Laurel Highlands Magazine | Spring/Summer 2019 by Sunflower Publishing

SPRING 2019 | VOL 03 | ISSUE 01

RIDING FREE Cycling the Mountain Requires Stamina

Discover Ligonierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Park

Taste the Best of the Rib and Wing Festival

WELCOME

www.7springs.com CEO Eric Mauck Director of Marketing & Communications Alex Moser

Sales Director William Gregory

Publisher Bill Uhler Director Bob Cucciniello

Graphic Designers Jenni Leiste Special Content Editorial Director Christian Williams Copy Editor Leslie Andres Contributing Photographers Heidi Lewis, Tiffani Nieusma, Herb Speer, Tim Toogood Contributing Writers Katie Buchan, Kimberly Burger Capozzi, Catherine Orlando, Kristin Rivers, Abbey Way, Paris Wolfe For editorial inquiries Jean Teller 785-832-7231, jteller@sunflowerpub.com For advertising queries Tracy Brooks, tbrooks@altoonamirror.com; Alex Moser, amoser@7springs.com All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2019. Laurel Highlands Magazine releases twice a year.

HAPPY SPRING! JEAN, EDITOR

SPRING 2019 | VOL 03 | ISSUE 01

RIDING FREE Cycling the Mountain Requires Stamina

Discover Ligonier’s Diamond Park

Taste the Best of the Rib and Wing Festival

ON THE COVER Discover the rush of cycling in the Laurel Highlands. Photo by Heidi Lewis

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Editor Jean Teller

Spring! That delightful, delicious time of year we all wished for during winter’s depths has arrived—and not a moment too soon! Without a doubt, we are all ready for a breath of fresh air, the warmth of the sun on our faces, the dazzling colors of Mother Nature, and the smell of blossoms and freshly mown grass. As the temperatures rise, let’s remember how we yearned for this just a few months ago. And though I’m sure we’ll complain when the heat of summer arrives, the warmer temps are just what the doctor ordered. Take a walk. Visit a farmers market; turn to page 34 for a few choices. Play catch in the park. Stand with bare feet and enjoy the feel of the earth. While you’re at it, plan a trip to the Laurel Highlands to experience a motorcycle ride of a lifetime, a fair full of people with a vision of sustainability and a better planet, or an ultra foot race. Turn the page for more on these fun events. Perhaps you’re ready for something new? We have a glimpse into many one-of-a-kind adventures with Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle and a visit to the new Tower of Voices at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville. Whatever you decide to do this spring, be kind, stay healthy, and enjoy the view in the Laurel Highlands.

Production Manager Jenni Leiste

CONTENTS

PLAY Two-Wheel Getaway The 2019 Ride ’Em, Don’t Hide ’Em ride takes to the Pennsylvania countryside in August.

DISCOVER Dramatic Addition The Flight 93 Memorial adds the Tower of Voices to the grounds honoring the passengers and crew of the fourth plane hijacked on 9/11.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

STAY All the Comforts of Home A cozy condo may be just what the doctor, and the family, ordered for your next visit to Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

PLAY It’s All in the Name Explore the charming town of Ohiopyle and the Youghiogheny River valley with the intrepid Wilderness Voyageurs.

DISCOVER Small-town Charm for a New Era Ligonier’s Diamond Park undergoes a renaissance.

DISCOVER Going to the Fair Discover the draw of sustainability during a Mother Earth News event.

DISCOVER Cycling Up the Mountain The Hidden Valley Mountain Metric race takes cyclists from around the world through the Laurel Highlands.

HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS! The Region’s Passionate Promoter The head of the local tourism bureau works to bring visitors to the Laurel Highlands.

FEATURE The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Seven Springs to celebrate 10 years of the Rib and Wing Festival this summer.

FEATURE A Long Way to Run A 70.5-mile race takes dedicated participants through the picturesque Laurel Highlands.

FEATURE Support Area Farmers We spotlight four of the many farmers markets in the Laurel Highlands region.

EVENTS

#HIGHLANDSMAG!

Story by Katie Buchan | Photo by Heidi Lewis

STAY

All the Comforts of Home A cozy condo may be just what the doctor, and the family, ordered for your next visit to Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

rom summer outdoor adventures to exciting winter escapes, few things can complete a vacation to Seven Springs Mountain Resort like cozying up in a comfy condo at the end of each day. Sweeping vistas atop the Laurel Highlands from your window, corduroy slopes just outside your front door, or a sunny woodland view and the smell of burgers grilling on the patio ... they’re all

among the possibilities when staying in one of the wide variety of condominiums and townhomes at the resort. While a stay in the resort’s hotel offers a central location among the hustle and bustle at the lodge, a condo or townhome offers quiet and privacy, an opposite but equally desirable perk of vacationing in the mountains. Upgrading to a condo also means enjoying home-like comforts such as private parking, fully equipped kitchens, and room

for the entire family to stay together. “We started renting a condo each year for the affordability, private sleeping arrangements, and the wonderful deck outside,” says Amy Pasquerilla of Johnstown, who has rented a Mountain Villas condo annually for the past five years. “We attend the Seven Springs Wine Festival from our condo every year. The resort’s free shuttle transportation is amazing and allows us to celebrate safely.”

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LEARN MORE

Selecting a condo among the resort’s wide variety of options is made simpler with an easy-to-understand rating system of Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The units range from clean and comfortable yet nofrills Bronze-rated units to Platinum units offering the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. While each individual condominium or townhome within the Seven Springs Vacation Rentals selection is unique, the various communities within the resort offer their own features and amenities. Leading the pack in luxury is the Southwind at Lake Tahoe community. These mountaintop townhomes offer spacious and well-appointed multifloor units and a beautiful recreation center with a pool and hot tub area outdoors. A Southwind chairlift and trail system connects directly with the main ski slopes and trails of Seven Springs. For those seeking a more economical approach to slopeside accommodations, The Villages offer many comfortable condominiums at the top of the mountain. Comprising the Stoneridge, Stonegate, Sunridge, Meadowridge, and Woodridge communities, the mountaintop villages offer swimming pools, recreation areas, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Many of these communities are close to the slopes for an unforgettable ski-in/ski-out experience. The Mountain Villas community offers spacious townhomes, a commanding view of the mountain, and a family-friendly pool and recreation area. The units are just steps from the Seven Springs Golf Course, a challenging and fun mountaintop golf course championed for its pristine conditions and multistate views of the region. The Swiss Mountain community also offers mountain views and proximity to the golf course, along with the Swiss Mountain pool and recreation area. Swiss Mountain’s mature landscaping and quiet, natural setting make this community a must-see for those seeking the seclusion and tranquility of the mountains. “We look forward to our relaxing and fun weekend every year,” Pasquerilla says. “It’s so great to make those lasting memories in a place that feels like home.” Whether it’s an unforgettable winter getaway in the snow, a breathtaking summer adventure, or a quiet spring or fall retreat, a stay in one of the many vacation rental homes at Seven Springs means adding Click on ‘Lodging’ at www.7springs.com. an air of just-likehome comfort to your experience.

PLAY Story by Jean Teller | Photos courtesy Motorcycle Classics Laurel Highlands Magazine

Two-Wheel Getaway The 2019 Ride ’Em, Don’t Hide ’Em ride takes to the Pennsylvania countryside in August.

— R i ch a rd B a ck u s , f o rm e r e d i t o r- i n-chi ef, Motorcycle Classics

Laurel Highlands Magazine

“ Th e r e wa s n’ t a f o u r - la n e t o be s e e n a nd we ba r e ly t o u ch e d a n y m a jo r t wo - la n e h igh wa ys . . .”

or the fourth year, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country will gather at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort for the Ride ’Em, Don’t Hide ’Em Getaway, sponsored by Motorcycle Classics magazine. Organizers planning this year’s ride, August 9–11, anticipate great vistas, wonderful camaraderie, and a relaxing tour. Previous rides have taken participants along the winding, two-lane, back-country roads of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, visiting Amish Country one year, the steel town of Johnstown the next. The festivities begin with a reception and dinner Friday night. Saturday will begin with breakfast at Seven Springs’ Slopeside restaurant, followed by a day-long ride through the Highlands. The lunch stop is always a treat, and the group gathers for a photograph commemorating the year’s event. In past years, riders have visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the home he built over Bear Run Creek; Casselman River Bridge, built in 1813 and the largest stone-arch bridge at the time; Mount Davis, the state’s highest point; and the Johnstown Incline, where cable cars rise above the city on rails set at a 70.9-percent grade. Saturday evening’s banquet features industry legends regaling the group with stories of their careers and the great bikes they have known. This year, the group will be joined by Dain Gingerelli, well-known to Motorcycle Classics readers as a regular contributor (he is also known for his leadership of several magazines, including Cycle Guide magazine from 1979 to 1987).

