Monessen Fall Festival Draws Crowds to Kick Off New Season

Last Updated on Friday, 28 October 2016 12:55

By Jill Brown

The people came out to mark the first official weekend of autumn at the Fall Festival and to have a good time! The Monessen Amphitheater Committee hosted their third annual Fall Festival on September 24, 2016 from noon – 4 p.m. in Monessen City Park.

Pictured are the Amphitheater Committee (l-r): Karen Lewitsky, treasurer; Matthew Shorraw, president; Karla Spangler, secretary; Maria Lucey, volunteer; and Dillon Shash, vice president.

Castle Blood, a haunted attraction owned by Ricky Dick, co-sponsored the event, holding a car cruise on the walking track.

President of the Monessen Amphitheater Committee Matthew Shorraw said of the event, “It’s my favorite of the year. We’re really excited about having the car cruise as well. Hopefully, it gets bigger and bigger every year. This really is a committee effort.”

The City Park event featured food, kids’ activities, bands, the car cruise, and jewelry and clothing vendors. Soulios, a real crowd-pleasing band, was a winner of the June Battle of the Bands competition. One of the jewelry vendors included unique antique finds at unbelievably low prices; Deseree Hill from Apollo does the business as a hobby. Also present was Lori Slavic from West Newton, who creates homemade Christmas crafts.

New this year was a pie bake-off. Contestants were to make two pies—one for judging and the other to be sold at the event. Judging took place at 2 p.m. and a winner was announced at 3 p.m. This year’s winner was Amy Kerestes of North Belle Vernon with her strawberry whipped crème pie with jam. She was awarded a gift basket.

Castle Blood held awards for the car cruise at 3 p.m. on the walking track. The categories judged took prizes in the following categories: Best Halloween Spirit, Best Display, Classic, and Custom.