Donora needs volunteers for anniversary celebration

The borough will mark 125 years in 2026.

Donora is preparing for a historic year in 2026, as the borough will celebrate its 125th anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th.

Mayor Don Pavelko said plans are beginning to take shape for a community-wide celebration, but the effort will require strong volunteer involvement.

Founded in 1901 and named after industrialist William Donner and Nora Mellon, Donora quickly became a thriving steel and wire town along the Monongahela River.

The borough is perhaps best known for the 1948 Donora Smog, a deadly air pollution event that helped spark the modern environmental movement, but its history also includes a proud legacy of industry, resilience and community spirit.

“When the 100th was held, we had a good celebration out at Palmer Park,” he said “Everybody in the community got involved in some way or another.”

Pavelko said while there is a lot of time to plan, he wanted to start early in hopes of getting more people involved.

“I’m bringing this to everybody’s attention,” he said, “and hopefully we’ll be able to find volunteers who are willing to get involved in a celebration of the 125th anniversary.”

The mayor emphasized that while organizing such an event is a major undertaking, the rewards are worth the effort.

“It’s a lot of work, but I’ll tell you, most of the volunteers I know that do things like Light-Up Night or the Halloween Parade, they have a good time,” he said. “It’s hard work, but they have a good time. So I hope people will think about it and volunteer.”

Pavelko added that milestone anniversaries are a chance to reflect on Donora’s history and unity.

“To me, it’s a really great thing, and it’s also corresponding with the 250th anniversary of our nation,” he said.

The borough will release more details on its plans in the months ahead, but organizers are encouraging residents to begin considering ways they can contribute to the celebration.

For more information on how to help, contact the borough directly at 724379‑6600 or donoraboro.org.