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Top: Admiring each other’s rides is part of the fun, with many vintage and incredible motorcycles making the trip. Above: One never knows what the road will bring, as horsepower overtakes horse power. Page 6: Miles and miles of fantastic roads roll through Southwestern Pennsylvania. Page 7: Participants in the 2017 ride hang out during the Saturday lunch break.

Gingerelli began road racing in 1968, and, in 1970, he used his communications degree from California State University to write for Competition News. He worked at Hot Bike beginning in 1971 and has been the editor of six magazines focused on the industry. Gingerelli has also authored or co-authored around a dozen motorcycle books and eight automotive books. In 2018, journalist Alan Cathcart joined the ride, steering a 1973 Yamaha TX750 around the Highlands region. Provided by RetroTours (retrotours.com), the motorcycle was one of the company’s stable of classic 1970s twins rented to riders. Previous getaways featured Brian Slark, who spoke about AJS/Matchless in the late 1950s and early ’60s; and Mark Ederski, special projects director at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, and former executive director of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Sunday finds at least part of the group revving up for another ride around the spectacular Laurel Highlands, touring back roads for one last, lingering look at the gorgeous scenery before finding their way home. Sponsors for this year’s ride include Bonhams Auctions (bonhams. com), Pecard Motorcycle Leather Care (pecard.com), Spectro Performance Oils (spectro-oils.com), and RetroTours (retrotours.com), which will have a limited number of classic motorcycles to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Join the fun for the 2019 getaway; visit the websites at www. motorcycleclassics.com/2019-getaway, or www.motorcyleclassics.com/ PA2019 for details on this year’s route, and to reserve your spot.

PLAY Story by Katie Buchan | Photos courtesy Wilderness Voyageurs

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All in the Name Explore the charming town of Ohiopyle and the Youghiogheny River valley with the intrepid Wilderness Voyageurs.

The turn to a tourism-driven industry began in 1963, when the late Lance Martin founded Wilderness Voyageurs, the first commercial rafting company east of the Mississippi River. That year, 400 people boarded rubber rafts and braved the raging rapids of the lower section of the Youghiogheny River. Today, nearly 60 years later, the Ohiopyle tourism industry is nothing short of booming. Still a family-owned business, Wilderness Voyageurs has since been passed down to Lance’s children, Eric and Lynne Martin. Offering today’s vast menu of adventure opportunities for a variety of adventure-seekers, Eric and Lynne, along with their spouses, take the inaccessible wild and open it to all who wish to experience its glory. “The best part of going to work every day is that we provide fun. We provide families with the best day of their year and help people challenge themselves in a number of ways,” says Eric Martin, CEO and head of marketing and strategy. “We are incredibly honored to operate on public lands,

“ We pr o vi de families wi t h t h e be st da y o f t h e i r ye a r a n d h e lp pe o pl e ch a l l e n g e t h e m se lv e s in a n u m be r o f wa ys.”

Laurel Highlands Magazine

ALL IN THE FAMILY

here in Pennsylvania and in 13 [other] states, plus 11 national parks around the country. Our job is to make sure we provide these experiences in an ever-changing environment while making it look easy and not having the operation distract from the experience. I get to do all of that from an office on the banks of the Youghiogheny River.” Wilderness Voyageurs is best-known for its whitewater guiding services. The company employs a team of highly trained and experienced river guides who dedicate their energy to sharing the exciting world of whitewater with those who may otherwise never experience it. For the real whitewater junkie, Wilderness Voyageurs offers the Adventurer’s Club, where members are notified when the water is high, and unique rivers such as Indian Creek or the Big Sandy become accessible. Martin describes these rivers as true gems accessed only by experienced kayakers. Having spent his entire life immersed in this tightly knit community of adventure-seekers, Martin is an accomplished paddler himself. Martin has paddled more than 150 rivers across the U.S., Central America, and Europe. He was a top-10 whitewater slalom kayaker for 10 years, competing twice in the Junior World Championships in Europe, and was a member of the — E ri c M a rt i n , C E O, Wi l d e rn e s s Vo y a g eurs U.S. National B Team, competing throughout the U.S. and Europe. “Over the years, I was fortunate to achieve a couple of first descents of rivers that were never before kayaked. That has been as gratifying as any race finish,” Martin says. “In my free time, I still kayak a couple times a week. Living near the Yough makes that possible. I also mountain bike, fly fish, and backcountry ski as much as possible. Growing up in Ohiopyle, those are things that surround you. You don’t end up [being] very good at soccer or basketball.”

t’s no secret that the Laurel Highlands are filled with treasures. At every turn there is more to explore, and one of the most dazzling gems of the region lies within a lush river valley where the mighty Youghiogheny River charges through the tiny but vibrant town of Ohiopyle, its whitewater grandeur culminating with the 20-foot Ohiopyle Falls in the center of town. Embracing the ½-square-mile town is Ohiopyle State Park, a nearly 30-square-mile swath of rivercarved mountain terrain packed to the brim with natural wonders like massive and ancient waterfalls, idyllic hiking and biking trails, and breathtaking overlooks of the valley below. The history of the Ohiopyle area is a rich one, filled with stories of Native American tribes, 19thcentury industry, and even a leading role in the infamous Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Today, the name of the game is tourism … and a lot of it. Both the state park and the town host millions of visitors each year, people seeking to escape city lights and daily stresses in favor of everything from extreme adrenaline rushes to a refreshing and tranquil meander through the splendor of nature’s bounty.

Rafting adventures can range from thrilling (Page 10) to a bit calmer and fun for the whole family (above). Below left, the rails-to-trails bicycle tours popular all year, and especially during fall’s fantastic foliage. Below right, the Wilderness Voyageurs store with its unique support posts is easy to find in Ohiopyle.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

MORE THAN WHITEWATER Beyond the rocky banks of the Appalachian rivers, Wilderness Voyageurs offers more than just watersports. The company’s team of adventure experts provides instruction and guide services for fly fishing, rock climbing, and bike tours. “We have been very intentional in creating and designing activities that will enable folks of all ages, and all levels of thrill seeking, to experience and enjoy the amazing resource that is Ohiopyle State Park and the Laurel Highlands with fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, rail-trail biking, kayaking, or canoeing,

and, of course, rafting,“ Martin says. “We offer a number of ‘Learn To’ weekend programs in kayaking, fly fishing, and mountain biking that provide people the opportunity to dip their toe into an activity easily, economically, and in an amazingly friendly environment.” From road biking to mountain biking tours, guests have an astounding selection of two-wheeled adventures to choose from with Wilderness Voyageurs. With everything from single-day outings to journeys lasting more than a week, and options spanning 13 states and two countries, the company truly offers something for “every pedaling preference.”

Laurel Highlands Magazine

www.wilderness-voyageurs.com 800-272-4141 103 Garrett St. PO Box 97 Ohiopyle, PA 15470

WILDERNESS VOYAGEURS

Laurel Highlands Magazine

WHERE TO FIND US

Starting out with rider services along the Great Allegheny Passage trail that runs through Ohiopyle, Wilderness Voyageurs has grown to become the largest provider of rails-to-trails tours in the U.S. “It evolved into fully supported and guided tours from Pittsburgh to D.C. on the GAP to now we offer 23 different tour itineraries coast to coast and in Cuba,” Martin says. “Our trips span from the San Juan Islands in Washington State, down the spine of the Rockies from Idaho to Colorado, to the battlefields of Gettysburg, to the Gold Coast of Georgia. We offer all types of trips, rail trail trips, to very friendly road bike trips, to mountain bike tours, to challenging road bike tours like Kick Some Pass, 5,000 feet of climbing every day over passes in Colorado. In 2020, we will begin to offer a number of gravel grinder tours.” The bike tours offer an entirely different flavor to travel. The fully supported tours take guests across miles upon miles of beautiful roads and trails, riding top-of-the-line equipment and sampling the finest sights, smells, and tastes of each destination along the way. Wilderness Voyageurs overlooks nothing when it comes to the bike tours. The experienced staff prides itself on its attention to detail and takes every possibility into consideration. With decades of experience leading tours into far reaches of the world, the team helps vacationers find the perfect adventure for their skill level and fitness ability. From navigating raging rivers to scaling vertical cliff faces to exploring scenic bike trails in unforgettable destinations near and far, Martin’s crew of adventurers at Wilderness Voyageurs is ready and waiting to provide the adventure of a lifetime. “I guess the common thread to our philosophy is making access to the great outdoors easy!”

