Full slate of events on tap at North Belle Vernon’s Community Bank Park

By JILL RUNFOLA
For the Mon Valley Independemt
With warmer weather on the horizon in a few months, North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park is gearing up for another busy event season.
Recognized as a top Mid-Mon Valley recreational facility, the newly remodeled, handicap-accessible Graham Street park offers a wide variety of activities throughout the spring and summer months.
Recreation commission members are hard at work finalizing this year’s schedule, which tentatively includes:
• Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., April 21; all are welcome.
• Elected Officials Day, 5 p.m., May 19; local, county, state and school district legislators participating.
• Bikers Helping Others Craft and Vendor Show, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 9; face painting, a bounce house, dunk tank and more.
• Veterans Appreciation Day, 2 p.m., June 23; country music performances; free to veterans.
• Polkafest, 2 p.m., July 28; performances by the Trel-Tones.
• Annual North Belle Vernon Golf Outing, Aug. 24, Madison Golf Club; in partnership with North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department; golfers and participants needed.
• Annual Community Fest, Sept. 14; live entertainment, food, crafts and more.
• Light-up Night, 6 p.m., Nov. 16; Santa Claus arriving by fire truck.
Recreation commission chairman R.J. Sokol said having a park which can be used for events adds value to a municipality, improves residents’ qualify of life, encourages physical and mental wellness, impacts neighboring communities and can help fight drugs and crime.
Last year, North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park drew thousands of visitors — a number Sokol hopes will increase in 2019. He called on area legislators for their continued support and funding of parks and recreation.
“The support that we do get needs to benefit our entire area as a whole,” Sokol said. “We are not asking for handouts, but support for our actions to help us clean up our areas.”
For more information or to make a donation to any upcoming events, visit the North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park Facebook page.