RALSTON - Locals in the Ralston area will be able to get a good look at the new windmills and learn a bit about their town's history during the 175th Anniversary of Ralston Celebration, held this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The festival, which is held every 25 years, celebrates the founding of the town and its rich history.
The event was planned by a group of about 20 local citizens, according to Lois Ribovich, one of the organizers of the event. The celebration was financially backed by RMT, Inc. which donated $2,500 and Duke Energy, which donated $5,000 to the event. With this money, the organizers were able to ensure that all the events would be free for everyone.
"We tried to keep everything free, so everyone could enjoy it," Ribovich said.
"The only thing that's not free is if you want to purchase something from the auction or one of the vendors," she added.
On all three nights of the festival, historical reenactor Rich Pawling will perform his "History Alive Show." The event will feature music, stories, and show what it was like to live in Ralston in days gone by. The two-hour show will be held outside on the Green. Visitors are recommended to bring their own chair or blanket.
A parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. All are welcome to come and enter the parade. Nelson Buckwalter will be named the Grand Marshal.
Fact Box
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Ralston 175th Anniversary parade
WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday
WHERE: Ralston
The parade will be followed by a flag raising in the square. Senator E. Eugene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, will be on hand to say a few words during the event.
An auction will be held at noon on Saturday, featuring baskets, gift certificates, and many other items.
A duck race will be held at 2 p.m. The ducks will be launched from the Rock Run Bridge and at the catholic church. Ducks may be purchased for $2 at the C&N Bank. This is Alyssa Black's senior project, and all proceeds from the race will to go the "Camper Scholarship Fund" at Camp Susque in Trout Run.
Visitors will be able to enjoy music from the band Top Shelf on Saturday night in the square, as well as various food vendors.
Rev. Duane Taylor, Rev. Dave Eggers, Rev. Ann Overmiller and Rev. William Graham will hold a community worship service on Sunday at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a community potluck dinner. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass. The meat and table service will be provided.
Starting around 2 p.m. on Sunday, two buses will take visitors up to see the newly installed wind mills. Buses will load at 2 pm., 3:15 pm. and 4:30 p.m. behind the fire hall. The trip, which will last about an hour and 15 minutes, will include a tour guide on each bus. The driver will stop to allow riders to get off and take pictures.
According to Ribovich, the bus tours have been the most popular attraction so far.
"People are curious because they've been up there building those windmills for a couple of months now, and we haven't really gotten a chance to see them yet," she said.
The busses are filling up quickly, according to Ribovich. Those who would like to join the ride should call Wolf's Valley Store, at 995-5225, from 6 a.m to 2 p.m. and ask to have their name added on the list.
