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Come Down to the River And Play

 

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Come Down to the River and Play Event Weekend Report

A total of 17 events and openings took place May 30-31 in the Mon River Towns, including:

In all, seven communities were represented. Most of the events were planned and hosted by local communities and small businesses, with some idea generation and limited support offered by the River Town Program. The Mon River Spring Paddle and Greene River Trail Fun Walk & Ride in particular were hosted by the River Town Program.

Key Insights and Anecdotes

o Having the Foundry in Rices Landing open for Mon River Spring Paddle early arrivers

o Having the Captain’s Watch open house coincide with the Greensboro Farmers’ Market and Historical Log Cabin tours

o Coordination between The Good ‘Ol Days House (Mad Men Summer BBQ) and Antiques on Broad, across the street

o In Greensboro, the log cabin drew 10 visitors from Pittsburgh, Washington, and West Virginia. Thee organizers didn’t anticipate such a draw, and reported that a Greensboro native came to see the cabin. Across the way at the Captain’s Watch Inn, they had eight visitors tour the house. A box of donated food items was later provided to the area food bank.

o In Rices Landing, the foundry opened by request on Saturday morning. They had 15 visitors, while a typical Sunday afternoon (their regular hours) brings in about 6 or 7 (~150% increase). Five of the Saturday morning visitors were paddle trip participants.

o In North Belle Vernon, the Good ‘Ol Days House attributes its Mad Men Summer BBQ success to promotions done locally in the community and through their own marketing. Nevertheless, they had about 65 guests, and owner Melanie Patterson shared this anecdote: “One guest and her husband were from Pittsburgh, and she went all the way back to the South Side of Pittsburgh to pick up her 80-year-old mom and a friend to come back to see the house.” Antiques on Broad, across the street, reported that customer visits were up about 70% (typically around 30 people; that day around 50). The owner and Patterson were actively cross-promoting, and the antique shop had tie-ins such as Mad Men DVDs on sale and vintage dresses in the front windows.

o The park ranger at Friendship Hill National Historic Site reported standard attendance (30-40/day), but thought that our promotions may have helped keep attendance up on what may have been a low visitation day given hot weather.

o 15 registrants and 5 staff and volunteers enjoyed the Mon River Spring Paddle.

In celebration of summer, we have 18 events and openings scheduled throughout the Mon Valley. It’s an eclectic and funky mix of happenings: a paddle trip, cigar party, children’s crafts, historic tours, farmers market, open houses, a “Mad Men” themed BBQ, and more. See below for the complete event schedule and follow us at www.facebook.com/RiverTownProgram for updates. Special thanks to our sponsors: the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, National Road Heritage Corridor, Greene County Tourism, and Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

The River Town Program and fiscal sponsor National Road Heritage Corridor are encouraging people to “Come Down to the River and Play” May 30 and 31. The two-day event includes over a dozen events, tours, and openings in the Mon River Towns.

While most of the events are being hosted by other entities, the Mon River Spring Paddle guided paddle trip is organized and will be led by the River Town Program. Pre-registration is required at https://nationalroadpa.org/product/mon-river-spring-paddle/.

Click here to download the press release on the event.

Weekend Event Schedule

Saturday, May 30

W.A. Young and Sons Machine Shop and Foundry open for tours, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This National Register of Historical Places property is owned and operated by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. 114 Water Street, (724) 710-4898.

Friendship Hill National Historic Site, open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tour the restored country estate of early American statesman Albert Gallatin and take advantage of a picnic area and 10 miles of nature trails. Free entrance. Located on PA 166 three miles north of Point Marion.

Mon River Spring Paddle from Rices Landing to Fredericktown (3.5 miles), 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This guided paddle trip will include safety instructions, interpretation on historic sites and industrial artifacts seen on and near the river, a boxed lunch, and a stand up paddling demo. Register online. Paddlers are encouraged to arrive early and visit the historic W.A. Young Foundry.

Greensboro Farmers’ Market, from 9 a.m. – Noon, rain or shine. The market is located at the gazebo on Front Street, complete with a view of the Monongahela River.