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Story by Kimberly Burger Capozzi

| Photo by Tiffani Nieusma

DISCOVER

Small-Town Charm for a New Era Ligonierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Park undergoes a renaissance.

The bandstand has hosted performances, weddings, and photo sessions over the decades, and will again be the spot for the summer Sunday Night Concert Series, says Scott Haines, executive director of the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce. Those performances feature local groups playing show tunes and traditional big band, swing, and patriotic pieces. The audience will find plenty of spots for chairs and blankets on the park lawn, and new semicircular benches will boost seating by 33 percent.

“It’s a cha r m i n g little t o wn , and I j u st real l y l o ve this pl a c e .”

The Richard King Mellon Foundation was the major donor, with other grants from the Allegheny Foundation, the Colcom Foundation, the Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. Ligonier Borough and individual donors from the community also contributed, with many of those gifts commemorated on plaques around the site. The overall effect is of a town that is cherished. Fisher says she would like to attract new, young families to Ligonier and suggests everyone stay tuned for more family friendly programming in Diamond Park. “I want to see other young families enjoying this town as much as I personally do,” Fisher says. “It’s a charming little town, and I just really love this place.”

— Ma r i a h F i s h e r

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERTS AT THE DIAMOND Performances take place 7 p.m., May 26 through August 25. For more information and details on the lineup, visit www.ligonier.com or call the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce at 724-238-4200.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

“The seating capacity is not only enhanced for the benefit of our visitors, but in a way, it makes it easier to communicate when you are sitting down, talking with each other,” Haines says. The curved benches bring people face-to-face. “It’s a nice, intimate area for families and friends to gather throughout the year.” The EADS Group Inc. in Somerset led the design work. Other details include a snow melt system to will keep sidewalks clear in all weather, a refurbished fountain, new lighting, security cameras, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. New landscaping includes a variety of plants and the installation of 30-foot trees well-suited to the space. Also introduced, the epitome of modern life, public Wi-Fi access in the park.

isitors to the historic town of Ligonier are likely to pass through its old-fashioned town square, known as the Diamond, at least once. A domed bandstand has stood as the centerpiece since the park’s creation in 1894, a gateway to the business district of unique shops and quaint eateries, just blocks from the Fort Ligonier Museum. On foot, it’s an easy stroll across the park and along the ring of storefronts. It’s a little trickier, however, to wrap a 21st-century vehicle around tight corners originally intended for horses and stage coaches. You will slow down— way down. The pace is pleasant, with the feeling of visiting a more genteel past. Getting around the Diamond became a bit smoother last fall with the completion of a $3.5 million refurbishment of the park and street. The first significant upgrade in 50 years, the project widened corners, raised curbs, and brightened the appearance of pedestrian crosswalks to improve vehicular movement. It also included multiple technological and design upgrades intended to make the Diamond more usable, while retaining its look as a slice of Americana. “The project is so seamless, you may not even notice the changes. It’s a testament to how well it flows with our town,” says Mariah Fisher, a member of the Ligonier Borough Council and the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. “It honors the tradition and history of Ligonier while giving us a new space.” The most obvious change may be a brand-new, shiny copper top to the iconic bandstand, which over time will regain the patina people remember, officials say. The new structure duplicates the original look, including a stone veneer that ties in to the Ligonier Valley Library, also on the square. The bandstand is now equipped with a stateof-the-art sound system featuring 12 speakers tucked almost invisibly among the design features.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Going to the Fair

Discover the draw of sustainability during a Mother Earth News event.

Story by Paris Wolfe | Photos Courtesy of Mother Earth News Magazine

DISCOVER

TIPS FOR ATTENDING A FAIR 1

ianaclis Caldwell grew up in a sustainable household long before “sustainability” was in the lexicon. In the 1960s and ’70s her family used their Oregon property to raise all their own food, except sugar, spices, and salt, she says. “For a time we even grew grain and ground our own flour.” Then she grew up and moved away. When her husband finished his military career, the couple returned to 24 acres of family land in Rogue River, Oregon, and built a log home off the power grid. They had a few goats for their two children to raise. It seems raising goats can be addictive, and those few eventually evolved into a herd of 40 and a dairy business. By 2006, the family had a licensed creamery and were making and selling goat cheese. One thing led to another and Pholia Farm Creamery became well-known in the local community. Inspired by the success, Caldwell—who’d always wanted to be writer—started publishing books about dairy farming and cheesemaking. Her sixth book is scheduled for publication in 2020. Want to be like Caldwell and lead a more sustainable lifestyle? An excellent start would be a visit to the 2019 Mother Earth News Fair, September 13–15, at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in the Laurel Highlands. A variety of speakers and presentations will cover raising livestock, organic gardening, food preservation, beekeeping, seed saving, modern homesteading, and more. Hands-on workshops will also be on the schedule. Small groups will work with instructors to cultivate mushrooms, brew hard cider, master the art of making bread, ferment vegetables, and more. All hands-on workshops include something to take home. When not participating in Fair activities or browsing the popup bookstore, visitors can hike trails around the resort or engage in self-powered entertainment such as the Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour, which focuses on the environment and ecology of the region. The tour consists of two air stairs, treetops varying in height from 50 to 80 feet, and 10 ziplines ranging from 145 feet high to the grand finale of a 1,500-foot zipline 150 feet in the air. With 47 years of history, Mother Earth News is the largest and longestrunning environmental lifestyle magazine. Parent company Ogden Publications launched the first Fair in 2010 at the Seven Springs Resort, and today the event draws upwards of 18,000 people for the three-day weekend.

It seems raising goats can be cont agious, and [a few] evolved into a herd of 4 0 and a dairy business.

Buy a three-day pass to get the most out of the event.

Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the speakers and workshops. Identify your greatest interests and target those presentations.

Dress for the weather. It will be a little cooler at Seven Springs, so carry a sweater or jacket.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Arrive early to assure good parking and seating.

Carry reusable totes to take home printed information, books, and other purchases.

Check out food and product vendors. Don’t miss the bookstore.

FOR MORE www.motherearthnewsfair.com

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Story by Paris Wolfe

| Photo by Herb Speer

DISCOVER

Laurel Highlands Magazine

The Flight 93 Memorial adds the Tower of Voices to the grounds honoring the passengers and crew of the fourth plane hijacked on 9/11.

he 93-foot Tower of Voices—the latest installment to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania—will give you goosebumps. Built of precast concrete modules, the “grid-like” construction holds 40 uniquely pitched wind chimes to honor the 33 passengers and seven crew members who were aboard Flight 93 during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. When the wind blows, which it often does on this hilltop, the polished aluminum chimes vibrate with sound. Already dramatic, the Flight 93 Memorial commemorates the fourth plane of the September 11, 2001, attacks. In late morning, terrorists commandeered four airplanes with the intent of destabilizing the U.S. Three planes hit their targets, killing more than 3,000 people, destroying the twin towers of the iconic World Trade Center, and inflicting devastating damage to the west side of the Pentagon. The fourth plane—allegedly destined for the Capitol with Congress in full session— never made its target. The passengers and crew of the hijacked plane learned of terrorist activity in New York City and surmised their Boeing 757 was to be used in another attack. The passengers decided to do whatever it took to stop the final attack and planned to storm the cockpit to take over the plane. The terrorists resisted, and at 10:03 a.m. Flight 93 crashed into an empty field at 563 miles per hour, and 7,000 gallons of jet fuel exploded in a ball of fire. There were no survivors. Dedicated September 9, 2018, the Tower of Voices is a dramatic addition to the symbol-rich monument. According to the National Park Service, the architect used music theory to mathematically develop a distinct musical note for each chime. Individual chimes are musically compatible and together the 40 tones represent the heroes’ voices. The NPS website says “there are no other chime structures like this in the world.”

Dramatic Addition

Laurel Highlands Magazine

Top and Page 18: The Tower of Voices overlooks the entire Flight 93 Memorial site. Above left: Forty-foot walls, representing the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93, lead to the site’s Visitor Center. The black path is the Flight Path Walkway. Above right and below: Part of the exhibits found in the Visitor Center at the Memorial.

