said. “We are always interested in young athletes. Players like coming to the park and playing for something so significant there. From our perspective, this has been fantastic. We will do everything possible to meet their needs.”
Tim O’Malley, executive director of the WPIAL, said the games will return to CONSOL Energy Park the next few years. While he understands some adjustments will need to be made, he is hoping to keep the championship site as long as possible.
“The ability for us to go there and hold the championship games is greatly appreciated,” O’Malley said. “It has served us well. It is the best baseball facility around for us to contest our championship games. The experience there is second to none.
The access is great and the atmosphere and setting are perfect.
They have the ability to accommodate the crowd. The park is intimate. It has just been a positive experience. Preliminarily, we will discuss what our needs will be going forward, whether it is three double-headers over three days or two triple-headers over two days. We will look at the dates and at their calendar and it will be figured out.”
Blaine said it is these types of events, including professional baseball and softball, which make the park so vital.
“It is important to us to attract people to the facility,” she added. “That helps the community as a whole with people, from inside and outside the county, patronizing restaurants, shopping venues and hotels. The goal is to make it as attractive as we can to make it great for those who live, work and play in
Washington County.”
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David Newell as “Mr. McFeely”
With
By Kristin Emery
Company: The Fred Rogers Company
I f you grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, you know the name Mr. McFeely. Now, thanks to syndication, the Internet and video streaming services, people around the world do as well. Pittsburgh native David Newell spent his career playing the lovable deliveryman on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. “I guess you could call me emeritus,” he says. “I worked for the company beginning in 1967 until last year full-time. I still do Mr.
Rogers.” Newell lives in O’Hara Township with his wife and is the father of three as well as
McFeely appearances as well as speak to groups relating my years working with Fred grandfather to three. He recalls the creation of his signature role. “A mutual friend heard Fred had received funding by the Sears and Roebuck Company to expand Mister Rogers’
Neighborhood from a regional to a national program and set up an interview,” recalls Newell.
“Fred added he had heard I had experience as an actor and wanted me to play the part of the delivery man. After about an hour he said, ‘You got the job!’ I was production assistant and Mr.
McFeely. I thought I had a job for one year.” That was 1967 and Mr. McFeely is still delivering in the Neighborhood almost 50 years later. If you have ever wondered how the character’s name originated, McFeely is Fred Rogers’ middle name and his grandfather’s last name.
Mr. McFeely’s trademark phrase is “Speedy delivery!” and generations grew up hearing it. That speed even inspired an
episode of the show. “Fred wrote the majority of the scripts and thought of a lesson for children to learn to take their
time,” remembers Newell. “Instead of dashing off to another delivery, Fred invited Mr. McFeely in to rest for a moment
and take his time. McFeely then went on his way and that gave Fred a chance to talk to the viewers about taking time and to sing a song he wrote called I Like to Take My Time.
”
That episode started to grow Mr. McFeely’s role in the
program. The next season, Rogers introduced McFeely’s house, wife, pets and hobbies, and one segment brought Mr. McFeely to what is now the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Arden in
Washington County. Newell says that marked the first Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood visit to the museum in the early 1970's.
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The Neighborhood Trolley plays an important role on the show and Newell has an affinity for trolleys both in his acting role on the show and in real life. Newell remembers taking the trolley as a child to see movies with his grandfather.
Mr. McFeely now appears at the Pennsylvania Trolley
Museum’s annual Parade of Trolleys which will take place
June 25th this year. (Trolley parades will occur at
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., Event admission is
$10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7 for children
(ages 3 – 15). Ages 2 and under are free.) Newell says,
“My connection with the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum began many years ago when Fred Rogers wrote a script where Mr. and Mrs. McFeely purchased their first phonograph. They went to the trolley stop and boarded one of trolleys from the museum's collection. Over the years,
Fred wrote other segments that incorporated the museum into the storyline.” The museum inspired Rogers to write scripts that included trolleys. Newell adds, “I am so impressed not only how the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has grown over the years, but also with the many volunteers who donate their time to save and restore historical trolleys from all over the country. They even have the original ‘Streetcar
Named Desire’ in the collection.” He thinks it plays an important role in educating children about transportation and history. “Generations of children have seen the Neighborhood
Trolley on the show and when they actually see one for real and have a chance to ride on it, hopefully, it will give them perspective on how transportation has changed over the years.”
What does Newell credit for the enduring popularity of Mr.
McFeely and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? “The Internet and related media are able to make the show available for today's
Mr. McFeely a t the Pennsylva nia Trolley Mu seum families,” says Newell. “It helps Fred Rogers’ legacy carry on into newer generations. Of course, nostalgia is another factor.