The Greensboro Historical Log Cabin at the corner of Front and County streets will be open for tours from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Next to the restored cabin is a great piece of public art that gives a nod to the town’s rich history in pottery and glass-making. Light refreshments will be served. The cabin is just across from The Captain’s Watch Inn, also open on Saturday.

The Captain’s Watch Inn Open House. Want a sneak peek into one of the area’s finest B&Bs? Join the Captain’s Watch in Greensboro for house tours and refreshments on the porch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday. Located in Greensboro’s historic district along the Monongahela River. There’s no cost to tour, but please bring a non-perishable food item for the Corner Cupboard Food Bank.

Meet the Mermaid and children’s book reading. Brianne Mitchell, author of the Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid children’s book will be at the Flatiron Building in Brownsville (69 Market Street) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a reading and book signing. With her will be a very special guest…Marina the Mermaid. If you’ve never met a mermaid, this is your chance!

The Flatiron Building Heritage Museum and Visitor Center (69 Market Street, Brownsville) will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The center tells the story of Americana through the perspective of Brownsville during the Industrial Era and Coal & Coke Era. Free admission, donations accepted.

The Monongahela Aquatorium (200 Railroad Street, Monongahela) will be selling souvenir Mon River Gators and a Gatorade ($5 for both) to all visitors from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Aquatorium is a 3,700 seat outdoor venue along the Mon River. Get a sneak peek of renovations underway, and plan to go back this summer for the Rockin’ on the Mon! concert series.

Broad Avenue shops in North Belle Vernon will be offering Mon River Town bargains that you won’t want to miss. Stop by Darla Suz’s Boutique (621 Broad Ave.) and Vintage & Vines Florals & Antiques (623 Broad Ave.) for specials and refreshments throughout the day.

Knick Knacks & Paddy Wacks in Monongahela will host FREE craft classes for kids throughout the day. Participants will make their own “river creature creations!” Event runs from Noon – 3 p.m. at 443 W. Main St. Monongahela. For more information, contact KKPW at (724) 258-6600 or check out their Facebook page.

Greene Cove Yacht Club parking lot party with live entertainment, food and special party drinks. The party continues with a DJ on the deck for the rest of the evening. State Hwy 88, Fredericktown.

Leaning House Fine Cigars Summer Kickoff includes cigar specials, a wine tasting with Ripepi Winery, and live music (the band Final Tyme 2). Wine tastings and music are from 6-10 p.m. Leaning House is located at 21 ½ State Street in Speers.

Sunday, May 31

The Greene River Trail Fun Walk & Ride (11 a.m.) is an informal gathering giving people the opportunity ride and walk at their own pace. Park at Pumpkin Run Park in Rices Landing, and we’ll walk and bike approximately 2 miles to Green Cove and back (4 miles total, includes some hills). RSVP appreciated but not required to amyrcamp@gmail.com. Stick around afterward to visit with W.A. Young and Sons Machine Shop and Foundry. Cyclists: want to ride more than 4 miles? Go on your own 2 miles east to Crucible to add another 4 miles round trip to your ride.

W.A. Young and Sons Machine Shop and Foundry open for tours, Noon – 4 p.m. This National Register of Historical Places property is owned and operated by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. 114 Water Street, (724) 710-4898.

Friendship Hill National Historic Site, open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tour the restored country estate of early American statesman Albert Gallatin and take advantage of a picnic area and 10 miles of nature trails. Free entrance. Located on PA 166 three miles north of Point Marion.

“Mad Men Summer Bar-B-Que” at “The Good Ol’ Days House,” 914 Broad Avenue, North Belle Vernon, Noon – 4 p.m. Complete with a 1960s style backyard picnic serving free hotdogs, ice cold lemonade & retro snacks that Betty Crocker (or Betty Draper) would envy. Play vintage badminton and view Sexy Swimsuits of the 1960s inside this unique 3 bedroom vacation house rental! While in town, enjoy several antique & gift shops, a ladies boutique, and one of the largest antique co-ops on the Mon River — Antiques on Broad.

Party on the Patio at the Riviera in Fredericktown, 578 Front Street, Noon until sold out! Barbeque chicken special on the outside grill. Come hungry – Leave Happy!

 

 

Use the interactive map below to find the locations of the above events. Blue markers signify Saturday events and Green markers signify Sunday events.

 

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