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Published: August 16, 2008 10:20 pm
Richland festival has ‘overwhelming positive impact’
By RANDY GRIFFITH
The Tribune-Democrat
The idea was to create a celebration of Richland Township and build community spirit.
It achieved much more, organizers said Saturday during Richland Community Days along Schoolhouse Road.
“Everybody seems to be having a good time and wanting to make this an annual event,” volunteer Meghan Stahl-Skinner said.
Around her hundreds circulated between the Jazz in Your Face performance in the main tent, rows of food and craft vendors, a Civil War encampment and towering inflatable play equipment in the children’s area.
“It’s a community event,” township Supervisor Bob Heffelfinger said. “It has an overwhelming positive impact across all organizations. I think the residents are thrilled to partake in this type of event in the township.”
Saturday’s celebration began with an 85-unit parade along Theatre Drive.
“It was the first time there has been a parade in Richland Township in 25 years,” parade chairwoman Bobbi Ream said.
Because the premier Richland Community Days festival coincides with the township’s 175th anniversary, parade announcers Ream and Patrick Kiniry sprinkled in some history trivia, noting Richland was originally created as part of Bedford County, and also included what is now Adams Township and Geistown Borough.
History lessons continued for children visiting the Civil War encampment by 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry of Johnstown. The group mustered a children’s militia, complete with toy muskets, marching drills and a battle charge. Then the kids learned about 19th Century medical treatment, as medics patched up mock casualties.
“That was really fun,” 9-year-old Alexis Everhart told her mother, Mandy Norris, after the activities.
Alexis was enjoying all aspects of the festival.
“We made bracelets, listened to music and ate cotton candy. His lips are blue.” she said, pointing to a cotton candy-eating friend.
Attendance at Friday’s opening concerts exceeded expectations, with even more expected for Saturday’s full slate of activities and fireworks, event coordinator Vince Strugala said.
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