Mon Valley reunion set for Feb. 28 in sunny Florida

Organizer Mona Lisa Spirko said the event will be held in Tampa again this year.

By the MVI

The date has been set for the 45th annual Mon Valley Florida reunion, just in time for snowbirds to enjoy the warm Florida weather.

The reunion was created to bring together former and current residents of the Mon Valley in the Sunshine State. Traditionally the reunion has taken place on the last Saturday of February.

This year’s event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at Glory Days Grill, located at 14457 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

Charleroi native Mona Lisa Spirko, the main organizer of the event, said it will be held on an outdoor covered patio that can hold up to 100 people. Fans will be available if it’s warm and heaters if it becomes cool.

The restaurant has blinds that can be lowered in case of inclement weather. Attendees can order off the menu and everyone will be billed individually.

Glory Days Grill will be the host for the event a third time in a row after receiving a positive reaction at the 2024 reunion. The restaurant has a sports bar kind of feel and guarantees a lot of fun for everyone who attends.

Spirko said last year’s 50/50 raffle was a success, so it will continue by raffling off two Boyd and Blair Steel Curtain Rum, along with the cash drawing.

Spirko said there were 65 attendees last year, which was low compared to previous years. She said people coming to Tampa from the southern part of the state were stuck for hours in traffic due to a crash.

“Most turned around and went home, but some braved the traffic and came,” Spirko said. “We usually get folks from all over the state, Miami, Sarasota, Venice and Plam Beach.”

Previous reunions were held at Cody’s Roadhouse in Bellair, with John Hisiro serving as the organizer.

Due to staffing at the restaurant, Spirko is asking everyone planning to attend to RSVP by text or call 813220-5723, email flmonalisa28@ hotmail.com or reply to the event on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/monvalleyfloridareunion.