ON THE INSIDE TANGER OUTLETS FALL FESTIVAL FUN FOR KIDS

FALL
FESTIVAL
FUN
FOR KIDS
(OF ALL AGES)
ON THE
INSIDE
Exclusive interview
with Russ & Melanie Bedner
Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse
TANGER
OUTLETS
One Stop Shopping
“Kids Color the Cover”
contest winner
Grace Delaney
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CONTENTS
fall/winter 2015-16
Fall Festival Fun For Kids
(Of All Ages)
8
“Kids Color the Cover”
Contest Winner and Finalists
13
One Stop Shopping
14
Tanger Outlets adds new stores
just in time for the season
On The Inside
18
With Russ & Melanie Bedner
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
Reaching for the Stars
24
Mingo Observatory marks 10th Anniversary
Extended Stay
32
Washington County’s long, long history of hospitality
Calendar
38
Upcoming Events for Fall and Winter
History Reinvents Itself
42
One-of-a-kind Walking Tour
INSIDE WASHINGTON COUNTY PRODUCED BY:
ON THE COVER:
PUBLISHER
Jeff M. Kotula
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
During the Washington County
Agricultural Fair in August 2015,
five to seven year old children
were asked to participate in the
“Kids Color the Cover” Contest
presented by Range Resources
and Washington County Tourism
Promotion Agency.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Tara M. Gleason
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Grace Delaney, our contest
winner, carefully colored the
image shown on the cover.
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Matt Miller
Observer Publishing Company
On page 13, the work of our nine
finalists can be viewed.
375 Southpointe Boulevard
Suite 240
Canonsburg, PA 15317
washcochamber.com
visitwashingtoncountypa.com
© Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.
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MANAGING EDITOR
Debbie A. Sims
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
PRINTER
Knepper Press
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER
Mike Melone
Melone Advertising Group
PRODUCTION
Paula Dudley
Melone Advertising Group
EDITORIAL
Nicole Barley
Michael Bradwell
Business Editor, Observer-Reporter
Earl Bugaile
Jennie Dorris
Kristin Emery
Kathleen Hondru
ART / PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily Hixon Photography
Melone Advertising Group
Inside Washington County is published by the
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
and Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.
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FALL FESTIVAL FUN FOR KIDS (OF ALL AGES)
By Kathleen Hondru
Fall is a special time of year – especially for children. There is the excitement about starting a new school year,
reconnecting with friends and most definitely enjoying all the Fall rituals that make
Washington County such a special place to grow up.
When the evenings turn cool and Autumn glory is on full display, it is time to enjoy all the fun
that Fall offers to kids of all ages. And as if that is not enough, the season rewards us with
an extra hour of sleep to recuperate from all the festivities!
Be sure to take advantage of all the Fall festivals and activities
available throughout Washington County this season.
Simmons Farm
The SpringHouse
Peters Township
North Strabane Township
This family-owned farm nestled in the rolling hills of Peters
Township offers plenty of fun for the family throughout the
Fall season. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, you
will find lots to do! And if you have a Fall birthday to
celebrate, look no further. Simmons offers special packages
for birthday parties at the farm.
During the week, you can enjoy tractor-drawn hay rides
to Simmons Farm’s special Fall activities field, where
kids can pick their own pumpkins, get lost in the
hay and corn mazes, climb on a fire truck and grab
a sack for riding down the 100-foot long slide.
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Back at the main farm, you can always visit the farm animals
in the petting zoo area and apple picking is also offered. On
the weekends, things pick up with even more activities at the
hay ride’s field destination with pony rides, live music and
delectable food vendors.
For the older kids, the 4-H Pumpkin Catapult and
Apple Sling Shot are always fan-favorites. And if
you like to take your pumpkin carving to the next
level, be sure to check out the impressive Pumpkin
Carving Display at the market. For a full listing
of all the action, go to simmonsfarm.com.
If you are looking for some old-fashioned fun on the farm with the kids,
look no further than The SpringHouse on weekends. Beginning
September 26 and running through the end of October, they will be
hosting Great Pumpkin weekend, full of food, fun and lots of activities
for the kids. Make some fun Fall memories with the pumpkin patch
hayrides, corn maze, hay maze, Spidey Sling, giant bale jumping and its
very own Pumpkin Land.
After working up an appetite from all the activities, you can feast on all
things pumpkin at The SpringHouse’s Country Store, including pumpkin pies, cookies, breads, custards and even pumpkin soup! Sundays in
October will also include a traditional Hog Roast, featuring locally 4-H
raised hogs. For more information, visit springhousemarket.com.
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45th Annual Covered Bridge Festival
Trax Farms
Washington and Greene Counties
Finleyville
This year Trax Farms celebrates 150 years of farming and
the 45th anniversary of its Fall Festival, which runs
every weekend from September 19 – October 26. It
has something for everyone, from grandparents to
grandkids, and has become a tradition for families
throughout Washington County and beyond.