Parents loved the program as they were growing up and want to give their children the same love and enjoyment.” Mister
Rogers’ Neighborhood is available on NetFlix, Amazon.com and
PBSKids.org as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings on
WQED-TV. Newell says he never envisioned playing Mr.
McFeely for nearly 50 years but that he has loved every minute of it. “Being involved with the creation and production of
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has been a wonderful career,” he says. “I always looked forward to going to work each day to help
Fred Rogers and the staff create a new program that would help introduce children to what Fred said was ‘a smorgasbord of possibilities’ in this world about education and learning.”
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By Earl Bugaile
Washington’s Main Street Farmers Market has been in operation for 12 years, and as the downtown attraction prepares for its 13th season, it will get an entire new look.
A new pavilion is near completion and will protect the vendors and visitors from nature’s elements, as well as create a new identity for itself.
“There has been a saying around Washington that when it is raining, it must be Thursday, and the Farmers Market is open,” said Suzanne Ewing, president of Main Street
Farmers Market, Inc., who was one of the original organizers of the event that takes place every Thursday between the second week of May and the end of October.
The new pavilion will be finished in time for the 2016 season and is being built through monies from the Washington
County Local Share Account,
Washington County Tourism
Promotion Agency, City of
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Washington, Washington & Jefferson College as well as support from foundations, businesses and individual donors. “It is really a wonderful community spirit that has helped build this pavilion, and we are very excited and grateful for the community’s support,” Ewing said.
Larry Maggi, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, also sees the pavilion as an accomplishment for partnerships in the community. “By working together with the city, county, Washington County
Tourism Promotion Agency, Washington & Jefferson
College and many other local investors, we have created a true showplace for the city and a tremendous attraction for the county,” Maggi commented.
Despite rain and thundershowers on some of the Farmers Market days, the event as a whole has been a success for the vendors and shoppers. Several of the vendors
participating in 2015 were among the original group that
Suzanne Ewing
The new pavilion is expected to only enhance the Farmer’s
Market experience for both the vendors and shoppers. first laid out their tables and wares in the parking lot across from the Observer-Reporter in 2004. Those who have participated have encouraged more vendors to join, resulting in larger crowds of customers each year.
“I think the vendors will be excited to have the shelter. “We will not have to worry about the wind whipping through and knocking down the vendors’ tents in bad weather,”
Ewing said. “There will be electricity at each of the bays to make it more functional.”
“The vendors come back year after year because this market is a good place to sell, and they like the community,” Ewing said. “They get a lot of support at our market and it is good for their business. What has been interesting is that when we started the Main Street
Farmer’s Market 13 years ago, there were not a lot of farmers markets around. Now there are farmers markets popping up all over the region, and the competition is greater for good farmers and vendors. We have been able to hold on to the vendors and they want to keep coming back. That is a testament to the success they have had at our Main Street Farmers Market.”
Some vendors have inquired if the season can be extended beyond October and into November and December. Others have indicated an interest in selling Christmas trees and wreaths, along with crafts. “We will have to see how it goes, and how the pavilion gets used, but all of us are very excited about the new possibilities the pavilion can bring to our market,” Ewing said.
Ewing said vendors have enjoyed participating in an event that takes place in a small town community, which allows them to get many repeat customers. “Vendors have made friends with the customers over the years. They enjoy the festival atmosphere with music, kids’ activities and nonprofits also participating. Our programming creates a real sense of community and they feel like they are welcome here, and they do a good business.”
Washington Mayor Scott Putnam says he looks forward to the continued operation of the Main Street Farmers Market and sees it as an attraction that can be built upon for other events in the city. The addition of the pavilion in the parking lot makes the community a place where visitors will want to come and stay.
“The Farmers Market has been a tremendous success,”
Putnam said. “The pavilion will give the city a center for other events as well.”
An artist’s rendering of the canopy covering the city parking lot on South Main Street in Washington, the site of Main Street Farmers Market.

Putnam said events such as the Whiskey Rebellion
Festival, car cruises, band concerts and other attractions can utilize the pavilion more than once a year and the success can spill over to the entire community.
“The city will be responsible for maintenance costs of the pavilion, and we want to see it used,” Putnam said. “I would also hope that the Thursday Farmer’s Markets could turn into a ‘Thursday Night Lights’ type of event for all of
Washington, where city businesses could stay open and give people who attend the market something to stay in town for.”