The tower is located on a plaza built atop a mound as a way of setting it off from the rest of the landscape. Two curved benches face the tower’s opening. The landscape is composed of concentric rings of trees; those rings can be seen as the “sound waves” coming from the tower. Dawna Bates of Latrobe has been volunteering at the site since the day of the crash. The former physical education teacher considers the story of Flight 93 to be an allegory for young people. “It helps young people understand how important their decisions are,” she says. “These people made a decision that changed the world.” Another volunteer, Paul Donati of Windber, sees the memorial as an important reflection on U.S. history. The retired letter carrier volunteers to ensure visitors understand the real story and its significance. “If they don’t understand the story fully, it’s just a name. If they know the whole story, they can [better] appreciate the heroism of the passengers and crew of Flight 93,” he says. That story is one of homeland security. “It’s really rare in American history that Americans fight and die in our homeland to protect our homeland,” he says. Funding for the design and construction of the project was provided through private donations to the National Park Foundation and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

TO LEARN MORE Tower of Voices www.nps.gov/flni/getinvolved/tower-ofvoices.htm Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial www.flight93friends.org

DISCOVER Story by Paris Wolfe | Photos Courtesy of Mother Earth News Magazine Laurel Highlands Magazine

Cycling Up the Mountain The Hidden Valley Mountain Metric race takes cyclists from around the world through the Laurel Highlands.

THIRD ANNUAL HIDDEN VALLEY MOUNTAIN METRIC Saturday, July 13, 2019 Facebook: hiddenvalleymountainmetric www.active.com, search for Hidden Valley in Pennsylvania, USA

something the community embraces for potential new neighbors. And it’s a charitable outing, with proceeds going to the local chapter of the Special Olympics. “This event makes the whole relationship with Hidden Valley so much more. … it’s wonderful,” says Sue Putman, a leading force with the Somerset Special Olympics group. She’s here with Kris and Brian, two highly decorated athletes who have represented the chapter’s winter sports at the local, national, and international levels. For these athletes, competition on the course hasn’t been the only thing they’ve had to overcome. But it’s a supportive community, with many dedicated individuals. Since moving their operations to Hidden Valley, coaches work with athletes on cross country ski trails and snowshoeing, training for the trials ahead. Blustery winter training is far from the minds of participants in July. The nearly 120 riders who have turned out for the 2018 event are congenial and enthusiastic in their interactions. Barbaccia, busy introducing people and ironing out logistics, can take only a moment to revel in the fun. Next year’s event is already on the horizon.

HIDDEN VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT

1 Craighead Drive P.O. Box 4420 Hidden Valley, PA 15502 814-443-8000 www.hiddenvalleyresort.com

Laurel Highlands Magazine

SAVE THE DATE

music plays and children shout gleefully from the pool. “It’s like a reunion,” says Chris Humble, who’s been involved with the event from the start. It’s evident in the atmosphere: Cyclists greet one another warmly amid an air of pre-ride anticipation. Riders gear up, anxious to enjoy the open road, and the festivities after the course. Six or seven participants clump together, outfitted in the same bright red bike shirts and playfully calling to one another. “We bike for beer,” laughs Larry Nicolette, speaking for the Tour de Taco group, a bike club out of Murrysville. In a few hours’ time, the celebration is underway. Everyone congratulates returning riders, and one of the loudest supporters is organizer Jay Barbaccia of Hidden Valley Mountain Resort. “The first year [2017], we had 117 participants from eight states,” he says. “One of the participants came up, it was his first ride here. He loved the area, bought a home and is back today.” The event truly has something for everyone. For avid as well as hobby cyclists, the Mountain Metric is an opportunity to test their skills on one of two progressive routes. The ride also showcases the beauty of the area,

t’s sunny and 66 degrees 8 a.m. on July 14, and the second annual Hidden Valley Mountain Metric is fully underway in the Laurel Highlands’ Hidden Valley Mountain Resort. Cyclists mill around the area, checking in, picking up maps, and preparing for their rides. Homeowners gather, commenting on the day, and take up positions along the routes. Everyone on hand is enthusiastic, focused on directing and cheering riders on their way. Local vendors like Vin De Matrix Winery, Tall Pines Distillery, Whitehorse Brewing, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices set up booths alongside volunteers and athletes from the Special Olympics. The community congregates at the resort’s South Ridge neighborhood center, where cyclists will return after completing either a metric century (100 km/63 miles) or a half metric century (50 km/32 miles), races that take riders up and through the surrounding Laurel Highlands landscape. “It’s a wonderful energy with the neighborhood. About 60 homeowners are volunteering. It’s nice to see all these riders who just love being up here,” says Linda Lackey, a neighbor who’s been helping out with registration. The clubhouse is the perfect backdrop, as

Laurel Highlands Magazine

HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS!

T H E

R E G I O N ’ S

PASSIONATE PROMOTER

The head of the local tourism bureau works to bring visitors to the Laurel Highlands. Story by Kimberly Burger Capozzi | Photo Courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

connects to the C&O Canal Towpath bike route to Washington, D.C. Nemanic was a “trail concierge” for six years, answering calls and emails from more than 15,000 individuals requesting information about the GAP. Nemanic enjoys biking. “There’s something about riding a bike that takes you back to your childhood,” she says. She also enjoys walking and has completed the steep hike to the 60-foot-tall cross erected atop Dunbar’s Knob at Jumonville Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Hopwood. At an elevation of 2,480 feet, the site boasts spectacular scenic views of the region. The visitors bureau has enjoyed successes during Nemanic’s tenure. Partnerships with tourism businesses and organizations increased by more than 70 percent, from 350 to 600 partners. Just as importantly, 94 percent of them continued their marketing relationship after the first year, Nemanic says, indicating a “job well done.” The organization also offered its first two scholarships for students pursuing hospitality or culinary careers. Nemanic has also implemented a marketing initiative to target specific demographic groups and markets. Visitors of different ages have their own preferences and interests, and those groups gather information on destinations in different ways, Nemanic says. The bureau uses social media campaigns, online ads, blogs, and podcasts to reach young adults, homeschooling families, and tour group travelers. And the bureau’s website is “information central for visitors and the starting point for trip planning,” she says. This year will also bring new collaborations connecting the Laurel Highlands to other regions, including a Whiskey Rebellion trail, honoring historical libations from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C.; and a travel route developed with partners in Kentucky and West Virginia, Nemanic says. The bureau also will be joining forces with VisitPITTSBURGH to attract international visitors. This all comes at a dynamic time for the Laurel Highlands. Tourism is a significant economic driver in the region, and Nemanic reports that lodging alone grew by around 9 percent in 2018, both in occupancy and revenue. “We continually see new hotels being built, restaurants popping up, new shops, and even new attractions. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the Laurel Highlands,” she says.

Laurel Highlands Magazine

“ The i de a of w o rki n g wi t h an d g i v i n g gu i dan c e to man y t ou ri sm b usi n e sse s w as a p pe al i n g t o me .”

hen Ann Nemanic first arrived in the Laurel Highlands 27 years ago, she took a job at the former Mountain View Inn in Greensburg as a bridal consultant helping couples plan their special day. It was the start of what would become a career promoting the region’s amenities. Nemanic is now executive director of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau and continues to encourage people to come for celebrations, as well as day trips, vacations, and more. Nemanic moved to Pennsylvania when she married her husband, Joe, and the newlyweds settled near his hometown of Latrobe. She was raised near Boonsboro, Maryland, and had previously worked as a commercial copy writer and promotional director at a radio station in Hagerstown, Maryland. As she guided brides at Mountain View, she found she had a unique perspective as a newcomer who had learned a lot about the region through her frequent visits. She was soon promoted to director of sales and marketing. “I was able to relate to a bride who might not originally be from the area, or was —Ann Nema nic returning after having moved away. I was able to share how special Mountain View was to me personally. The inn was a place of celebrations and events for my husband’s family for over 40 years,” she says. The historic inn closed in 2009 and partially reopened in 2010 as The Inn at Mountainview. “My 14 years at the inn were an incredible foundation for my position with the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.” The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (www.laurelhighlands.org) works to promote tourism within Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. Nemanic served on the board of directors at the bureau and as board chair before joining the staff in 2005 as director of membership and community outreach. She later became vice president for partnership development and, in 2017, was named executive director. “I knew my years of sales and marketing could benefit many members of the bureau,” she says. Nemanic resides in Greensburg with her husband and their daughter, Hannah. Over the years, she has supported community and recreation organizations in the region, including the Allegheny Trail Alliance and its efforts to develop the 150mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Bike Trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Built on old railroad grades, the trail

ckyard a B e t a m i t The Ul

SEVEN SPRINGS TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF THE RIB AND WING FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER.

