I asked for your help, and I got it! Thanks to everyone who participated in the Summer Spectacular Survey! Wondering where everyone’s going to be this summer? Let’s count down. Here are your picks:
7. Beaver County’s Local Community Days/Fairs
Everyone looks forward to their community’s fair week or weekend. Beaver Valley Macaroni Kid readers voted for more than 15 town/city/township events, from the Aliquippa Community Day Celebration to San Rocco Festa to Monaca’s 175th Anniversary Celebration. We all love our events that are close to home, plus all the neighboring fairs and festivals, too. The highlight of many of these fairs are the fireworks, so be sure to follow Beaver Valley Macaroni Kid so you can see the Fairs, Festivals, and Fireworks Guide I’ll be putting out soon!
6. YMCA Family Extravaganza
The YMCA offers several events throughout the year that are open to the community, which means you don’t have to be a member to participate. (Although members get to take part in some great programs!) One of their biggest events is the Family Extravaganza, a one-stop shop for your kid’s back-to-school needs. The first 100 children to enter this year will receive a goody bag filled with essentials to start the school year off right. There will be FREE back-to-school haircuts, plus developmental, hearing, vision, speech, and dental screenings. The YMCA will be providing fitness evaluations as well as offering a variety of demonstrations of their fall programming. There will also be kids’ entertainment like face painting and inflatable obstacle courses, so if your child loves inflatables, you know where you need to be! You have to register by calling the YMCA at 724-891-8439. The YMCA Family Extravaganza will be held on August 22 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in their main gym. It’s located at 2236 Third Avenue in New Brighton.
5. Beaver County River Regatta
There are quite a few events that are done on a bigger stage in Pittsburgh (fireworks, regatta) but I think that our version is better here in Beaver County. (Have you ever tried to get out of traffic after the Fourth of July fireworks show at the Point? Not going anywhere for a while?) The Regatta is one of those events that’s perfect because of its size, plus it’s packed with an awesome schedule. It has boat races, boat parades, the always-popular Anything That Floats Race, food, live bands, kids’ activities, a children’s fishing derby, entertainment and fireworks. And waterskiing! Who doesn’t love that? The Regatta will be held from August 21-23 in Bridgewater.
4. Garrison Day
This event is a Beaver County original! It’s a shopping event that’s held in Beaver’s parks. It features arts, crafts, and antiques vendors, an art show, food, entertainment, music, and more. This year marks the 37th annual event and draws nearly 10,000 people from around the area, with hundreds of vendors. It’s got an artsy, relaxed vibe that makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s no wonder that so many people have marked it on their calendars as a must-visit! Garrison Day will be held on Saturday, June 13.
3. Hookstown Fair
The Hookstown Fair has welcomed generations of Beaver County families, including mine, for many years. It’s the quintessential county fair! I always tell people from neighboring counties that they should make the drive out to the Hookstown Fair at least once to experience everything it has to offer. That includes: music, entertainment, carnival food, hot prepared food, animal acts, stunt acts, bingo, rides for kids, rides for teens and adults, livestock exhibitors, an arena with truck and tractor pulls, a rodeo, motorcross, demolition derby, Fair Queen and Princess Pageant, judged exhibitions (farm animals, food, flowers, photography, art, sewing) and a whole lot more. The 2015 Hookstown Fair, on 1198 State Route 168, runs from August 25-29, 2015.
2. Senator Vogel Kids’ Extravaganza
This event has been taking place for six years at the Dome at CCBC. It’s filled with fun kids’ activities, Beaver County vendors, food, games, giveaways, crafts, music, prizes, exhibitions, and it’s completely FREE. Do NOT bring money! It’s a massive event that’s put on by Senator Elder Vogel and his staff and is the biggest summer kids’ attraction in Beaver County. Every year, more and more activities and vendor tables are added, and there are usually some outdoor activities, too. This year, it’s going to be held at the CCBC Dome in Center Township on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Pittsburgh Zoo will provide entertainment, there will be electronic caricatures and fingerprinting, chalk hair coloring, face painting, a balloon artist, and PennDot trucks.
1. Beaver County Boom!
This event, in its fifth year, is so popular that more than half of those who took the survey said they’d be watching this giant fireworks display this summer. I agree that this is the number one event in Beaver County for summer 2015! Let’s face it—we’re kind of spoiled when it comes to fireworks, since Zambelli Fireworks is in our backyard. And Beaver County Boom! is special. You can gather most anywhere near where the Beaver River and Ohio River meet (Beaver, Monaca, Bridgewater, Rochester) and have a great view.
Lots of people start staking out their spot hours ahead of time, creating a fun picnic atmosphere. At Monaca’s park, where we sat last summer, there were kids playing at the playground, families having picnics, and vendors selling glowing necklaces. (Here’s a warning, though—if you’re anywhere near the Beaver River, your kids may think the fireworks are too loud. Bring ear plugs so they can enjoy it too!) Listen to WBVP/WMBA 1230/1460 for music that’s choreographed to the fireworks show. Beaver County Boom! is organized, promoted, and hosted by PUSH Beaver County. It will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 9:45 p.m.
Thanks for taking part in the survey! Feel free to pass this article along to your friends!
