Ford City Summerfest Reignited Community Spirit

by Jonathan Weaver

Last fall, local residents worried about their future summer plans after the end of the Ford City Heritage Days festival during Fourth of July Weekend, but were relieved with the word of a new community celebration.

The inaugural Ford City Summerfest took place Thursday through Sunday in Ford City Memorial Park.

The evening opened with a prayer given by Father John Gribik, who presides over St. Paul’s Ukrainian Church in Ford City.

“We want to thank the efforts of this committee that is permitting our heritage to be carried on – something that we do not want to forget,” Father Gribik said. “First and foremost that God needs to play a very important part in our country, our community, in our families, and with us.”

Armstrong County Judges Joe Nickleach and James Panchik – both natives of Ford City also attended.

Judge Nickleach has spoken at the opening ceremonies since Heritage Days during the centennial celebration in 1987 when he was elected into office.

He hoped community residents supported the Ford City Legacy committee as a reward for their hard work and to encourage the celebration in the future.

“These people have put together – with nothing to start with – a weekend of various events which all of you can be proud of and hopefully will participate in and support,” Judge Nickleach said. “Ben, his wife and the rest of his committee have worked awfully, awfully hard since starting this endeavor.”

Other dignitaries that attended the opening night include Commissioner David Battaglia, Ford City Mayor Marc Mantini and Councilman Gene Banks, as well as other elected officials.

Ford City Legacy and Festival Chairman Ben Dinus thanked all the volunteers and sponsors that helped the past few months.

“We did this for Ford City, for people to come here. We’re proud of being part of this town,” Dinus said.

Dinus said the opening afternoon was “stressful,” with a tree limb that fell and destroyed a person’s booth and some electrical issues, but that all was resolved and he enjoyed seeing residents take part of the activities and musical performances.

The amount of food and craft booths at the four-day event more than doubled since last year – with about 44 booths in the park, including some vendors that wanted to take part as soon as last week.

“I think if we have a good year this year and we continue on, it’ll just continue to grow – but I want to make sure we have the same feel that we have now,” Dinus said, explaining the desire to keep with handcrafted vendors rather than corporations.

Successful through social media, a new booth at the event featured the homecoming of Suzanne Ruggieri and husband John of Greensburg through their new business, “Angel Anne Bows” (named after (named after their children, Gabriel, 3, and Emily, 6) while the Twist and Shout Academy continued their booth with walking tacos and ice cream after having cabbage and noodles in previous years.

There were no carnival rides offered, but children were able to play nearly a dozen games - including ring toss, Plinko, and duck and fish ponds with raffle tickets – thanks to Children’s Backyard Carnival Co-Chair Karen Buccieri and volunteers.

“I grew up here, attended the festival every year as a member of the Heritage Choir since the festival started, did floats for the Polish church – it was just something we wanted to do,” Buccieri said.

Buccieri later made sure to grab her picture with ‘Smokey the Bear’ as he walked through the area.

Grace Charney of Ford City volunteered at the fish pond and was busy giving out prizes of kazoos, pennies and other small gifts Thursday. She said it was very successful.

“Several of my friends were on the committee and needed some help with the children’s games. I think parents like this stuff even better than the rides because it gives you something to do other than just sit,” Charney said.

Ryan Pinkerton, of 4th Avenue, enjoyed the games and food while strolling through the park with his daughters.

Becky Broad of Cadogan grew up in town, graduating from Ford City High in 1967 and would attend Ford City Heritage Days nightly for the food and social interaction. She brought her daughter-in-law, Carrie Chesnutt, and granddaughters, Sarah (9) and Olivia (5).

“I think it’s wonderful that they kept this alive and that they’ll continue to grow and bring more people into Ford City. There have been too many dying towns, and this festival has been here for years,” Broad said. “(Heritage Days) started as a little Summerfest, with a beef tent through the high school before growing.”

Ford City Football Boosters Committee Member Casey Gilbertsen expected about 500 runners during the annual 5K Saturday morning. The annual race now supports the high school team – including Gilbertsen’s son – incoming freshman fullback Max Hileman – get names on the back of their game jersey and food during practice.