Monongahela birthday celebration kicks off

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Today is the day Monongahela residents past and present have been looking forward to all year — the 250th anniversary celebration is finally underway.
So many things are planned now through Sunday to commemorate this historic milestone it’s a little mind boggling.
There are things planned for kids, adults, people who are interested in the area’s history, folks who just want to grab some food and listen to music, sports buffs and those who like to worship outdoors when possible.
Most events are set at Chess Park in the heart of town, unless otherwise indicated.
Today, things kick off at 11 a.m. at Chess Park with an opening ceremony, veterans tribute and unearthing the Bicentennial Time Capsule that was buried 50 years ago.
There will be games, storytime and food vendors in the park this afternoon.
A Whiskey Rebellion presentation by the Washington County Historical Society is planned with a special visit from an Albert Gallatin re-enactor at 4 p.m.
At 5, the Monongahela Area Historical Society will open a display of the items found inside the time capsule at the group’s new home — the Longwell House at 711 W. Main St.
The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a wine and cheese reception at its 211 W. Main St. offices from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ringgold’s harps and strings band will perform at 6 p.m. in the park and First Baptist Church will offer a night of worship featuring musicians at 7:30 p.m.
The historical society is offering ghost walk tours at 8:30 p.m., $10 tickets will be available until it is sold out at mahs.ticketleap.com/monongahela-candlelightghostwalk. These tours are typically offered in the fall and sell out quickly due to its popularity.
The anniversary’s first day will wrap up with a 30-minute screening of the film “The 1954 Pony League World Series Championship” at Chess Park.
To check in on each day’s events and get a glance at the daily schedule, visit the Monongahela Area 250th page on Facebook.
Editor’s note: Check out the Mon Valley Independent online and in print for daily coverage of each day’s events.