Sunshine expected for Rain Day
Rain Day Umbrella contestants show off their creations for the crowd and emcee Doug Wilson.
From left: Miss Rain Day 2015 second runner-up, Caitlyn Ricco, Miss Rain Day 2015, Claire Kreider and first runner-up Elayne LoFiego stand together after the pageant Sunday
WAYNESBURG – With a summer filled with rainy days, one would think a day of sunshine would bring joy to Greene County.
But it doesn’t appear that will be the case today, because July 29 is a date that locals not only hope for rain, but bet on the possibility.
It rained on Rain Day 114 out of the last 141 years, but this year, chances of showers are not in its favor.
National Weather Service meteorologist Lee Hendricks said there is a 30 percent chance of rain with the best chance of showers occurring just after midnight.
“There is a slight chance for some showers or thunderstorms early Thursday morning,” Hendricks said. “Maybe some will occur before midnight if you’re lucky.”
But people are still hopeful.
On past occasions, the weather service predicted it wouldn’t rain, but Rain Day worked its magic and a few drops fell from the sky.
Hendricks said after looking at the forecast, he knows which side he’ll be on.
“I bet no rain,” Hendricks said.
Rain or shine, the streets of Waynesburg will be filled with residents and visitors here to experience this summer tradition.
Festivities already started with the Miss Rain Day pageant Sunday.
Claire Kreider, a junior at Waynesburg Central High School, was crowned 2015 Miss Rain Day. She performed a lyrical dance to “Speaking French” and will be judging and performing at today’s events.
First runner-up is Elayne LoFiego, and the second runner-up is Caitlyn Ricco.
The festivities begin early and the event list includes:
• 7 to 10 a.m. – Buckwheat pancake breakfast, St. Ann Church
• 11:30 a.m. – Umbrella contest
• Noon – Refuge, a classic rock group, will perform.
• 1 p.m. – Barbara Moschetta Dance will perform.
• 1:30 p.m. – Carl Donnelly will will perform some oldies for the crowd
• 2 p.m. – Physical comedian, Howard Mincone will perform. Mincone also appeared at last year’s Rain Day festivities.
• 2:30 p.m. – The band, Staggering Cardoons, will perform some Iris Appalachian rock.
• 3 p.m. – Drew Johnson will be singing and playing country music
• 3:30 p.m. – The Song Birds will perform a variety of music.
• 4 p.m. – The Country Showdown begins.
• 6:15 p.m. – Ramona Mills will put on a comedy skit called “Eulah Mae McGillicuty.”
• 6:30 p.m. – The Rain Day contestants will take the stage.
• 7 p.m. – A moment of silence will be held by the Company K Salute followed by the awards for window display, best decorated baby Rain Day can, baby Rain Day winners and the Jack McCracken award.
• 7:30 p.m. – The band, Stonestreet, will be performing a variety of music genres ranging from the tops hits of the ’40s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and more.