The first phase of the pavilion will be ready when the
Washington Farmer’s Market opens in May. The second phase, which includes office space and restrooms, will be completed as additional funds are raised.
Fresh produce at the Main Street
Farmers Market in Washington
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UP!
By Earl Bugaile
A group of five people from Washington County and its neighbors were captivated by the kind of machines used on farms and on industrial sites, and in 1980, formed the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse
Association to preserve this piece of history. They created their preservation site on five acres of land in Centerville, and now in
High Lift its 36th year of existence, the organization continues to chug along.
“They had a passion for the agricultural and industrial equipment and procedures that were used back in the day,” said Ted Swoger, marketing director and board member of the
Association. “Many of them were involved in using the equipment for their livelihood.”
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Every year, thousands of people are drawn to the site for the
National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association annual show that takes place in May during National Pike Days. Many return in August to attend the Association’s summer show. The two annual events have drawn enthusiasts and their families from across the United States and Canada, and even some from other countries, as well.
The Association continues to draw new visitors every year.
It is fulfilling the dreams its founders had when they began assembling a wide range of equipment, from steam engines, steam shovels, and a wide range of gas and oil machinery that was once a mainstay of farms and industries everywhere.
Paddy Greene Steam Shovel
“They wanted to encourage and foster the knowledge that they had of farming and industrial equipment, the procedures used to operate the machines, and promote that with fellowship and good times between the young and the old,” Swoger said.
The two annual shows have achieved those goals and more.
The site, which has grown over the years from the original five acres to over 100 acres, allows space for visitors to get an up close look at the machinery in action, which captivates children and adults who have never had the opportunity to see how things were done in the day before modern equipment made it obsolete.
One of the many attractions is a steam powered shovel that dates back to 1913. Some equipment is even older.
Maintenance operations to keep the equipment running are always taking place. Swoger noted that because replacement parts are now harder to come by, crews are constantly looking for innovative ways to keep it operational.
Today, there are more than 650 active members in the National
Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association. Members come from all over the tri-state area.
Swoger said the show that is part of the National Pike Days held May 21-22 is free of charge, although the show in August
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Coal Display has an admission fee. The summer show will be held August
12-14 and sometimes centers on a particular brand or type of equipment, which attracts crowds interested in that type of machinery. This year the show will feature equipment manufactured by Caterpillar. It will coincide with the company’s annual show, which Swoger said guarantees huge crowds.
Although there are steam and gas museums and displays in the other areas of the country, Swoger said the National Pike Steam, Gas and
Horse Association is unique, because it is one of only a few where visitors can see the equipment in operation. “It is touted as the largest digging show of its kind in the United States as acres of land at their site is devoted to steam shovels and digging,” he noted.
In the agricultural area, visitors can watch plowing, planting and harvesting of wheat. The August show features demonstrations on threshing and bailing. “It gives a sense we are actually using farm equipment as well,” Swoger said.
Various types of tractors and manufacturers are featured.
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Swoger said that most of the operating equipment at the
National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association is privately owned by its members. “They are responsible for maintaining their equipment and keep it running. We provide the venue that allows them to operate.”
Much of the larger equipment is stored at the site, while other equipment is brought in to the shows.
“Usually a week or two before the show, it is a pretty busy place, as members are getting their equipment ready,” Swoger said.
Preparations are well underway for the show during the upcoming
National Pike Festival, and Swoger said it should provide a variety of entertainment.
Steam Shovel
“There is a lot for the whole family to see,” he said. The show will also include crafts, food kitchens and a flea market, and the annual
National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association show is pet friendly.
Additional information about both the May and August shows is available at 724.785.6855.
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By Sylvia Cavallo
T errie and Jim Steiner are true examples of folks who believe that if you want something done, you should probably do it yourself.
While the former operators of Freelance Graphics, a printing and design company in Monongahela, began to seek out answers to questions about the history of the city, Terrie and
Jim utilized their digital knowledge and together with several other members of the Monongahela Area Historical
Society, developed a free, self-guided Monongahela
Historic District Walking
Tour. This interactive brochure equipped with
Quick Read (QR) codes provides users a comprehensive and descriptive overview of the city and some of its historic buildings. Brochure users simply download the free QR Reader application on their smart phones and scan the code next to each site in the brochure to bring up narrated videos which include old photos and additional history about former residents. While the tour is most complete with the QR codes, it can also be taken without them.
“The walking tour was definitely born out of my own interest to know more,” said Terrie Steiner. “I spent eight months writing scripts and my husband put the videos together.