STORY BY KRISTIN RIVERS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEVEN SPRINGS RESORT PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

MORE INFO Seven Springs Mountain Resort www.7springs.com

“Staying at the resort and the scenery of the area really make this event one of a kind,” says Riffle. Guests can dig in to their favorite platters of food while enjoying the gorgeous mountain views and even end their night with an after party in everyone’s favorite ski bar, the Foggy Goggle. This summer will mark the 10th annual Rib and Wing Festival, and guests can expect all of the savory goodness they have come to love. All five fanfavorite ribbers will be returning to the mountain, along with some new musical acts and more fun activities for the entire family. This year, 13 bands will serve up nearly 24 hours of live music, catering to the crowd with a mix of everything from pop and country to oldies and rock. With past acts including Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, and Scott, Rob, and Greg of The Clarks, expect the 2019 music lineup to have the same high energy and excitement that has made this event an all-out entertainment destination for the entire family. Top artisans and crafters from the region will also open booths for visitors. “The Rib and Wing Festival was an event I attended with my friends when it first began,” says Justin O’Donnell, who has never missed a year. “Now that I have a family of my own, we make it an annual outing. Our kids love to have fun with the face painter and traveling magicians while my wife and I get to relax with great food and awesome music. It’s definitely a tradition my family will enjoy for many years to come.” Summer visitors can also take in other adventures as the mountain resort turns into a full-blown outdoor playground. Take a scenic chairlift ride and enjoy the panoramic views above the festival, or experience the exhilaration of the Alpine Slide as you coast down the mountain. Whether you come for the day to fill up on all the saucy samples or make it a weekend getaway for the entire family, one thing’s for certain: You can’t miss a festival that’s this lipsmackin’ good.

“RELAX WITH GREAT FOOD AND AWESOME MUSIC.”

For a decade, one summer weekend is ushered in by the smell of freshly smoked meats wafting through the mountain air at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This August, the tradition will continue with five award-winning ribbers from across the country rolling into the Laurel Highlands for the 10th annual Seven Springs Rib and Wing Festival. From August 2 to 4, thousands will gather to eat their fill of mouthwatering ribs and wings, listen to more than a dozen musical performances by local favorites, shop from some of the region’s best craft vendors, and enjoy quality family time together in the Laurel Highlands. The Seven Springs Rib and Wing Festival was introduced to the mountain in July 2010, with three days full of live entertainment, a beer garden, craft show, kids’ activities and, of course, every type of ribs and wings imaginable. Whether you prefer hot and spicy, smoky, savory, or buttery, you could try it all. It’s no surprise that this festival quickly became a fan favorite and settled in as a signature summertime event at Seven Springs. Over the years, not much has changed at this saucy festival. A select team of ribbers have created the core of the event, including Pigfoot BBQ, Armadillo’s BBQ, Smokin’ Joe’s Hog Wild Barbeque, Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ, and Mojo’s Rib Shack. Year after year, these five ribbers have been serving up mouthwatering recipes in their signature sauces and favorite flavors. They don’t just create these delicious eats for the fun of it though; they’re grilling to impress. Everyone who attends the festival is invited to vote for their favorite food and help decide who will take home the coveted Seven Springs snowboard awards. “The Seven Springs Rib and Wing Festival is my favorite event we do every summer,” says Damian Riffle of Mojo’s Rib Shack. “I always look forward to it. Everyone is always very friendly and there for a good time.” Mojo’s Rib Shack was the 2018 winner of the “best ribs” award at the Seven Springs festival and has been a ribber since year one. Armadillo’s BBQ, Smokin’ Joe’s Hog Wild BBQ, and Pigfoot BBQ will also be able to claim 10 years of serving at Seven Springs this summer. It’s not only the amazing food and killer music acts that attract thousands of people who come annually. The unique location of this festival, at the base of a mountain best known for its ski slopes, adds to the draw.

A Long Way to

RUN

Story by Abbey Way Photographs by Tim Toogood

A 70.5-mile race takes dedicated participants through the picturesque Laurel Highlands.

Running the Trail The Ultra course is not as steep as other races, but that doesn’t mean it’s easier. “You always have to be watching the trail,” Freeman says. “The minute you stop focusing on the trail is when you trip and fall, twist an ankle, or miss a turn.” He says the organizers see the Laurel Highlands Ultra as a 70.5-mile race that runs like a 100-mile race. “Many runners use this race as a type of bridge to see if they can tackle some of the longer, 100-mile races.” In recent years, the Laurel Highlands Ultra became a certified qualifier for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which is scheduled June 29–30, with a starting line in Squaw Valley, California. The registration limit of about 135 runners for the Laurel Highlands Ultra is filled quickly. The 2019 race reached maximum capacity in just nine days. Registration by U.S. mail remains open for the team event and 50K run. Visit the website for more information, including entry fees. “The race is important to the Laurel Highlands community in that it brings folks to the area who otherwise would not have a reason to visit,” Freeman says.

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: www.dcnr.pa.gov, search for ‘Laurel Highlands’

“... the racers have a logistics challenge in addition to the race itself.”

A few changes to the race have occurred over the 40 years, including the addition of a 50K race, which will mark its 13th year in 2019, and team relay options for both distances. “The relay option was added to give folks a chance to experience the trail without committing to the full distance,” Freeman says. “The team relay is also a chance for a small group of runners to enjoy a fun day on the trail.” The relay option was added when Freeman and the Hewitts took over 20 years ago. The team run is divided into five sections, with participants changing at each major checkpoint. If a team has less than five runners, a single member can cover more than one section of the trail. “We have many teams that run every year; some use it as a reunion of sorts,” Freeman says. In what has become an annual tradition, the Laurel Highlands Ultra organization donates to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation. Freeman says the money goes directly to the foundation for equipment and maintenance of the trail. This year’s donation will again be made in memory of Paul Butchko of Salem Township, one of the race founders. “As we enter our 40th year, we are proud to be involved in a race with such a great history,” Freeman says. “This is one of the longest continuously held races in the country. When Ted Massa of Latrobe decided to retire from managing the race after the first 20 years, Tim, Loreen, and I decided that the race was so unique that it had to continue.” Massa managed the race for two decades, and he was part of the group involved in the event’s 1980 founding.

Laurel Highlands Ultra Races: www.laurelultra.com

magine running 70.5 miles through the Laurel Highlands on a single trail filled with twists, turns, rocks, and big hills. While some might be unable to even imagine covering that distance, hundreds of runners have accomplished the feat. It’s all part of the Laurel Highlands Ultra. Ultramarathons are defined as races exceeding 26.2 miles, the length of a traditional marathon. The Laurel Highlands Ultra takes participants along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from Ohiopyle in Fayette County to Seward in Westmoreland County, nine miles northwest of Johnstown. On June 8, more than 100 runners will meet in Ohiopyle for the 40th running of this incredible test of endurance and strength. Rick Freeman of Peters Township is the race co-director along with Tim and Loreen Hewitt of Greensburg. Freeman has completed the race three times. “There are plenty of trail races a person can enter, but Laurel is special as it is run entirely on a single-track trail permanently marked and maintained by the park service,” Freeman says of the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Not many races can boast of the type of … trail that our race runs on. The other significant feature is that it is a point-to-point race so the racers have a logistics challenge in addition to the race itself. We do not shuttle them around, other than a bus to the start. They are responsible for all other logistics. This makes it a daunting task for some.” Last year’s winner, 37-yearold Brian Dugovich of Corvallis, Oregon, —Rick Freeman finished the race in 13 hours, 47 minutes and 20 seconds. That’s a pace of 11 minutes, 44 seconds per mile. Dugovich says hidden grottoes and ridge-top rock formations add beauty to the incredibly rocky and challenging course. “When I saw the finish line, I couldn’t believe I was about to win my first ultra race,” he says. Dugovich took advantage of aid stations along the way, a luxury that wasn’t available the first 20 years of the race. “Runners had to supply their own transportation and bring someone to meet them at the checkpoints to provide aid,” Freeman says.

