A year-round draw: Washington County’s attractions diverse, well-seasoned
It has been well noted in this column that what makes a leisure tourism destination like Washington County unique to the visitor is the rich diversity of history, heritage, culture, arts and attractions we have to share. Add to that mix four distinct seasons, each with its own magical appeal and special events, and it’s no wonder we have something to celebrate at any given point in the calendar.
Events centered around historical occurrences sometimes strike a more somber than joyous tone. Late October brings one such event that warrants more commemoration than celebration, an observance of an environmental disaster in the Mon Valley town of Donora that focused national attention on air pollution. In late October of 1948, a heavy fog blanketed the Mon Valley, combined with emissions from the multitude of coal and blast furnaces and the huge zinc works in Donora, and formed a deadly fog that killed 21 people over a three- day period, and countless others in the months and years that followed. The event introduced America to a new term – smog, a combination of naturally occurring fog and industrial pollution, and came to be known as the Donora Smog. The tragic event drew international attention to the dangers of industrial air pollution and was the beginning of the clean air movement in America.
The citizens of Donora mark the event year-round at the Donora Smog Museum and Historical Society, and the last week of October brings special commemorations including an environmental conference, 5K run/ walk, dance, Halloween parade and memorial service. The Donora Historical Society also provides visitor information on other local attractions such as Cement City and baseball Hall of Famer and hometown favorite Stan “The Man” Musial.
An autumnal array of seasonal events also draws crowds of visitors and locals alike throughout the Mon Valley and the rest of the county in late fall. Many a ghoul and goblin will roam the streets at the end of the month for Halloween, with haunted houses and parades happening in Monongahela, Donora and Charleroi, and everything from sidewalk sales, Halloween teas, parties and haunted history and ghost tours hosted by local historic sites, malls, retailers and eateries. Pumpkin patch and harvest happenings continue at places like the PA Trolley Museum, Trax Farms and the Spring House, and Bedner’s Greenhouse continues its “Art Under Glass” celebration weekends through the end of the month. Autumn’s clear nights beckon stargazers to gather at Mingo Creek Park Observatory for October’s monthly “Public Star Party,” then orbit back in November for the “Bundle-Up Star Fest” gathering.
And it’s certainly never too early to get a jumpstart on that Christmas gift list – come on, you know who you are! Those ready to celebrate a different season take the car, truck or sleigh to the PA Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival at the Washington County Expo Center for gifts for all.
For a different way to kick off the season, head out to the country for the 26th annual Christmas in the Village Festival in Eldersville, near Burgettstown, for a parade, crafts and breakfast with Santa.
There’s something interesting at every turn in Washington County, so get the family and friends together, get out and make some memories this fall.
Travel safely.
J. R. Shaw is executive director of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.