Speech and theater students of California University of
Pennsylvania provided the narration. Their work was very impressive and we were so pleased with the results.”
The Steiner’s are members of the Monongahela Area Historical
Society Board of Directors, and have been highly instrumental in building the organization’s membership and planning events toward the funding of a museum to house its collections. They hope the facility will double as a community center where residents can gather to focus on energy, activity and pride in
Monongahela.
“Our events are essential to pay the bills and keep our museum open,” said Monongahela Area Historical Society President
Susan Bowers. “The Board has been integral in our process to
A fundraising event that is open to the general public and designed to invite members of other communities and local residents to enjoy the ambiance of
Monongahela while strolling the town to receive either merchandise or refreshments at each location. All tickets give participants a chance to win prizes.
A repeat of the successful first tour in the
Living History Series presenting local historical events from the perspective of the woman who lived through them. Those attending will interact with the characters at different sites as they make history come to life.
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chair activities and promote new programs while being supported by our members. Through our events, we have been able to draw visitors from surrounding areas to shop and recreate in our region. We provide an essential link to promote our mission statement of ‘Preserving the Past for the Future.’
These activities allow us to meet this goal. We provide education programs for local Scout groups and educational presentations at our monthly meetings. We are dedicated to our history and our present community.”
For additional information, tickets to upcoming events, donations or membership, please visit monongahelahistoricalsociety.com or call 724.292.8247.
Museum hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. or when volunteers are available.
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By Beth Seabright
Celebrating its 68th season, Little Lake Theatre is a bright spot in the Washington County arts scene with its amazing performances, camps and educational programs.
The theatre is open from May through December, and in those eight months, typically produces 15 shows. The theatre offers three different series to entertain audiences of all ages. The
Main Stage series offers 11 plays each season, the Looking Glass series takes place in the summer targeting families and is based on beloved children’s books, and the Fall Family Matinee series also offers family friendly productions.
Little Lake Theatre runs a dynamic season with plays continuously in rotation. Each show has three weeks of rehearsal, followed by three weeks of performances. Kevin
Gallagher, board president of Little Lake Theatre, explained,
“There is always great energy and activity at the Lake. At the same time one play is in production in the theatre, the next is being rehearsed in the barn. During intermission, it is not unusual to see audience members wander down to get a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.”
The actors are volunteers who primarily come from
Washington or Allegheny Counties, though they have had actors come from 90 minutes away just to be in a particular show. “Since so many of our actors and crew are employed in
‘real-life’ professions during the day, it always inspires me to know how dedicated and giving they are of their time, focus and talent to create exceptional, engaging experiences for our audiences,” remarked Gallagher about his talented casts and crew.
Always trying to develop new ideas to heighten the Little Lake
Theatre experience for attendees, the theatre offers a “Date
Night” package which includes two tickets to a show, two drinks from their full-service bar and a dessert.
For children and teenagers with a passion for acting, Little Lake
Theatre offers theater arts summer camps in July and August for ages 11 through 18. The camps provide an opportunity for area youth to get a behind the scenes glimpse at the theater world while being taught acting skills, and culminate with a showcase performance.
Adults can also hone their acting skills through a ten-week course offered in the Fall called “I Can Do That Acting
Course”. In the class, students are taught acting basics and are given an overview of everything that needs to take place to put on a successful show.
Visit Little Lake Theatre’s website in Mid March to see the
2016 show schedule, including more details on the first performance of the season, Jeeves Intervenes.
is annually awarded to a high school senior or current college student who has performed or helped in a production and is pursuing a college degree in the performing arts.
Old Schoolhouse Players also sponsors Venture Crew 1396, a part of the Boy Scouts of America. Through Venture Crew
1396, young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 are able to learn a wide range of theater skills, from lighting to acting.
The productions offered at this community theater are top notch. “Everyone works very hard to make productions as professional as we can,” said Turk.
To learn more, please visit
Known as Broadway in the Country, Old Schoolhouse Players is a family of volunteers with a true love and passion for theater and the arts. Old Schoolhouse Players is located in the Bud
Allison Memorial Auditorium in the Mt. Pleasant Township
Community Center and has been producing shows since 1992.
Old Schoolhouse Players offers both straight plays and musicals, and will be producing six shows in 2016. The first show of the year, The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second
Trinity Victory Church will be on the stage the last weekend of
February and the first weekend in March.
Do not be surprised if you see your friends and neighbors on the stage. “Old Schoolhouse Players is truly a community theater,” said Carole Turk, director of public relations for the theater. The talented show casts bring together actors from
Washington and Pittsburgh, all of whom have put their heart into rehearsing and putting on a show, after a full day of work.
