By Ronald Fisher

June 15, 2019 - Windber, Pennsylvania's rich history of coal mining was celebrated on Friday as the second day of the 2019 Miners’ Memorial Day Festival was held along Graham Avenue in the borough.

Rain showers on Thursday hampered some of the opening day’s festivities, but Friday’s blue skies and warm weather paved the way for a great day of celebration, according to Matt Scislowicz, president of Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation, which sponsors the event.

Marc Doulon, of Johnstown, takes a look Friday evening, June 14, 2019, at “The Bootlegger,” a customized 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sponsored by Salisbury-based Tall Pines Distillery, during the 2019 Miners’ Memorial Day Festival in Windber.

“This is our 20th year, and we try to make it as big as we can,” Scislowicz said. “We have more vendors than we ever had. The food is unbelievable, and I’m just excited about this weekend’s car show. Tonight we have the fire dancers, we have some local bands and it’s really just exciting.”

Festivities on Friday included performances by Johnstown Area Button Box Club, Kindred Fire, and the Celestial Fire Twirlers. The event also showcased nearly 50 food and craft vendors.

“There’s something here for everyone of all ages,” Scislowicz said.

Keith Welch, owner of Salisbury-based Tall Pines Distillery, was one of the many vendors on hand for the event. This year was the first time Welch participated in the festival, and he said it wouldn’t be his last.

“We’ve done a couple shows, and a couple of the other vendors put in a good word for us and wanted us here, so we wanted to come,” Welch said. “This is organized really well, and it looks like there’s a lot of local support. It’s a nice venue with a lot of people, and it’s finally nice weather.”

Scislowicz was all smiles Friday evening. The event organizer said it’s hard to not smile while surrounded by so many good people who make the event special each year.

“People come from all over for this,” he said. “It’s like a large class reunion, and it’s not only Windber people. It’s people from Johnstown, Richland, Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and from as far as Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York. It is a great, great time, and they have fun.”

Enjoying his time at the festival Friday evening was Scott Sirko, of Richland. Sirko said he had a great time attending the event in years past and wanted to share that same experience with a family member who was in town for the weekend.

“I think this is a good thing for the community,” Sirko said. “My cousin is in from Tennessee and I wanted to show him a good time and what Pennsylvania is about – friendly people. That’s why we’re here. The food, the people, and just hanging out. I was here last year, and I came back for the food, seeing friends and having good laughs. That’s what it’s all about.” 

Memorial festivities will continue throughout the weekend with a parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. that will feature AAABA Ambassadors, marching units, floats, school sports teams and local dignitaries. A variety of musical entertainment, as well as a motorcycle show and a fireworks display, will also be a part of Saturday’s activities.

The Windber event will close out Sunday afternoon following a special Father’s Day antique and classic car show and cruise from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information and a complete schedule of activities for the event, visit www.echf.windberpa.org.