As you approach Trax Farms in the Fall, one of
the first things you will notice is the huge piles
of pumpkins, marking the start of the Fall
Festival season. Fall Festival weekends offer an
array of activities. Young kids will enjoy the
bounce house, Rainbow Express train rides, the Petting
Zoo, pumpkin patch, spin art and much more. Older
kids will find even more to do with the Rockwall and
Bungee Jumper. Everyone will enjoy the hayrides, live music
and entertainment, giant slide and corn maze.
And do not forget to bring your appetite! Trax’s famous
fresh-pressed cider is available along with a full menu of
sandwiches, sides and desserts, including gobs, hand-dipped
caramel apples and homemade apple dumplings that are
available throughout the fall festival season.
To keep kids of all ages in Fall spirits all season long, check
out the Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations in the
Trax Gifts and Garden Center. The fun does not have to stop
when you leave; you can bring it home with you to enjoy all
season long. For more
information, visit
traxfarms.com.
Held every year during the third weekend in September,
this year on September 19 and 20, the Annual Covered
Bridge Festival is considered by many as the official
kick-off to the Fall season. It showcases ten covered bridges,
historical treasures located throughout Washington and
Greene Counties.
picturesque countryside, while blending live history lessons,
such as civil war re-enactments and trade demonstrations,
with plenty of kid-friendly fun and live entertainment.
Kids will especially enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides,
petting zoos, face painting, train rides, zip lines, bounce
houses and more!
Each festival location offers a unique schedule of events and
live entertainment – with plenty of kids games, activities and
delicious Fall foods and treats. Visiting the bridges during this
weekend is a wonderful way for families to explore the region’s
Admission and parking are free with many locations offering
handicap accessible parking. For a map of the festival and
schedules by location, go to visitwashingtoncountypa.com.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
Canonsburg
Oktoberfest celebrations return to Canonsburg for the
17th year on September 18 – 20. Sponsored by the Greater
Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce, the festival is fun for
children of all ages; in fact it has been ranked in the Nation’s
Top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations.
oldies. The festival also features a variety of American and
ethnic foods, and continues the tradition of the Oktoberfest
Carnival with amusement rides and games. For more
information, visit canonchamber.com/Oktoberfest.
Held on the streets of downtown Canonsburg, the festival
features two stages of live music showcasing top German
entertainment and local talent performing country, rock and
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Hickory Apple Festival
“Kids Color the Cover” Contest
Mt. Pleasant Township
During the Washington County Agricultural
Fair in August 2015, five to seven year old
children were asked to participate in the “Kids
Color the Cover” Contest presented by Range
Resources and Washington County Tourism
Promotion Agency.
This annual festival – held every year in early October –
benefits the Mt. Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire
Company and features plenty of fun for kids – and lots of
apples too! This year’s festival will be held October 3
and 4. Games for kids include the traditional annual
apple bobbing and apple pie eating contests. There is also
a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, moon walk,
a fire safety house and hay rides for kids and families.
WINNER!
Grace Delaney
Age 7
Beth Center
The weekend festival will have live music and
entertainment, along with great craft and food vendors.
Kids love the annual pancake breakfast held Saturday
morning in the dining room of the hall. But make sure
to leave room for apple treats – from candied to caramel,
apple dumplings or apple pie, all washed down with apple
cider – chilled or warm! For more information on the
festival, go to hickoryapplefest.com.
NINE FINALISTS
Ava Barbao
Ress
Age 7
Mae Coburn
Age 7
Joe Walker Elementary
Makayla Jackson
Age 7
Bentworth Elementary
Keirsten Lutz
Claysville
Paityn Pawich
Age 7
Chartiers Houston
Pumpkin Festival
Houston
This annual October tradition – in its 33rd year – draws
more than 75,000 visitors to the town of Houston for
entertainment, food, games and crafts; all while raising
funds for the Houston Fire Department. Mark your
calendar for this year’s festival, running October 9 – 11.
It has many fun activities for families and kids, including
an inflatable slide and bounce house, a 30 foot rock wall,
Euro Bungee, train rides, horse rides, pumpkin
decorating, face decorating, a petting zoo, carriage rides
and games and contests for youngsters and teenagers.
Richelle Jones
Ringgold
Age 5
Age 7
One of the highlights of the festival is the Annual
Pumpkin Day Parade, held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. on
West Pike Street. The parade lasts nearly an hour and
features floats, local fire departments, marching bands,
dance groups, local dignitaries – and guests from area
haunted houses!
The weekend is full of live entertainment, crafts and
plenty of food vendors. To check out the schedule for
this year’s festival, visit houstonpumpkinfestival.net.
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Age 7
Chloe Plavi
Borland Manor
Makayla Salvini
Trinity West
Age 7
Carson Stevens
Fort Cherry
Age 6
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ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
Tanger Outlets adds new stores just in time for the season
By Kristin Emery
The air is still warm but you know it is coming: the change of seasons means it is time
for back to school and holiday shopping and shifting your fashion focus to Fall-friendly colors
and warmer layers. Make Washington County’s Tanger Outlets your
one-stop shopping destination for Fall and Winter fashion.