“Our actors come from a number of professions - teachers, doctors, lawyers, even local former politicians,” Turk said.
The behind the scenes talent to put on the performances is remarkable as well. Volunteers collaborate to design scenery and sets, sew costumes and do whatever it takes to make a flawless production. For musicals, Old Schoolhouse Players brings in an orchestra to accompany the vocals in the show.
With a focus on advancing the arts through our youth, Old
Schoolhouse Players has developed a scholarship program that
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C A L E N D A R
S P R I N G / S U M M E R
2 0 1 6
2016
March 3 – 5
Winter Tales XIV
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
March 4 – 6
“The Charitable Sisterhood of the
Second Trinity Victory Church”
Old Schoolhouse Players
Mt. Pleasant Twp.
Community Center
Hickory, PA osptheater.com
March 7 – 13
Washington County
Restaurant Week
Participating Washington
County Restaurants washingtoncountyrestaurantweek.com
March 8
The Jazz Conspiracy
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
March 11 – 12
Washington County Ag Days
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA shopwashingtoncrown.com
March 12
A Taste of St. Patrick’s Day
Montgomery Mansion
Claysville, PA montgomerymansion.net
March 12
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
River House Café
Charleroi, PA riverhousecafe-pa.com
March 16
Maple Sugarbrush
Tour & Breakfast
Mingo Creek County Park-Shelter 6
Finleyville, PA co.washington.pa.us
March 18
Tres Lads Concert
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA bellaserapgh.com
March 18
Symposium on 18th Century
Life and Customs in Western
Pennsylvania
Washington & Jefferson College
Chapel in Old Main
Washington, PA bradfordhouse.org
March 18 – 20, 25 – 26
Bunny Trolley
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington, PA pa-trolley.org
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March 19
Multiphasic Blood Screening
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Anthony M. Lombardi
Education Conference Center
Monongahela, PA monvalleyhospital.com
March 19
Easter Egg Hunt
Chess Park
Monongahela, PA monongahelaareachamber.org
March 19
St. Patrick's Day Tea
Goody Two Shoes English Tea Room
Monongahela, PA
724.258.2244
March 19
Easter Egg Hunt
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
March 19
Kid's Fest
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA shopwashingtoncrown.com
March 20
Palm Sunday Feast
The Springhouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
March 20
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
March 20
Up Close and Personal: The
WSO Chamber Ensemble
Washington & Jefferson College
P.C. Rossin Campus Center Ballroom
Washington, PA washsym.org
March 27
Easter Brunch
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA bellaserapgh.com
2016
April 1
April Foolies Concert
Church of the Covenant
Washington, PA washingtonfestivalchorale.org
April 1
W&J Jazz Ensemble
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
April 2
Trail Station Season Opening
McDonald Trail Station
McDonald, PA mcdonaldtrailstation.com
April 2, 9, 16, & 23
“The Somewhat True Tale of
Robinhood”
Old Schoolhouse Players
Mt. Pleasant Twp.
Community Center
Hickory, PA osptheater.com
April 6
Opening Day 2016
David Bradford House
Washington, PA bradfordhouse.org
April 6
“Mommy & Me” Morning
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
April 9
World Fighting
Championship Boxing
The Meadows Casino
Event Center
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
April 9
Trout Stocking
Ten Mile Creek
Marianna, PA mariannaoutdoors.com
April 9 – 10
Gourmet Food Truck
Spring Round-Up
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
April 9 – 10
A.R.H. Gun Show & Sales
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA arhsportshop.com
April 10
Underground Railroad in
Washington County
West Middletown, PA
WashCoLandmarks.com
April 14 – 16
World Premier:
Consider the Circle
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
April 15
Chefs for CASA
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA casawashingtoncounty.org
April 15 – 17
Spring Open House
Shops of Scenery Hill
Scenery Hill, PA
724.945.5400
April 17
Spring Ham and Turkey Dinner
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
April 22
Spring Choral Concert
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
April 22 – 24
1st Annual Spring Splendor
Gift and Craft Expo
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA shopwashingtoncrown.com
April 22 – 24
Auto Show
The Meadows Casino
Event Center
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
April 24
7th Annual Walk MS
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
April 24
Cement City Home and
Walking Tour
Donora Smog Museum
Donora, PA donorahistoricalsociety.org
April 24
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
April 24
W&J Wind Ensemble
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
April 26
Election Day Bake & Soup Sale
McDonald Trail Station
McDonald, PA mcdonaldtrailstation.com
April 27
Broadway's Next H!T Musical
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
April 27
Colorectal Cancer
Education/Screening
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Anthony M. Lombardi
Education Conference Center
Monongahela, PA monvalleyhospital.com
April 29
No Bad Juju Concert
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA bellaserapgh.com
April 30
Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Montgomery Mansion
Claysville, PA montgomerymansion.net
April 30
Marianna Canoe Race
Marianna, PA mariannaoutdoor.com
2016
May 1
Opening Day 2016
Meadowcroft Rockshelter &
Historic Village
Avella, PA heinzhistorycenter.org
May 1
Stroll, Shop N Sip
Monongahela Area Historical
Society
Monongahela, PA monongahelahistoricalsociety.com
May 1 – 8
Mothers Day Treat
Montgomery Mansion
Claysville, PA montgomerymansion.net
May 7
Derby on the Apron
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
May 7
MARO Antique Appraisal
Monongahela Area Library
Monongahela, PA facebook.com/MonongahelaAreaRev italizationCorporationMarc
May 7
We Will Rock You!
