- Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 02:53
By Jill Brown
The fifth annual Celebrate America Festival in Monessen took place on July 11, 2015 despite losing its yearly sponsor, D.J. Giant Pumpkin Patch.
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| Pictured are (l-r): Jim Ritter, CEO Valley 1st Credit Union and V.P. Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Lou, who grilled out for the crowd. |
Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis stepped in, as did several others who donated toward the event. Mavrakis said, “We didn’t want to see it die. Hopefully next year will be better.”
This year, the gathering was held on the picnic grounds behind the boat launch in Monessen. The festivities began around 4:30 p.m. Families and friends helped themselves to food and refreshments. Then, they kicked back and relaxed, enjoying companionship as the children played.
Mayor Mavrakis hosted a great cookout, and the food was all free. Some made their own recipes of covered dishes and desserts to contribute. ‘Chef Lou’, with help from friends, grilled delicious hamburgers and hotdogs himself. The small, intimate gathering enjoyed fantastic food and fellowship.
The Arcelor Mittal coke plant in Monessen helped fund the event’s fireworks held at dusk. The spectacular display of fireworks, provided by B & D fireworks, concluded the evening and provided enjoyment for all. A big thanks goes out to all those who contributed.