Clothes For Any Season
New Stores Open Their Doors
Whether you are outfitting your kindergartener with a first
day of school ensemble or helping your fashionista high school
student make bold, chic choices, Tanger Outlets has
everything the whole family needs for any wardrobe. Tanger
Outlets General Manager Jodi Dague says back to school is
one of their busiest seasons. “We have many brand names that
cater to this season such as H&M, LOFT, Francesca’s, Janie &
Jack, Under Armour and Nike. The best part about shopping
here is that we really have something for the entire
family. Many times it is not just the kids
adults are shopping for. Mom
might pick up some
new pieces for her
closet too.”
Dague adds this
is a great time to
shop because
you will find
Summer
bargains along
with new Fall finds.
“Stores continue to
transition from summer
into Fall and Winter. You
can help extend your Summer
wardrobe with a few pieces in traditional warm colors and
layer your look for cooler weather. You can give an outfit a
whole new look for the season by just adding a soft textured
sweater. For the kids, even a ¾ sleeve cardigan or cropped
jacket over a casual sundress will give you great flexibility.”
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Tanger’s newest stores are perfect options for back to school
shopping. Since April, Tanger has welcomed five new stores
including Francesca’s, which is an eclectic women’s clothing
boutique specializing in trendy clothes, handbags, shoes,
jewelry and gifts. Hot Topic is a more teen-oriented chain
known for rock and
pop-culture-inspired
T-shirts and
accessories.
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Tanger Outlets and provide the perfect options for
dressing up your Fall fashions with scarves, jewelry and
handbags. Rack Room Shoes is the first in the Pittsburgh
market and carries a huge selection of the hottest brand-name
footwear for the entire family. Another new addition, Under
Armour Youth, provides a full selection of kids' athletic
clothes, shoes, and sports gear and is unique to our area since
the next closest store is located in Maryland. Michael Kors is
another recent arrival at Tanger and provides fashion-savvy
shoppers with the latest looks and trends. For younger
schoolkids, Gap, Gymboree and Justice will outfit your family
with staples made for sharp-dressed students.
W
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NADDITIONS
Fashion Must Haves
The big trends in fashion this season? Think 70’s-inspired
attire including flared jeans and pants and fringe accents.
Dague explains, “This Fall is inspired by the freedom of the
‘70’s with re-imagined designs that are flattering and fun such
as a retro-fit blazer, block-heel shoes, fringe and larger-thanlife statement jewelry.” Denim is always a “go to” choice, but
Dague says this Fall brings denim with some sparkle.
“Everything from jean skirts with embellishment to mixing
chambray tops with dark denim,” she notes. “Shoes are also
fun this season with a casual wedge sneaker in a variety of
textures and sparkle giving you options that polish off a trendy
look.” Sparkle is fun for all ages and bold, statement jewelry is
on point for grown-up girls along with tall boots and blockheeled shoes and booties.
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Bargains Abound
Fall Fun And Fashion Into The Holiday Season
Back to school and holiday shopping does not have to break
your budget. Tanger Outlets provides terrific opportunities for
Fall savings and loyalty programs. Dague says, “We love
talking about money saving tips. We encourage that your first
stop is at Shopper Services in the food court. Our customer
service team is ready to tell you about
all of the ways to save, such as our
Tanger coupon books which are free
to college students, AAA members,
military and AARP.” Most stores at
Tanger also offer rewards programs
which provide discounts, coupons and
special offers for return customers.
You can also join the Tanger Club
loyalty program which offers special
deals that are exclusive to members
including tiered reward levels for your
spending. If you are smart-phone
savvy, the free Tanger App also puts
great deals at your fingertips.
Fall fashion moves into full swing in October with the 7th
Annual PinkStyle Campaign all month long. Tanger Outlets
will offer $5.00 Powerful PINK Cards good for 25 percent off
items at participating stores. Proceeds benefit local and
national cancer-related organizations. The 7th Annual Tanger
Fit For A Cure 5K Run/Walk takes
place October 4 and October fun
ends with Trick or Treating on
Tanger’s sidewalks Halloween night
from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The
holiday shopping season will be right
around the corner after that and
Tanger Outlets is preparing to kick it
off with Moonlight Madness and
special deals starting at 6:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day and continuing
through 10:00 p.m. Black Friday.
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Read about more money saving
programs and see a full store directory with hours and special
events at tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh.
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ON THE
INSIDE
With
RUSS & MELANIE BEDNER
By Michael Bradwell
Company:
Title:
W
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
Owners/Operators
hen Russ and Melanie Bedner talk about growth in their business, they can
speak of it literally and figuratively.
Either way, the couple who owns and operates Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
in Cecil Township finds these days that growing things for a living is growing a
family business that has been around for decades.
Russ’s parents, Bob and Sue Bedner, grew plants for their family farm market in Upper St. Clair in the
1970’s. As their greenhouse and produce growing operations expanded, they purchased the 42-acre
property in Cecil Township in 1984 and moved to the site in 1986. They opened Bedner’s Farm and
Greenhouse in 1996, and were joined by their son Russ and daughter-in-law Melanie, and in the early
2000’s they began to expand the garden center to include perennials, trees and shrubs.
The move to a centralized home-base simplified things while setting a path for growth.
“Dad and Mom were growing everything here and trucked everything to the store in Bridgeville,” said
Russ, 37, during a recent interview in the gazebo just outside the 21,000 square-foot retail center.