Washington Symphony Orchestra
Trinity High School
Washington, PA washsym.org
May 8
Mother's Day
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA bellaserapgh.com
May 8
Mother's Day BBQ
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
May 13
Music Faculty Showcase
Recital
Washington & Jefferson College
Olin Fine Arts Center
Washington, PA washjeff.edu
May 13
Mini Golf Outing
Red Carpet Mini Golf
Canonsburg, PA northstrabanetwp.com
May 13
Dierks Bentley with
Randy Houser and Cam
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
May 13 – 14
Western PA Trolley Meet
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington, PA pa-trolley.org
May 13 - 15, 20 – 22
“Children of Eden”
Old Schoolhouse Players
Mt. Pleasant Twp.
Community Center
Hickory, PA osptheater.com
May 14
King of the Cage
The Meadows Casino
Event Center
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
May 20
Grillin' & Swillin'
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA bellaserapgh.com
May 20 - 22
Wild Things Home Opener
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonwildthings.com
May 21
Monongahela Pooch Parade
Chess Park
Monongahela, PA facebook.com/MonongahelaArea
RevitalizationCorporationMarc/
May 21
Preakness
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
May 21 – 22
National Pike Festival
Heritage Days
David Bradford House
Washington, PA bradfordhouse.org
May 21 – 22
43rd Annual
National Road Festival
Washington, PA nationalroadpa.org
May 21 – 22
National Pike Steam, Gas and
Horse Association Show
Centerville, PA nationalpike.com
May 26
“A Taste of the Orient”
Wine Dinner
River House Café
Monongahela, PA riverhousecafe-pa.com
May 27 – 30
Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
May 28
Farm Heritage Day
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
June 11
Belmont & BJ Thomas Concert
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
June 17
Campfire Jam Night
Mingo Creek County Park-Shelter 4
Finleyville, PA co.washington.pa.us
May 28 – 29
Washington County Food
Truck Festival
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
June 18
World Fighting
Championship Boxing
The Meadows Casino
Event Center
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
May 29
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
June 18
20th Annual Atlatl Competition
Meadowcroft Rockshelter
& Historic Village
Avella, PA heinzhistorycenter.org
May 30
Memorial Day BBQ
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
2016
June 3 – 4
All-Clad Factory Sale
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA all-clad.com
June 18
Community Celebration Day
North Strabane Municipal Park
Canonsburg, PA northstrabanetwp.com
June 18 – 19
A.R.H. Gun Show & Sales
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA arhsportshop.com
June 4
National Trail Day Fun Walk and Pancake Breakfast
McDonald Trail Station
McDonald, PA mcdonaldtrailstation.com
June 4
Pickin & Grining
Montgomery Mansion
Claysville, PA montgomerymansion.net
June 4
Fleatigue on the Mon
New Eagle thru Monongahela monongahelaareachamber.org
June 19
Father’s Day Steak Fry
& Chicken BBQ
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
June 24
Movie in the Park
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
June 25
Mr. McFeely’s Parade of Trolleys
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington, PA pa-trolley.org
June 4
Touch-a-Truck
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
June 5
Rebellion Home Opener
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA parebellion.com
June 25
Peters Township
Community Day
Peterswood Park
Venetia, PA peterstownship.com
June 25
Insider Tour of
Meadowcroft Rockshelter
Meadowcroft Rockshelter
& Historic Village
Avella, PA heinzhistorycenter.org
June 10
Auxiliary Strawberry Festival
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Anthony M. Lombardi
Education Conference Center
Monongahela, PA monvalleyhospital.com
June 10
Dixie Chicks
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
June 26
Darius Rucker with Dan +
Shay and Michael Ray
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
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June 26
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
June 26
Classic Car Show
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington, PA pa-trolley.org
June 30
Bentleyville Borough
Bi-Centennial
Bentleyville Richardson Park
Bentleyville, PA
724.239.2112
2016
July 1 – 4
4th of July Sidewalk Sale
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
July 2 – 3
Meadowcroft Independence
Day Celebration
Meadowcroft Rockshelter
& Historic Village
Avella, PA heinzhistorycenter.org
July 2 – 9 (Closed July 4)
McSummerfest 2016
Heritage Park
McDonald, PA mcdonaldfire.com
July 4
July 4th Parade
North Strabane Township
Canonsburg, PA northstrabanetwp.com
