Shade-Central City Heritage Days

The 25th anniversary of the Shade-Central City Heritage Days is happening on Saturday and Sunday at the Community Park in Central City.

Jessie Kohan, the organizer, said this year will have many things that are the same as in past years, along with a few new things.

“We are pretty set in what we have each year,” she said.

“The churches and businesses have their certain spaces each year to sell food, so that really never changes.”

This year the food selection will vary from hot sausage and hamburgers to ethnic favorites haluski and halupki.

The desserts range from fruit cups to funnel cakes and of course kettle korn.

Kohan said the big change this year will be the addition of a larger children’s area.

“We have people who wanted to help expand the children’s area so there will be free face painting, a homestyle petting zoo and coloring contest. There will just be additional children’s games, all free of charge.”

Ron Barlick, from Shawnee State Park will be at the park at 2:30 p.m. Sunday to talk about animals from our area. His presentation is titled ‘Furry Critters’.”

Other children’s activities include pony rides, animal balloons, a magic show at 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

“There will be all kinds of fun things for kids.”

A Duck Race will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The music entertainment will vary said Kohan.

“We will really have something for everyone. On Saturday, we will have Zupe at noon. He is really popular and has a great following,” she said.

The Hallmarks are on the slate for 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Autobahn, an “all out festival playing band from Pittsburgh” will be playing at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday’s music includes Vendetta, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which Kohan said is an all acoustical band.

The Somerset County Band is on at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Katelyn Rose Band, who plays country western style music at 2:30 p.m. D.J. Shawn Saloney will provide the music beginning at 5 p.m.

“We will have a craft tent open both days from 12 to 4,” said Kohan. “We are still accepting crafters if they are interested.”

The fireman’s parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, which Kohan says is always a big hit.

At 9:30 p.m. a large fireworks show will take place closing the festival for the evening.

Bingo sponsored by the Ladies Fireman’s Auxiliary starts at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Kohan said at 9 a.m. Saturday, the annual basketball tournament will take place.

On Sunday, at 9 a.m. there will be a volleyball tournament. She added that people are always welcome to join in the sports activities.

Church services by Graef’s Lutheran Church will take place at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

The large car cruise is being held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Kohan said the Medstar helicopter will land at 1 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting.

The Shade-Central City Historical Society will have the museum open at the park from noon to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

While at the park, Kohan encourages people to stop at the Armed Forces Memorial located in the park to see all the veterans’ names from this area. There is no admission to enter the festival or the museum.

Parking is also free. The gates open at 11 a.m. on both days.