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By Jill Runfola

Betty Strickland of Monessen has a home bakery shop and sells some of her desserts at the event.

The Summer Bash featured this band, “It’s Only Temporary,” who played Contemporary Christian songs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Penn Highlands Healthcare Information was made available from these two ladies at the Saturday event. On left, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Michele Haftman with Director of Radiation Therapy, Debbie Burkhardt on right.

This group was really enjoying family time together at the event, L-R: Brian Arnold, and his daughter, Olivia Arnold, Sophia Arnold, holding baby; baby is Aaliyah Roberts, girl in front right, Dani Patch.

Rich Henzelman of Donora enjoys the petting zoo at Bash.

Kaleb Saunders, age 6, takes a pony ride at the event. He’s with his grandmother, Michelle Kitchens.

As Donora celebrated their 125^th anniversary with an ‘End of Summer Bash,’ one could feel the sense of pride and community spirit that has been on hand for the town for so many years at these events.  

The Donora Smog Committee hosted the Summer Bash in downtown Donora from 2:00PM to 10:00PM on Saturday, Sept., 19.  The event featured food and craft vendors, bands, games, face-painting, a parade, street performers, and fireworks. Two bands entertained the group, Its Only Temporary, who played Contemporary Christian music, and the Todd Jones Band.

“It’s important to bring the community together and to continue traditions and create meaningful memories and (for the) entire Mon Valley,” said DeAnne Pavelko, Vice President of Donora City Council and wife of Donora Mayor Don Pavelko. She added that the parade is something they hold on major anniversaries but is another tradition they will begin.

Teamwork brought the event together, Pavelko says, “There is no one person in charge of the event; it’s the whole committee, we work together: Janet Bulko, April Wisyanski, DeAnne Pavelko, Don Pavelko, and a host of others.”

With over 40 food trucks, crafters, and varied vendors, there was something for everyone. Turnout to the event was great and a success, despite intermittent rain showers. Friendships were made as the community gathered for this fun time. April Wisyanski, vice president of the Donora Smog Commemorative Committee, said that it’s just an event that helps bring us together, with the celebration having roots back from Donora’s former Ethnic Days.

Look for additional 125^th celebration days for Donora at Palmer Park from October 7-11 with a Fall Festival and carnival in store for everyone.

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