July 4
Independence Day BBQ
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
July 4
Three Ridges 4th of July
Celebration
West Alexander Fairgrounds
West Alexander, PA westalexfair.com
July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
Monongahela Aquatorium
Monongahela, PA monongahelaareachamber.org
July 7 – 10
Whiskey Rebellion Festival
Downtown Washington
Washington, PA whiskeyrebellionfestival.com
July 9 & 16
Touch-a-Truck
Peterswood Park
Venetia, PA peterstownship.com
38 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM
July 10
Classics on Main Car Show
Downtown Washington
Washington, PA whiskeyrebellionfestival.com
July 15 – 17, 22 – 24
“Footloose”
Old Schoolhouse Players
Mt. Pleasant Twp.
Community Center
Hickory, PA osptheater.com
July 16
Journey and The Doobie
Brothers with Dave Mason
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
July 16
Marianna Outdoorsmen
Association 2nd Annual
Catfish Derby
Marianna, PA mariannaoutdoor.com
July 17
Movie Night
North Strabane Township
Canonsburg, PA northstrabanetwp.com
July 21
Heart, Joan Jett & the
Blackhearts and Cheap Trick
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
July 22 – 23
Luke Bryan with Little Big
Town and Dustin Lynch
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
July 23
Adios Eliminations
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
July 23
Movie in the Park
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
July 23 – 24
41st Annual Duncan Miller
Glass Show & Sale
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA washingtonfair.org
July 26
Flea'tique Flea Market
McDonald Trail Station
McDonald, PA mcdonaldtrailstation.com
July 29
Whiskey Rebellion Dinner
Hilton Garden Inn
Pittsburgh/Southpointe
Canonsburg, PA whiskeyrebellionfestival.com
July 29
Twilight Trail Walk
St. Petersburg Center
McMurray, PA montourtrail.org
July 30
Marcellus Mania
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA washingtonfair.org
July 30
50th Adios and
King of the Cage
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
July 31
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
2016
August 2
Josh Groban with
Sarah McLachlan
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
August 5
Brad Paisley with Tyler Farr and Maddie & Tae
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
August 6 – 7
Washington Wine, Jazz,
& Pops Festival VI
North Strabane Municipal Park
Canonsburg, PA winejazzpops.org
August 11
Campfire Jam Night
Cross Creek County Park-Shelter 3
Avella, PA co.washington.pa.us
August 12 – 14
36th Annual National Pike
Steam, Gas and Horse
Association Show
Centerville, PA nationalpike.com
August 13
Toby Keith
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
August 13 – 14
KidsSTYLE Back-To-School Fun
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
August 13 – 20
Open House Underground
Railroad Display
Washington County Fairgrounds
John White House
Washington, PA
WashCoLandmarks.com
August 13 – 20
Washington County
Agricultural Fair
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA washingtonfair.org
August 19
Movie in the Park
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
August 20
Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Montgomery Mansion
Claysville, PA montgomerymansion.net
August 20
Peters Township Fishing Derby
Peters Lake Park
Canonsburg, PA peterstownship.com
August 20
Brantley Gilbert with Justin
Moore and Colt Ford
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
August 20 – 21
Corks & Kegs Festival
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
August 21
Movie Night
North Strabane Township
Canonsburg, PA northstrabanetwp.com
August 21
Cruisin Classics Car Show
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
August 27
Florida Georgia Line with Cole
Swindell, The Cadillac Three and Kane Brown
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
August 27
World Fighting
Championship Boxing
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
August 28
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
2016
September 2 – 5
Labor Day Sidewalk Sale
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
September 5
Labor Day BBQ
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
September 5 – 10
West Alexander Fair
West Alexander Fairgrounds
West Alexander, PA westalexfair.com
September 9
Rascal Flatts with
Kelsea Ballerini
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
September 11
Grandparents Day Ham &
Turkey Dinner
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
September 11
Trucks, Tractors & Trolleys
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington, PA pa-trolley.org
September 16
Annual Wine Event
David Bradford House
Washington, PA bradfordhouse.org
September 16 – 18
Pennsylvania Bavarian
Oktoberfest
Downtown Canonsburg
Canonsburg, PA canonchamber.com