Today, the retail center is fed by the output of 15 greenhouses on
the property, as well as produce from the adjacent fields. While
customers are enjoying that bounty now, Russ and Melanie, 36,
say it is the result of careful planning that takes place long before
the April 1 opening. The Bedners start growing in their
greenhouses in mid-January.
“We grow 80 percent of what we sell,” Russ said, noting that the
proportion of their own production sets them apart from many
operations that buy and resell plants and produce. Bedner’s also
wholesales its produce to area grocery stores and restaurants.
“We really concentrate most of our energy into the plants,”
Melanie said. “Our staff is always going around keeping things as
nice as possible.” But at its heart, it is very much a family
business, with Bob and Sue still lending a steady hand to the
operation.
“
We grow 80 percent of
what we sell. My
parents still work here.
Dad grows all of the
annuals and my Mom
still waters.
”
“My parents still work here,” Russ said. “Dad grows all of the annuals and my Mom still waters.”
Russ & Melanie Bedner
Like a lot of small business operators, Russ and Melanie found that expanding their operations has
meant the addition of services to keep up with customer demand.
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“We hire a lot of high school kids who work part-time,”
Melanie said.
And with a seasonal business, Russ and Melanie are not just
working hard to keep their offerings fresh, but to also provide other
activities to keep customers coming back and make the most of the
Spring through Fall selling period.
“We do different things, from informal presentations to interactive
workshops where people can make things to take home. During the
Summer months, we have crafts for kids that usually draw a dozen
kids every other Wednesday.”
In fall, the “Art Under Glass Festival” held on October weekends is
the big event, featuring live music, wine tastings, food trucks, local
crafts, hayrides and pick-your-own pumpkins.
“We were selling bigger trees, but we did not have anybody to
install them,” he said of their decision in 2013 to add a landscape
design, installation and maintenance division.
Russ acknowledged that the decision to offer a full-service
landscaping service paralleled a healthy residential construction
trend that continues to this day in Washington County.
“It is definitely not hurting us,” he said of the new housing
communities that have sprung up in Cecil and other townships in
recent years.
That is not to say that the retail center is not thriving with the sale
of plants and fresh produce.
“The biggest seller is hanging baskets, they are one of our main
drivers,” said Russ.
But the nursery business is rising rapidly, Melanie said.
“Perennials, trees and shrubs and landscaping is 30 percent of the
business.” She said the business now employs six landscapers.
“As we have grown, we have needed more and more people,”
Melanie said.
For the Bedner’s, growth has also meant relinquishing some of the
day-to-day management responsibilities to others. “Russ and I
have three managers working under us now,” Melanie said. The
division of labor has helped the couple spend more time in
promoting the business in ways that did not exist when the retail
center opened nearly 20 years ago.
“We try to stay current,” Russ said. “A lot of our budget goes into
billboards, but we also use Facebook as well as a website.”
“You have got to have an online presence,” added Melanie, who
said the business also has a mobile website that enables customers
who use it to dial through to the store.
At the peak of the season, they have around 50 people working in
the retail store.
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The expansion into full-scale landscaping services, the use of online
and social media as well as the various seasonal promotions have
also helped to expand Bedner’s customer base beyond its traditional
draw from the South Hills, McMurray and Mt. Lebanon areas.
“Now it seems more and more are coming from Washington and
the whole tri-state area,” Melanie said.
So what happens after the April 1 to October 31 selling cycle is
complete?
“You are always planning, there is always office work to do,”
Melanie said, adding that the family spends the month of
November doing maintenance at the business before taking
December off to relax. Russ enjoys a hunting trip before the family
takes a vacation. When they have time, the couple enjoys a dinner
out, with McMurray’s Capstone Grill as a favorite stop.
Despite the rigors of running a growing business, Russ and Melanie
also spend time with numerous community groups and activities.
They are members of the American Nursery and Landscape
Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable
Agriculture and the Washington County Farm Bureau. They also
plant and maintain two flower beds at the Panhandle Trail and the
McDonald Trail Station and support the Cecil Friends of the
Montour Trail, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Cecil Township Parks
and Recreation, the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny and
Washington Counties, Cecil and Muse Elementary schools and the
Future Farmers of America at Fort Cherry High School.
There is always time to think about longer-term growth plans, too.
Russ and Melanie, who have a daughter Hope, two, see Bedner’s
continuing its path as a multi-generational family business.
“There is a lot of history here, and we are hoping to keep it going,”
Russ said.
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse is located at 315 Coleman Road,
McDonald. Telephone is 724.926.2541. For more information access
the website bendersgreenhouse.com.
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REACHING FOR THE STARS
Observatory in Mingo Creek County Park Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Earl Bugaile
Today, the
Mingo Creek Park
Observatory has
become not only
a huge attraction
for amateur
astronomers
from the region,
but also the nation.
Even before the Mingo Creek Park Observatory began taking
shape, members of the AAAP began hosting “star parties” at
the site, where amateur astronomers began taking their
telescopes to study the heavens and observe the planets.
Living in Washington County can provide a lot of great things
for its residents.
easily accessible for residents and amateur astronomers of
the areas surrounding Washington County.