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SUPPORT AREA FARMERS

We spotlight four of the many farmers markets in the Laurel Highlands region.

Story by Catherine Orlando Photography by Heidi Lewis

s we shake off another winter and move into fairer weather, many of us are ready to be back in nature and enjoying her bounty. But we also have errands and real life to deal with. Where do the great outdoors and grocery shopping/party planning/family outing converge? Enter the farmers market. These four Laurel Highlands options run the gamut from your local corner stop for fresh produce to a sprawling market with national appeal.

LIGONIER

The largest of the group is the Ligonier Country Market, which boasts more than 130 vendors. Visitors, of which the market counts thousands each week, can expect to find a wide variety of goods and interactive experiences on any given Saturday throughout the summer. The market, like most of its kind, enforces a strict “make it, bake it, grow it rule,” which requires vendors to sell products that are authentic and homemade. Cari Frei, executive director of the market, reviews every vendor application, overseeing every aspect of quality control and operations. The market has many moving parts, and Frei is always looking to expand offerings. “So, we have Market Sprouts, which is the kid-friendly part. The first market of the season, kids will come, they’ll help plant the garden. Throughout the season, they can take the produce they’re harvesting home with their families. We have a weekly craft, maker related,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for a true family outing.” The youngsters aren’t the only ones with participation opportunities. A dedicated community tent sees various groups and organizations exhibiting throughout the season, including theater groups with thespians in character, local fire departments, even the Daughters of the American Revolution. Some vendors also set their booths to be interactive, including one purveyor who makes marbled scarves on site. Customers can choose their colors and get hands-on with their beautiful, fashion-forward purchase. Frei has seen vendors team up and pair off with one another, showing their neighbors’ wares in a brick and mortar store or even collaborating with ingredients and recipes. “It fosters community. The people here get to know each other, care about each other,” she says. When one vendor, a man who sold honey, lost his bees and property in a flood, the community rallied around him, taking up collections. Ligonier is truly a destination spot for family fun and unique purchases. Expect to find everything from home décor, art, and apparel, to fresh produce, beer, wine, and spirits from local favorites. Come hungry and plan to stay all morning, enjoying everything this vast market has to offer; the Ligonier Country Market is located on the Loyalhanna Watershed Farm in Ligonier. It is open from 8 a.m. to noon starting Saturday, May 18, through the end of September.

GREENSBURG

Nearly 20 miles down the road, the Greensburg Farmers Market is centrally located to serve the surrounding community with fresh produce and culinary options. What this market may lack in size compared to the neighboring Ligonier market, it overwhelmingly makes up for in convenience and accessibility; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small but mighty neighborhood option. The market, located in the parking lot of the Lynch Field Park (526 New Alexandria Road), provides plenty of parking, restroom facilities, and open access to all in the area. Solidifying its convenience, the Greensburg Farmers Market has a unique edge: it offers the longest season in the area, starting in the beginning of May and going through Thanksgiving each year. Stop by and load up on local goodness, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through the extended season.

SOMERSET COUNTY EBENSBURG Another local market can be found an hour northwest of Greensburg, the Ebensburg Farmers Market, located in Penn Eben Park in the town’s main district. Here, vendors set their wares bordering a paved lot, selling produce, honey, body balms, and the like. The market is a community affair, and typically starts in early July and ends in mid-September. Cindy Benshoff of Benshoff Farm’s of New Germany has memories of bringing her family’s produce to the market, saying, “We started 35 years ago, packing up the back of the truck.” Now, she sells fruits and vegetables with her own family out of a festively painted box truck bearing the farm’s logo. For Benshoff, one of the town’s highlights is Potato Fest, an annual event in Ebensburg during which hundreds of vendors and even more visitors celebrate the versatile (and delicious) root vegetable. Last year marked the 27th Potato Fest celebration. The Ebensburg markets are typically held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays during the season; stay tuned for information on dates for the market and the 2019 Potato Fest.

For the rest of the Laurel Highlands, the Somerset County Farmers Market (located at 800 Georgian Plan in Somerset) is serving that community, and the tourists who enjoy it, with local goods and programs focused on family health and wellbeing. The market, which runs from around Memorial Day to about Thanksgiving on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, has an indoor space to prolong the selling season and opportunity for residents and tourists to partake in the fun. Last year saw the launch of Kids Club, a program created and hosted by the market and Tapestry of Health. The pilot season included children’s activities and fitness classes that earned participants tokens for fresh market produce. As the market enters its 14th season, shoppers can expect a few dozen vendors offering fresh foods, baked goods, flowers, wine, honey, syrup, and bath products. Again, the focus of the market is maker-oriented. For 2019, the market will open May 25 and run through November 23, with the last outdoor market scheduled for October 26. This summer, shop local as you get outside to enjoy nature and support the producers in your community.

VISIT:

Ligonier Country Market, www.ligoniercountrymarket.com Greensburg Farmers Market, www.facebook.com/greensburgcommunitymarkets

Ebensburg Farmers Market, www.ebensburgpa.com/farmers-market Somerset County Farmers Market, www.somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com

EVENTS

2019 EVENTS

Through September 21

FREE

SATURDAY RACES Through June 7

COMMON THREADS: WEAVERS OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Galley, Latrobe The work of 14 area weavers is currently on display, and the exhibit includes history of the artists and those who have purchased the more-than 20 coverlets. www.mccarlgallery.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

Jennerstown Speedway Complex, Jennerstown $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (62 and older) Five divisions of racing (late models, modifieds, street stocks, chargers, and fourcylinders) will grace the historic half-mile oval during the summer season. For each event, pit gates open at 2:30 p.m. with the main gates opening at 4 p.m.; laps begin at 4:30, opening ceremonies at 5:55 and racing at 6. www.jennerstown.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE

MAY-OCTOBER

May 5

FREE MUSEUM DAY IN LIGONIER VALLEY

Fort Ligonier, Ligonier Six museums will open their doors to allow visitors to see new exhibits and displays, play games, and take part in other activities. Participating will be Antiochian Heritage Museum, Compass Inn Museum, Fort Ligonier, Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, Lincoln Highway Experience, and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.fortligonier.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

May 6–10

May 11

ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS

WOMEN & WINE

FREE

Christian W. Klay Winery, Chalk Hill $25; reservations required Join your friends and your sisters—don’t forget to include Mom—for a day of shopping and wine tasting. A light lunch will be served. The event begins at 1 p.m.

Lynch Field, Greensburg Join in the fun for the 25th annual event with a carnival, a car show, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and live entertainment as the city kicks off its summer season. Watch the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Hours: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Downtown Ligonier $20 for wine tasting, $5 for designated drivers Join other wine connoisseurs as several Pennsylvania wineries present samples along with creative wine beverages from local restaurants. The walk will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. in the downtown area. Presented by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY SENIOR GAMES

www.ligonier.com/event/wine-walk

Mammoth Park, Mount Pleasant $10 Seniors ages 50 and above can participate in events hosted at Mammoth Park and several other centralized locations. Westmoreland County residency is not required. The events will be divided into age brackets and include activities such as bocce, bowling, cycling, darts, golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, swimming, and more. The games have been conducted for more than 30 years under the theme of “Bring a Friend for Fun and Fitness.” A T-shirt and free lunch go to those who pre-register.

MUD ON THE MOUNTAIN

www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/765/WestmorelandCounty-Senior-Games (listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

May 1 0–11

EAGLEMANIA The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $30 A touring tribute band, Eaglemania has performed to sold-out crowds all over the country. Bringing the music of the Eagles to audiences of every age, the band has been going for 40-plus years, and it also plays songs from the solo albums of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. The show begins at 8 p.m. both nights. www.lamptheatre.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

May 11

Seven Springs Mountain Resort $85 for individuals; $95 for timed heats Test yourself on this challenging sevenmile mud run course winding through the rugged terrain of the Laurel Highlands. Participants will climb over obstacles, pull themselves up inclines, slog through ponds, and navigate around (or over) boulders galore on their way to the finish line. Registration ends May 9. For more information and to register, go to www.7springs.com/events/mud-on-the-mountain

M a y 17 – 1 9

46TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ROAD FESTIVAL National Road Heritage Corridor, Uniontown Check website for cost of wagon train For a weekend in May, the world’s “longest festival” takes place along the Historic National Road, winding 300 miles through Somerset, Fayette, and Washington counties. An authentic wagon train makes its way from town to town, and volunteers in each community welcome visitors with festivals, arts and crafts shows, vendors, live music and entertainment, and food of all types. Facebook: nationalroadheritagecorridor; nationalroadpa.org.

