Get ready for a virtual Rain Day

The 2020 Rain Day Festival is just days away, and event organizers once again are prepared to offset anticipated precipitation with a full slate of fun activities.
This year’s event is going to be much different from previous ones, and may be the most unusual festival in its long, rich history.
It’s no secret that the pandemic posed myriad challenges for the Special Events Commission planning this year’s festival, held every July 29. The decision was made to present the day’s activities virtually – contests and music performances, included – on the Rain Day Festival’s Facebook page.
“It’s been a tremendous amount of work from a lot of people, but even though this year’s Rain Day will be different, we are proud to be able to offer something special in honor of this great tradition,” said Athena Bowman, Waynesburg Borough Special Events Coordinator. “It would not have been possible without the volunteers, sponsors, musicians and so many others working with us, donating their time, skills and energy to help make this happen.”
Bowman said in regards to COVID-19 and the uncertainties that the pandemic has created, there is great relief by many that Rain Day will go on this year.
“Of course, we are all terribly sad that we couldn’t hold our traditional street festival this year, but the safety and well-being of everyone is the first and foremost priority,” she said. “However, it was important for everyone involved that we continue to respect and honor the legacy that is Rain Day.
“This year’s festival is going to be a very special one, and we hope everyone enjoys it,” she added. “We are ready to go.”
Viewers visiting the festival’s Facebook page on July 29 will be able to watch a wide array of performances, an interview with the 2020 Miss Rain Day and her court, a tribute to the Rain Day Boys and Company K, a vehicle parade and much more.
Winners of the umbrella, window and home decorating contests, the Baby Rain Day contest and the coloring contest, and the presentation of the Jack McCracken Award – given to an individual who has been a humanitarian, civic leader and role model – will be available for viewing as well.
Festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the national anthem performed by Jessica Torres. A video highlighting past Rain Day events will start at 9 a.m., and Miss Rain Day and her court will be introduced live at 10 a.m.
The event will continue at 10:45 a.m. with the umbrella contest lineup (contestants must be pre-registered), followed by the live umbrella contest judging at 11 a.m. on the courthouse steps. The first musical performance of the day, by singer/musician Drew Johnson, will air at 11:30 a.m.
At noon, there will be a live interview with Miss Rain Day, followed by music performance videos from Trenton Antill and Jolene Hillier at 12:30 p.m.; Cassidy Paige, Lucien Shroyer and Graham Sterling at 1 p.m.; and Jeff Grable at 1:30 p.m.
Following a live interview with the Rain Day court at 2 p.m., there will music performances from Lexie Van Dyne at 2:30 p.m. and Tyler Jeffries at 3 p.m.
The festival will continue at 3:30 p.m. with Miss Rain Day and her court performing, followed by a video featuring a music performance from the Shadow Cats at 4:30 p.m.
At 5 p.m., a special Rain Day Boys tribute by Glenn Toothman and Candice Buchanan will be shown, and there will be a moment of silence for Company K, with a special reading by Miss Rain Day at 5:20 p.m.
The live annual awards presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Miss Rain Day and the event mascot, “Wayne Drop,” and will also feature a donation from the Special Events Commission made to Rain Watchers Waynesburg Troop Greene.
After the contest winners are announced, a live vehicle parade featuring law enforcement vehicles, dignitaries, contest winners and the 2020 Miss Rain Day court driving through the borough will be broadcast at 6 p.m., followed by videos depicting the history of Caleb Ely by Matt Cumberledge, director of the Greene County Historical Society, and a look at Rain Day hat bets made over the years at 7:30 p.m.
The traditional Rain Day Hat Bet will continue this year, as well, with WPXI-TV Chief Meteorologist Stephen Cropper announced as this year’s bettor.
The event will continue at 8 p.m. with a video featuring the headlining band, Quick Exit, performing a mix of classic rock and dance songs, followed by a fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m., where residents may watch and enjoy from their front or back porch or yard, from the Waynesburg Borough parks or at their favorite spot, providing that social distancing is practiced.
More details about the 2020 Virtual Rain Day can be found by visiting www.raindayfestival.com and on the Rain Day Festival Facebook page.
It has rained 115 out of the past 146 years in Waynesburg on July 29. The question remains: Will it rain this year?
Bowman is sure of the answer.
“By the time July 29 ends, that number will go to 116,” she said confidently. “Count on it.”