For one, they can find themselves in the middle of a region
that has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. They can
find attractions that can entertain just about anyone within a
short drive. And they also have an opportunity to get a
close-up view of the stars – at least of the celestial kind.
Mingo Associate Director Gene Kulakowski said discussions
about adding an observatory in this area began as early as
2002, when members of the Nicholas E. Wagman
Observatory in Allegheny County began hosting “star-gazing
parties” in a parking lot in Bethel Park. A committee of the
organization then discovered the Mingo Park
location and approached Washington County
officials who immediately embraced the
idea.
One of the county’s best
kept secrets is the
availability of its own
observatory, and it has been a
fixture at Mingo Creek County
Park for the past decade. Located on
top of a hillside in the northeast portion
of the park, the Mingo Creek Park
Observatory stands in a clearing giving
viewers an almost unobstructed view of the
sky. It is the result of the commitment of a
group known as the Amateur Astronomers
Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP), who began looking
for a home for a second observatory to take advantage of
a sky away from the city lights of Pittsburgh, and to be
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Dick Haddad, one of the AAAP’s
leading members led the fund raising
efforts and the numerous meetings that
led to the signing of the lease for the
10-acre site which was signed in
March 2003. Formal
groundbreaking took
place in May 2004,
and the building was
completed in August 2005.
Today, the Mingo Creek Park Observatory has
become not only a huge attraction for amateur
astronomers from the region, but also the
nation. The one-story structure complete
with a retractable roof includes two
permanent telescopes, classroom space, a
meeting room and a planetarium. The two
permanent telescopes include a 24-inch
reflector telescope and a 10-inch refractor
telescope. The telescopes were selected to
give visitors a full range of telescopic
capabilities.
Director of the observatory. “There have been children and
their parents who bring their own telescopes and set up on the
grounds. It is really quite an event.”
Visitors at the Star Parties can also look through the
telescopes that are trained on the planets and stars
and the Moon. Speakers many times present
programs and presentations in the Richard Y.
Haddad Planetarium.
“
There have been
children and their
parents who bring
their own telescopes
and set up on the
grounds. It is really
quite an event.
Upcoming public attractions include a Dark
Sky party on September 5 and 19, and
observation of the lunar eclipse the night of
September 27. Another Dark Sky party is set
for October 3 and a Bundle-Up party will be
held November 14.
All events are complimentary to attend,
although the observatory gladly accepts
donations. Their equipment and telescopes
have been the result of gifts or grants to the
organization.
The reflector telescope is suited for “deep
sky” objects such as nebulae and galaxies,
while the refractor telescope is primarily
Ken Kobus
used for observing the fine details of the
Associate Director
The Mingo Creek Park Observatory is
Moon, the Sun and the planets. On the
located
within Mingo Creek County Park,
evening of the interview for this article, the
up Mansion Hill Extension Road passed Shelter 10. Visitors
reflector telescope provided a clear glimpse of Saturn and its
to
the Star Parties should bring lawn chairs, wear a jacket, and
rings, and one of Saturn’s moons.
can bring refreshments, however alcoholic beverages and
By far the largest and most popular attraction to the Mingo
smoking are prohibited.
Creek Park Observatory are the Star Parties held throughout
Additional information about the Mingo Creek Park
the year, where for no charge, anyone interested in astronomy
Observatory is available at the website at 3ap.org or on
is invited to attend. “The Star Parties attract a wide range of
Facebook.
people and ages groups, said Ken Kobus, an Associate
”
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SWIATEK
MELONE
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EXTENDED STAY
Washington County’s long, long history of hospitality
By Jennie Dorris
Often, you would follow creeks, and if you were walking along
the waterways of Pennsylvania, it would be likely that your
small creek would end up flowing into the Ohio River. And
after following the Ohio
down into what is now
Avella, you would look up
from the river and see a
large rock overhang.
That large rock formation –
now named the
Meadowcroft Rockshelter –
was a place that offered a
short respite for these early
travelers.
“It was high above the
creek, so people could avoid
flooding. The cliff faces
south, taking advantage of
the natural heating of the
sun. You would
immediately identify that
this is a place you could
camp,” says Meadowcroft
Director David Scofield.
The way the wind flows
down the valley from west
to east ventilated fires, and
the breeze kept mosquitos
and other pests away. Even
more important? Food
and water.
16,000 years ago travel plans were exhausting.
You looked for shelter, hunted, gathered and
then covered up camp and left
before you became prey yourself.
“In the fall, food resources
were the most abundant –
there were hickory walnuts
and pawpaw, a large
indigenous fruit,”
Scofield says.
The fresh water springs on either side of the Rockshelter
helped as well. Scofield says that the creek has left evidence
of mollusks, large salamanders and turtles, all other sources
of food.
People left behind some of their stone tools, pottery pieces and
evidence of fire pits, which were discovered in 1973 and lead
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to the site getting excavated and designated a National Historic
Landmark. Scofield says that Meadowcroft has, throughout
history, hosted every major cultural group as defined by
anthropologists.
When agriculture was
invented, people
continued to use the
Rockshelter – they settled
in nearby villages, but
would still hunt and
gather. They would camp
at the Rockshelter as they
were gathering materials.