September 17
King of the Cage
The Meadows Casino
Washington, PA meadowsgaming.com
September 22
Senior Expo
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA shopwashingtoncrown.com
September 23 – 25
1st Great Pumpkin Weekend
The SpringHouse
Burgettstown, PA springhousemarket.com
September 24
Jason Aldean with Thomas
Rhett and A Thousand Horses
First Niagara Pavilion
Burgettstown, PA livenation.com
September 24 – 25
American Indian
Heritage Weekend
Meadowcroft Rockshelter
& Historic Village
Avella, PA heinzhistorycenter.org
September 24 – 25
29th Annual Cecil Township
Fall Festival
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA ceciltownship-pa.gov
September 24 – 25
A.R.H. Gun Show & Sales
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA arhsportshop.com
September 25
Sunday 4H Hog Roasts
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA springhousemarket.com
September 25
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA washingtonantiquesfair.com
September 28
Prostate Screening and
Education Program
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Anthony M. Lombardi
Education Conference Center
Monongahela, PA monvalleyhospital.com
September 30
Auxiliary Apple/Fall Festival
Monongahela Valley Hospital
Anthony M. Lombardi
Education Conference Center
Monongahela, PA monvalleyhospital.com

40 WASHCOCHAMBER.COM
VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 41

By Kristin Emery
It has been just over six months since Megin Harrington’s world went up in flames. When the historic Century Inn caught fire
August 18th, the place Harrington called her home and her life’s work was reduced to rubble. She escaped the nighttime blaze with only the clothes on her back and one priceless item: the Whiskey
Rebellion flag. It is the only such flag documented to have survived from the 1790s Western Pennsylvania uprising over the federal excise tax on distilled spirits. Gone in minutes were her antiques, family photographs and livelihood. Harrington and her son were not the only ones to feel the loss since the Century Inn is travelers were rather famous, such as U.S. Presidents Andrew
Jackson and James K. Polk and the Revolutionary War’s Marquis de Lafayette. Through the years, the property changed hands and was eventually owned by Harrington’s in-laws before she and her late husband took the reins. The Century Inn is considered a local treasure and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Since the fire, Harrington has been living nearby and has chosen a project manager to oversee rebuilding. Next comes choosing an architect and drawing up plans for the guest rooms and dining so revered by Washington County residents. “It has been such a loss for so many people,” she says. “I remember the night of the fire, some of the firefighters were crying. They had either gotten married here or had christenings here. It means a lot to our area.”
That area of Scenery Hill along Route 40 in Washington County has been crucial in lending Harrington support and helping with her plans to rebuild. Most of the 227-year-old inn’s structure was destroyed by the fire. Yet the oldest part—the front stone facade built in 1788—remains stalwart. Harrington says, “We had the stone tested after the fire to make sure its integrity was not compromised and everyone agrees it was not.” That was the only piece of information she needed to know before deciding to rebuild. “All of the back has been removed and now we are ready for a fresh start,” she adds.
The Century Inn opened in 1794 as a place to host stage coach travelers along the National Road (Route 40). Some of those rooms. Harrington says she wants to maintain the same historic, quaint aura the Century Inn has always had. “We want to keep the same footprint, the same feel of the inn,” she says. “I would like to make the guest rooms a little larger, but we will see.”
Harrington does not have a timeline yet, but plans are starting to take shape and she looks forward to once again hosting overnight guests as well as diners for lunch, dinner and special occasions. Despite such adversity, Harrington remains surprisingly positive. “It has been wonderful. We have had people say they will donate things to us because we need to replace the antiques and artwork,” she says. “It just breaks my heart. People have been very generous and we are going to need a lot of help.” That strong community support along with letters from former guests from across the country has helped her through a trying time. “You do not realize how you affect an area,” Harrington says. “We have had people from all over the world write to me and say how sorry they are. It has been a positive experience, if there is such a thing.
When we rebuild it will be stronger and safer.”
VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM 43