Norwin area happenings, May 20, 2021, and beyond

Memorial Day parade returns

A year after the annual Memorial Day parade in Irwin was canceled because of covid-related restrictions, the promenade in downtown Irwin and to Irwin Union Cemetery will resume this year.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church on Second Street, follow Main Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, then proceed east on Pennsylvania Avenue to Irwin Union Cemetery, said Kory Bulloch, commander of the J. Howard Snyder Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 781 of North Huntingdon. The VFW post, as has been the tradition, sponsors the parade.

The Norwin High School band will march in the parade, said Tim Daniels, band director. Bulloch said he expects fire departments in the area will participate in ceremonies at the cemetery,

Army veteran David Mahlstedt, a supervisor at the Snyder Funeral Home in Irwin, will discuss the importance of Memorial Day and how people should remember veterans.

Mahlstedt served in “The Old Guard,” the Army’s the 3rd Infantry, which is the oldest active-duty infantry in the Army. The Old Guard, based at Arlington National Cemetery, is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president.

Norwin Historical Society holds Memorial Day events

The Norwin Historical Society will hold two Memorial Day-related events on May 30 to honor veterans.

A military honor guard will conduct a memorial ceremony at 1 p.m. at the mausoleum of the Penn Lincoln Memorial Park along Route 30 in North Huntingdon.

A second memorial will be held at 2 p.m. at the Westmoreland City Veterans Memorial on Broadway Avenue in front of the Westmoreland City Fire Hall, said Carl Huszar, historical society president.

Because of covid-related concerns, the ceremonies with the honor guard were scaled down, Huszar said.

Lions Club to hold chicken barbecue sale

The Stewartsville Lions Club in North Huntingdon will hold a chicken barbecue sale from 11 a.m. May 30 until sell-out at Holiday Travel near Norwin Towne Square along Route 30 in North Huntingdon.

Those interested in buying a meal — which consists of chicken, roll, applesauce, dessert and beverage — are asked to remain in their vehicles, where orders will be delivered curbside. The cost is $8.

Patriotic concert set in West Newton

A concert of patriotic songs to honor veterans will be performed by Cathi Rhodes, in the style of country music star Patsy Cline, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30 at the Vine Street Park in West Newton.

Food trucks will be at the performance, as will other performers.

The Community Revitalization of West Newton organization is sponsoring the concert. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

All Centers for Disease Control guidelines will be followed.