When the European
settlers arrived and pushed
Native American tribes
west, they also used the
Rockshelter for shelter.
“It is a great place to
camp, no matter what
time period you were in,”
Scofield says. Some of the
more modern objects
found in the excavation
were from the parties
held in the Rockshelter
in the 1970’s.
The Rockshelter is near
another famous body of
rock – the Marcellus
Shale formation, one of
the largest potential
sources of natural gas in
the country. If the
Rockshelter was the
reason our ancestors
stopped in Western
Pennsylvania, Marcellus
Shale is certainly a compelling reason that people live and work
here now. Washington County was the site of the first Marcellus
well and is home to more wells and drilling than any other
county in the state. It is also home to large producers of natural
gas and coal, earning the county the nickname “The Energy
Capital of the East.”
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Washington County also finds itself at the crossroads of many
types of transportation – it holds the intersection of Interstates
70 and 79, connecting major traffic from North to South and
East to West. The Monongahela River
ships an estimated 36.8 million tons of
coal, petroleum and other materials, and
links to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
All said, the area is within a 500-mile
radius of 49 percent of the United States
population, according to the
Washington County Chamber of
Commerce.
With major employers like Range
Resources, The Washington Health
System, Monongahela Valley Hospital
and The Meadows Casino, many locals
find themselves employed in the energy,
healthcare and manufacturing fields.
With such easy access to the area, local
hotels find themselves hosting a variety
of corporate clients who are flying in for
meetings. The Hilton Garden Inn,
Southpointe, says many of their guests
travel from Chicago, Columbus,
Cleveland, D.C., Houston and Dallas.
All of the travel means new hotels are cropping up, and
accommodations offer more and more amenities to stay
competitive, says the Southpointe Hilton’s Director of Sales,
Robin McDougal.
34­­­­­­­­WASHCOCHAMBER.COM
The Hilton, for example, is offering guests an online check-in
option where you can select your room prior to arrival. Within
the year they will be rolling out technology to allow people to
unlock their rooms using their smart
phones. They also offer three
restaurants, including a breakfast
with an onsite chef and a 24-hour
pantry. They have the ability to host
business events of up to 1,100
people.
While one rock outcropping may
have lured our ancestors to exploring
Western Pennsylvania 16,000 years
ago, it is Marcellus Shale, economic
growth and low taxes enticing
companies to call Washington
County home now. And where rivers
intersecting might have brought
Paleo Indians to camp in the
Rockshelter, it is the intersection of
highways, railroads and airports that
keep business travelers and tourists
filling the area. One thing is for sure,
Washington County has always been
a destination.
VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com to find
more great hotels in Washington County.
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CALENDAR
FA L L / W I N T E R
september 2015
September 4 – 5
“A Little Hotel on the Side”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
September 4 – 7
Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale
Tanger Outlets
Washington, PA
tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
September 5
Public Star Party
Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Finleyville, PA
3ap.org
September 6
Steel City Reptile Show
Iceoplex at Southpointe
Canonsburg, PA
steelcityreptileexpo.com
September 6
Patti LaBelle Live in Concert
The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel
Washington, PA
meadowsgaming.com
September 7 – 12
West Alexander Fair
West Alexander Fairgrounds
West Alexander, PA
westalexfair.com
September 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26
“Dead Accounts”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
September 13
Trucks, Tractors & Trolleys
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
patrolley.org
September 18
15th Anniversary &
New Book Dedication
The Bradford House
Washington, PA
bradfordhouse.org
September 18 – 20
17th Annual
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
Pike Street
Canonsburg, PA
canonchamber.com
September 19
Wine Glass Painting
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
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•
2015/2016
September 19, 27
Public Star Party
Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Finleyville, PA
3ap.org
September 26 – 27
Fall Festival
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
September 19 – 20
45th Annual Covered Bridge Festival
Washington/Greene Counties
10 Covered Bridge Sites
visitwashingtoncountypa.com
September 27
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA
washingtonantiquesfair.com
September 19 – 20, 26 – 27
45th Fall Festival
Trax Farms
Finleyville, PA
traxfarms.com
September 20
Fields to Fork: Hayride and U-Pick
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
September 26
22nd Art in the Garden
LeMoyne House
Washington, PA
wchspa.org
September 26
Bourbon Social
River House Cafe
Charleroi, PA
riverhousecafe.com
September 26
King of the Cage
The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel
Washington, PA
meadowsgaming.com
September 26
Annual Bonfire
Nottingham Township Complex
Eighty Four, PA
nottinghamtwp.com
September 26 – 27
Fall Festival
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
September 26 – 27
6th Annual American Indian
Heritage Weekend
Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village
Avella, PA
heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft
September 26 – 27
27th Annual Cecil
Township Fall Festival
Cecil Park
Cecil, PA
ceciltownship-pa.gov
october 2015
October 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17
“Prelude to a Kiss”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
October 2 – 3
Haunted Trail
Peterswood Park
Community Recreation Center
Venetia, PA
peterstownship.com
October 2 – 4
Kid Mania Consignment Sale
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA
kidmaniasale.com
October 3
Fall Fleatique on the Mon
Main Street in Monongahela & New Eagle
Monongahela, PA
monongahelaareachamber.org
October 3
Mike Super Magic & Illusionist Show
Trinity High School
Washington, PA
caswg.org
October 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25
Art Under Glass Fall Festival
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
October 3 – 4
Hickory Apple Festival
Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company
Hickory, PA
hickoryapplefest.com
October 3, 17
Public Star Party
Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Finleyville, PA
3ap.org
October 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25
45th Annual Fall Festival
Trax Farms
Finleyville, PA
traxfarms.com
VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com for a complete listing of
Washington County events and updates.