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

www.greensburgpa.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE

LIGONIER WINE WALK

May 25–September 21

SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

Springs Road, Springs More than 80 local farmers, craftspeople, and artisans join together to offer the largest market in the area. Enjoy a wide selection of fresh produce and home-baked goods, quilts, plants, antiques, tools, and flea market items, as well as artwork of all types. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. www.springspa.org/farmers-market.php

May 25–November 23

SOMERSET COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

800 Georgian Place, Somerset Join friends every Saturday 9 a.m. to noon for the weekly tailgate farmers market. This year is the market’s 14th season, and it currently hosts 25 vendors providing fresh and locally grown produce from the county and surrounding area. www.somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com

May 25–26

18TH-CENTURY MILITARY ENCAMPMENT Fort Ligonier, Ligonier $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 62 and older; $8 for students aged 17–21; $6 for students aged 6 to 16; and children 5 and under free The event will feature dozens of reenactors in French and Indian War battle reenactments, artillery demonstrations, and living history presentations. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. www.fortligonier.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

Laurel Highlands Magazine

M a y 7 – 17

May 11

GREENSBURG COMMUNITY DAYS

www.mountainplayhouse.org

724-439-3424; www.cwklaywinery.com

FREE

Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown $10 for students ($8 on Wednesday evening); $20 to $40 for adults TheatreWorks presents a new musical based on the books by Andrea Beaty— Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist— written and performed for elementaryschool students. The musical takes a closer look at Rosie, Iggy, and Ada as they challenge their teacher, Ms. Greer, with their out-of-the-box thinking and total dedication and passion for their chosen specialties. The books and the musical highlight STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculums. Performances at 1 a.m., noon, or 6:30 p.m.

May 23–25

www.ligonier.com

FREE

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

June 2

OPEN HOUSE

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

June 8

ETHNIC FOOD FESTIVAL & CRAFT SHOW

www.touchstonecrafts.org

www.downtownirwin.com

FREE

Main Street, Irwin The 16th annual festival features more than 30 crafters showing their wares along Main Street. Local churches, social and civic organizations will offer a variety of foods, and visitors are sure to find something to take home from the handmade and collectible items on sale. Sponsored by the Irwin Business & Professional Association. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 4–October 29

LATROBE FARMERS MARKET

Facebook: Latrobe Farmers Market

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

June 7–8

DOO WOP WEEKEND

Laurel Highlands Magazine

www.summersounds.com

Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington Limited parking Enjoy a tour of the center’s professional studios and rural campus all while learning what the center offers. You’ll find handson crafts, artist demonstrations, instructor exhibitions, artists’ pop-up shops, and the Iron Gate Gallery. Other area arts organizations will have displays on hand as well. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Legion Keener Park, Latrobe A growing attraction, the farmers market is open from noon to 4 p.m. each Tuesday during the summer. Local farmers, area vendors and caterers, and other entrepreneurs and entertainment return for the market’s 12th season.

WOMEN’S FLY FISHING CLINIC

Seven Springs Mountain Resort $55 for Friday; $80 for Saturday Turn back the clock with dinner and dancing to that Doo Wop sound! On Friday, doors open at 6 with the dinner buffet beginning at 7, and Pure Gold will perform; stay a bit longer and meet the group’s members. On Saturday, doors open at 5 p.m., with the buffet beginning at 6, and the show starts at 7:15 with The Marcels, followed by The Flamingos; stay a bit longer and meet members of both bands. For lodging packages, check the website. 866-437-1300; www.7springs.com/events/doowop-weekend

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

June 8

HIGH NOON Arcadia Theater, Windber $20, $24, $28 The tribute band High Noon will perform classic Southern rock hits from the 1970s, including music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers Band, the Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, and more. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com; www.highnoonrocks.com; Facebook: High Noon Band PA

Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle $195 for the guided two-day event; minimum age is 16 Start at the very beginning as you learn the ins and outs of fly fishing. Guides will teach proper casting techniques, knot tying, bug identification, and on-water strategy. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required and can be purchased the morning of the event. Bring waders, if possible; if not, bring water shoes or sports sandals. The class will take place in Ohiopyle and on the Youghiogheny River. 800-272-4141; wilderness-voyageurs.com

FREE

The Diamond, Ligonier More than 50 antique dealers will set up shop around the Diamond town square and along East and West Main Street to allow collectors a day of digging for treasures. Sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SUMMERSOUNDS

June 13–15

16TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ROAD CHAINSAW CARVING FESTIVAL

Community Park, Addison Chainsaw carvers from around the world will gather for this yearly event, managed by the Confluence Lions Club. Last year, 43 artists took part in carving, displaying, and selling items. An auction will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, with each artist donating one to four items to be sold to the highest bidders. Proceeds will benefit the Somerset County Blind Association. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. www.carvingfest.confluencelions.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE

ANTIQUES ON THE DIAMOND

June 8–9

St. Clair Park, Greensburg Enjoy live music, summer breezes, and the company of friends during the free series of Friday evening concerts in downtown Greensburg. This year’s offerings range from jazz to rock to bluegrass with a touch of folk, new age, and country thrown in for good measure. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to listen to the tunes. The shows begin at 7 p.m. Arrive early and listen to the preshow music from 6:15 to 6:45.

FREE

EVENTS

June 1, August 24

June 7–September 13

June 15

SUGAR GROVE ANTIQUE SHOW

Georgian Place, Somerset An outdoor show surrounded by specialty shops to be held at Georgian Place, the location of Sugar Grove Antiques. Vendors will be selling antiques, collectibles, and other vintage items. Food vendors will be on site. The location is a quarter of a mile off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Routes 70/76), exit 110, in Somerset. Turn left at the second light on Route 601N, then right at the next second light at Kings Restaurant. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Facebook: Sugar Grove Antique Show

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

Laurel Highlands Magazine

seven springs events ad

www.mtareafair.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

June 20, July 18

MUSIC IN THE STREETS

Main Street, Irwin Bands, singers, and other musicians will be set up or strolling around the downtown area, entertaining visitors from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Irwin Business & Professional Association. www.downtownirwin.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE FREE

July 4–7

WESTMORELAND ARTS & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg The annual fair includes live performances, arts and crafts exhibitors, demonstrations, and ethnic-food vendors. No pets will be permitted. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.artsandheritage.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE

MOUNTAIN AREA FAIR (AKA FARMINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FAIR)

Fire Department Fairgrounds, Farmington Since 1967, the Mountain Area Fair has benefited the department, the town, and the region. The fair’s full schedule will be announced soon, and visitors will have a wide range of shows, events, games, amusements, and food vendors to choose from.

FREE

EVENTS

June 16–22

July 19–20

SUMMER IN LIGONIER ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

Main Street, Ligonier Browse arts and crafts booths and sidewalk sales, enjoy children’s activities like face painting, and taste delicious foods. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. www.ligonier.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

July 20–21

OLD TIME SUMMER FUN FESTIVAL

Fort Allen Antique Farm Equipment Association, Scottdale Displays include an operating sawmill, horse-drawn plows, tractors with steam and gas engines, and more. Enjoy the tractor parade, the tractor pull, and the tractor rodeo. Get a farm breakfast or lunch, and don’t forget to taste the homemade ice cream! 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Fort Allen Antique Farm Equipment Association. 724-694-2538

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

FREE

July 25–August 3

FAYETTE COUNTY FAIR Fairgrounds, Dunbar $13 for regular admission, after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday; $11 for early-bird admission, purchase at the gate 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday only; $10 for advanced admission until July 25 The annual fair often attracts more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest fairs in the state. Enjoy the full carnival, exhibits and demonstrations, contests and competitions, animal shows, races and truck/tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies and monster truck shows, live music and entertainment with both national and local talent, and all the food imaginable! 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. www.fayettefair.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

August 3–4

256TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BUSHY RUN Bushy Run Battlefield, Jeannette $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 3 to 12, $15 adult weekend pass, $7 children weekend pass Watch as reenactors bring the Battle of Bushy Run to life. Native Americans and British soldiers clashed in 1763 during Pontiac’s War. The events include historical demonstrations, reenactments of military camps and a Native American village, live historical music, food and historical vendors, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. www.bushyrunbattlefield.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

golf?