October 4
7th Annual Tanger Fit for a Cure
5K Run/Walk
Tanger Outlet
Washington, PA
tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
October 8 – 11
Victorian Days
Montgomery Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Claysville, PA
montgomerymansion.net
October 9 – 11, 16 – 18
“The 39 Steps”
Old School House Players,
Mt. Pleasant Twp. Community Center
Hickory, PA
osptheater.com
October 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24, 30 – 31
West Alexander Scare at the Fair
West Alexander Fairgrounds
West Alexander, PA
westalexfair.com/scare-at-the-fair
October 10
Washington Symphony
Orchestra Fall Kickoff
Trinity High School
Washington, PA
washsym.org
October 10 – 12
Houston Pumpkin Festival
Houston American Legion Post #902
Houston, PA
houstonpumpkinfestival.net
October 11
Tour of Historic Churches
& Cemeteries of Burgettstown
Burgettstown
washcolandmarks.com
October 12
Fall Festival
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
October 16 – 18, 24 – 25
21st Annual Pennsylvania
Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA
familyfestivals.com
October 18
Wine Glass Painting
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
October 22 – 25, 29 – 30
“Letters to Sala”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
October 22 – 24
Small Business Expo
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA
shopwashingtoncrown.com
October 23
“Dial M for Mother”
Murder, Mystery Dinner
The Mon Valley Country Club
Monongahela, PA
monongahelaareachamber.org
October 23 – 24
Haunted History Walks
The Bradford House
Washington, PA
bradfordhouse.org
November 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19, 25, 28
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
October 24
Halloween Trail
Nottingham Township Complex
Eighty Four, PA
nottinghamtwp.com
November 6 – 7
Martha Washington Quilters Guild 2015
Quilt Show
Church of the Covenant
Washington, PA
marthawashingtonquiltersguild.com
October 25
Washington Antiques Fair
CONSOL Energy Park
Washington, PA
washingtonantiquesfair.com
October 28
Trick or Treat
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA
shopwashingtoncrown.com
October 28
Halloween Parade
Main Street, Monongahela
Monongahela, PA
monongahelaareachamber.org
October 30 – 31
Breeders Cup betting
The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel
Washington, PA
meadowsgaming.com
October 31
Halloween Party
River House Café
Charleroi, PA
riverhousecafe.com
October 31
Trick or Treat Tanger Style
Tanger Outlet
Washington, PA
tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
October 31
Halloween Tea
Goody Two Shoes English Tea Room
Monongahela, PA
724.258.2244
October 31
Trick-or-Treat in Corn Maze
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
McDonald, PA
bednersgreenhouse.com
november 2015
November 1 – 22
Tanger Style 20% Off Sale
Tanger Outlet
Washington, PA
tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
November 1, 4 – 7
“Letters to Sala”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
November 6 – 8
Annual Christmas in the Village
Craft Festival
Village of Eldersville
Burgettstown, PA
christmasinthevillage.com
November 7
Art, Craft and Vendor Show
Trinity High School
Washington, PA
petsearchpa.org
November 12
Santa’s Parade Arrival
Washington Crown Center
Washington, PA
shopwashingtoncrown.com
November 12 – 14, 19 – 21, 27 – 28
“The Grand Manner”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
November 14
Bundle-Up Public Star Party
Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Finleyville, PA
3ap.org
November 14
Steel City Reptile Show
Iceoplex at Southpointe
Canonsburg, PA
steelcityreptileexpo.com
November 20
Santa Claus is Shopping in Town
Monongahela, PA
monongahelaareachamber.org
November 27
Holiday Tree Lighting
and Santa Arrival
Market House
Charleroi, PA
charleroiboro.org
November 27 – 29
Santa Trolley
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
pa-trolley.org
November 27 – 30
Holiday Open House
Antique Center of Strabane
Canonsburg, PA
antiquecenterofstrabane.com
VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­39
december 2015
December 1 – 6
Holiday Open House
Antique Center of Strabane
Canonsburg, PA
antiquecenterofstrabane.com
December 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19
“Inspecting Carol”
Little Lake Theatre
Canonsburg, PA
littlelake.org
December 4
Christmas Parade
City of Washington
Washington, PA
724.229.7207
December 4, 11
Trolleys & Toy Trains
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
pa-trolley.org
December 4 – 5
All-Clad Sale
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA
washingtonfair.org
December 4 – 5
Holiday Gift Shoppe
The Bradford House
Washington, PA
bradfordhouse.org
December 4 – 6, 11 – 13
“A Christmas Carol”
The Old Schoolhouse Players
Mt. Pleasant Twp. Community Center
Hickory, PA
osptheater.com
December 5
Old Fashioned Christmas
Downtown Canonsburg
Canonsburg, PA
canonchamber.com
December 5
Dicken’s Christmas Tea
Goody Two Shoes English Team Room
Monongahela, PA
724.258.2244
December 5 – 6
Ho, Ho, Ho with the WSO
Concert presented by
Washington Symphony Orchestra
Trinity High School
Washington, PA
washsym.org
December 5 – 6, 12 – 13
Santa Trolley
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
pa-trolley.org
December 5 – 13
Breakfast with Santa
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA
springhousemarket.com
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December 11
Trolley’s & Toy Trains
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
pa-trolley.org
December 12
Light Up Night
East Finley Township Park
Claysville, PA
724.663.4482
December 31
New Year’s Eve Party
River House Café
Charleroi, PA
riverhousecafe.com
December 31
New Year’s Eve Party
The Meadows Casino • Racetrack • Hotel
Washington, PA
meadowsgaming.com
january 2016
January 9 – 10
A.R.H. Gun Show & Sales
Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington, PA
arhsportshop.com
January 29
Southwestern Symphony of Foods
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA
bellasera.com
february 2016
February 2 – 15
Tanger Outlets Presidents Day Sale
Washington, PA
tangeroutlet.com/pittsburgh
February 12
6th Annual Hearts & Jokers
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA
bellaserapgh.com
February 13
“Dreamscapes”
Washington Symphony Orchestra
Trinity High School
Washington, PA
washsym.org
march 2016
March 7 –- 11
Washington County Restaurant Week
Washington County
visitwashingtoncountypa.com
March 18 – 20, 25 – 26
Bunny Trolley
PA Trolley Museum
Washington, PA
pa-trolley.org
March 19
Easter Egg Hunt
The SpringHouse
Washington, PA
springhousemarket.com
March 27
Easter Brunch
Bella Sera
Canonsburg, PA
bellaserapgh.com
Farmers Markets
Charleroi Farmers Market
Market House
Charleroi, PA
Thursdays – thru October
Hickory Farmers & Country Market
Route 50
Hickory, PA
Tuesdays & Saturdays – thru October
McDonald Trail Station
Farmers Market
Panhandle Trail
McDonald, PA
Saturdays – thru September
Monongahela Farmers Market
Chess Park
Monongahela, PA
Fridays – thru October
South Fayette/Cecil Original
Farmers Night Market
Route 50
Bridgeville, PA
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – thru October
The Main Street Farmers Market
Downtown Washington
Washington, PA
Thursdays – thru October
Washington Crown Center
Farmers Market
Mall Parking lot
Washington, PA
Daily – thru September
VISITWASHINGTONCOUNTYPA.COM­­­­­­­41
HISTORY REINVENTS ITSELF
The past and present fuse for a one-of-a-kind walking tour
By Nicole Barley
Want to go back in time 246 years? What if you could do it in
the span of two hours – and take your cell phone with you?
Turns out, there is something of a time machine in
Washington County thanks to the Monongahela Area
Historical Society, which has created a digitized Walking Tour
of the Mon Valley’s Main Street. A QR-code-reading app and
a mobile device are all you need to start the multimediaenhanced jaunt through two-and-a-half centuries.
Terrie Steiner of the Historical Society spent six months
researching and developing the tour with the help of her
husband, Jim. “Because Monongahela is the oldest city in the
Mon Valley and the second-smallest city in Pennsylvania, the
Historical Society wanted to develop a tour that was more
than just a quick view of building exteriors, one that would
draw people to Monongahela,” she explains. “Whenever I
have done other walking tours, I was always left wanting to
know more about who lived there and how things looked
back in their heyday – too much
information to fit into a brochure.”
Steiner, who has been enamored
with history since “forever,” has
infused the experience with the
wonder of discovery, digging
into the hidden history of
homes and buildings,
including the post office
and two of the oldest
churches in town. “I love
the stories of people’s lives
– everybody has a story –
and I love knowing the
life of a building prior to
me looking at it,” she says.
Local historians contributed their expertise, and
history and speech majors
from California University
of Pennsylvania lent their
voices to narrate the nineblock loop.
The informative,
entertaining and
1. Charge your phone
completely and download
the QR Reader app before
you leave the house.
2. Bring headphones in order
to fully focus on the tour’s
sites and sounds.
3. Grab a brochure at the
Historical Society Museum
before starting your stroll.
Check out the History Through
a Woman’s Eyes Tour, part of the
Living History Series, September
26, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Plus, a Historic Driving Tour is
in the works!
immersive experience, which is selfguided and suitable for all ages,
explores 23 architectural sites and
the people who lived and worked
there, through personal anecdotes,
photographs and videos.
These historical happenings date back to
1794, from the Whiskey Rebellion to the
Underground Railroad, the Great
Depression and the invention of
carborundum, which led to the
founding of Union Carbide in 1917.
Says Steiner, “You will really get a feel for what
Monongahela is all about and how those
people’s lives shaped our region.”
Monongahela Area Historical Society
230 W. Main Street, Monongahela
724.292.8247
monongahelahistoricalsociety.com
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