August 3

GIG ON MAIN

Main Street, Irwin After Main Street closes to traffic at 3 p.m., the bands will perform from 5 to 11 p.m. at the arch at Fourth and Main. A food truck round-up begins at 5 p.m. www.downtownirwin.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

August 9–11

RIDE ’EM, DON’T HIDE ’EM GETAWAY Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs Check the website for packages Travel in style as this motorcycle event, sponsored by Motorcycle Classics magazine, takes to the roads of the Laurel Highlands. For more, turn to Page 6. 866-437-1300; www.7springs.com/events

WESTMORELAND AGRICULTURAL FAIR

BACK TO THE GARDEN

Fairgrounds, Greensburg $7 for daily admission; $3 for early bird admission; $20 for weekly pass Showcasing the state’s No. 1 industry, the agricultural fair is filled with fun for all ages. A carnival and strolling performers will entertain visitors each day; demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, and a rodeo will take place at the arena; and live music can be found around the grounds. Some of the concerts are free, and admission includes everything but the grandstand shows. Of course, there will be a wide range of exhibits to view. www.westmorelandfair.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

A u g u s t 17 – A u g u s t 2 4

119TH ANNUAL SOMERSET COUNTY FAIR Fairgrounds, Meyersdale $10 per person; $2 per car for parking; $8 for advance tickets The fair showcases the youth and agriculture in the county with livestock shows, nightly grandstand entertainment, and a midway complete with carnival rides. www.somersetcountyfairpa.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

A u g u s t 17 – 1 8

LAUREL HIGHLANDS GARLIC FESTIVAL Faranda Farm, Hollsopple (Benson) $5 for adults; $3 for children under 12; children 2 and under, free The ‘stinkin’ rose’ is in the spotlight with demonstrations by guest chefs, a workshop for growers, fresh garlic and other herbs on sale, a range of garlic foods to taste, and lots of merchandise to browse. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.farandasfamilyfarm.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

Arcadia Theater, Windber $31, $35, $38 Celebrating 50 years since Woodstock, the country’s premiere tribute band rocks the stage with the hits from that historic gathering in 1969. This group of versatile musicians honors the music of Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and more! Show begins at 7:30 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com; www.backtothegarden1969.com

August 30–September 2

26TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA ARTS & CRAFTS LABOR DAY FESTIVAL Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg $6 for adults; $5.50 for seniors 65 and older; $1 for children ages 6 to 12; children younger than 6 are free Celebrate the holiday and the end of summer! The festival will feature a variety of exhibits from embellished clothing to pet treats, from painting to wood carving, from home decorations to holiday ornaments. On-site food vendors will offer a bit of everything. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Monday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

LAUREL HILL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset The annual festival features bands, artisans and their wares, food vendors, reenactors, wagon rides, and more. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.laurelhillbluegrass.com

September 1–2

LABOR UNITED CELEBRATION

Northmoreland Park, Apollo Everyone in the family will find something to smile about at this annual extravaganza. Enjoy live music, a one-ring circus, train and trolley rides, an arts and crafts marketplace, a giant flea market, food vendors of all types, and a carnival. For $4, you can purchase an all-day pass to ride all of the midway rides. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. www.co.westmoreland.pa.us

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

September 4–8

FARMERS & THRESHERMENS JUBILEE

August 31–September 1

New Centerville, near Rockwood $5 for adults; children under 12 are free; $2.50 for adults on Wednesday; group rates available Antique machinery is the focus of this festival, which celebrates 67 years this year. Demonstrations, exhibits, parades, and contests all feature everything from steam and gas engines to horse- and dogpowered machines. Other events include pulling competitions, a quilt show and sale, food contests, arts and crafts booths, and loads of food. Sponsored by the New Centerville & Rural Volunteer Fire Co. Visit the website for hours and schedule;

LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND

www.ncrvfc.com/jubilee.html

www.familyfestivals.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

Fort Ligonier, Ligonier $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 62 and older; $8 for students aged 17–21; $6 for students aged 6 to 16; and children 5 and under free The fort will come alive with costumed interpreters and reenactors demonstrating 18th-century life skills and games, as well as musket firings and more. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.fortligonier.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

A u g u s t 17 – 1 8

FREE

August 24

FREE

EVENTS

August 16–24

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

September 14

NATURE NIGHT OUT Winner Palmer Nature Reserve, Latrobe $40; employees of Saint Vincent College, $35; SVC students, $30 Become part of the reserve’s outreach programs during this fundraising event to benefit the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. The event will feature dinner, drinks, entertainment, and an auction. From 6 to 9 p.m. www.wpnr.org

September 14–15

October 19

STAHLSTOWN FLAX SCUTCHING FESTIVAL

HAUNTED HISTORY HAYRIDE

Monticue Grove, Stahlstown $4 per person; children under 12, free Turning flax fibers into linen cloth is known as scutching, and Stahlstown offers the oldest festival in the Western Hemisphere honoring the disappearing folk craft. The festival began in 1907, and visitors can learn how linen is made, how to grow flax, and other aspects of frontier life. Enjoy Live music and homemade food and drinks. Antique farm machinery will be on display and demonstrations will be provided in blacksmithing, pottery throwing, and more. Opens at 9 a.m. both days. www.flaxscutching.org

September 14–15

61ST LIGONIER HIGHLAND GAMES Idlewild Park, Ligonier Saturday: $20 for adults ages 18 to 54; $18 for seniors 55 and older; $10 for youngsters ages 13–17; children 12 and younger are free. Sunday: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $5 ages for 13-17 Visit the website for an up-to-date schedule. Last year’s games included events such as competitions for piping, dancing, athletics, fiddling, and more. You’ll find information on Scottish clans and tartans, enjoy living history events, taste traditional Celtic cuisine, and discover myriad musical offerings during the two-day event. Proceeds benefit the Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust’s scholarship program. Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.

FREE

www.ligonierhighlandgames.org

September 21–22

DERRY RAILROAD DAYS

October 4–5

62ND ANNUAL SPRINGS FOLK FESTIVAL Springs Road, Springs $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6 to 18; children under 6 are free; group rates available Celebrate the arts and skills of times past as people bake bread, weave, hew logs, thresh grain, and provide old-time music and dance. You can also purchase handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items of all types: paintings, baskets, furniture and other wood-worked crafts, quilts, even musical instruments. Visitors will sample apple fritters, kettle corn, homemade pies, and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. www.springspa.org/folk-festival.php

October 11–13

FORT LIGONIER DAYS Fort Ligonier, Ligonier Free admission for town events; $12 for adults and $6 for children for events at the Fort Fought in 1758, the Battle of Fort Ligonier is commemorated annually with a living history encampment, as reenactors demonstrate frontier life, military tactics, and more. Enjoy the parade, live music, food booths, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, a local merchants’ sidewalk sale, and the Fort Ligonier Days 5K race, along with a Kid’s Cannon Bally Dash for those younger than 12. Booths open at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. fortligonierdays.com; www.fortligonier.org

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

October 19

GHOST WALK

Downtown, Derry Celebrate Derry’s railroading history with a parade, displays, family activities, craft and food vendors, entertainment, and trips through the museum. Call 724-309-1746 or check the website for times, schedule of events, and other details.

Downtown, Irwin Small fee Take the tour of historical Irwin, learning the history of the buildings and hearing tales of paranormal activity and investigations. 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

www.derryrailroaddays.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

www.downtownirwin.com

Bushy Run Battlefield, Jeannette $20 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 to 12; no one under the age 4 is permitted to attend Evening hay rides will take visitors through the battlefield, stopping along the way to watch reenactors impersonating 18th-century people. Entry to the Visitor Center and Museum is included in the admission fee. Reservations are required; Talk with a staff member to make required reservations; contact via phone beginning at 9 a.m. on October 2. 724-527-5584; bushyrunbattlefield.com

(listing courtesy Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

October 19

HISTORIC HALLOWEEN Somerset Historical Center, Somerset $3 per child plus an apple for the cider press Enjoy the lantern-lit paths, historic structures, and costumed interpreters during the Halloween trick-or-treating event. Enjoy fresh-pressed cider, popcorn, and more. 5 to 8 p.m. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org

WRITE US! Have an event you’d like to include in our calendar? We’d love to hear from you. Send an email to laurelhighlands@sunflowerpub.com with details about your Laurel Highlands event, and we’ll try to include it in the next issue.

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