Rainy conditions cut into attendance at annual Labor United Celebration
Rainy conditions this weekend resulted in lower attendance at the annual Labor United Celebration at Northmoreland Park.
The 42nd annual two-day event celebrating the traditions and history of organized labor in Western Pennsylvania typically draws close to 20,000 visitors.
This year, crowds were about half of what organizers expected, said Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for Westmoreland County Parks.
Jones estimated attendance Monday at around 3,000 people, down from about 6,000 to 8,000 attendees on Sunday.
The event, sponsored by Labor United Celebration, Westmoreland County commissioners and Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, always operates rain or shine.
“We don’t want to disappoint our vendors and everyone,” Jones said.
Monday’s dreary weather couldn’t keep some die-hard celebration attendees away.
Jessica McWilliams of New Kensington said she grew up attending the annual celebration every year. She brought her family Monday and watched as her son George was the sole rider on a fast-moving swing ride.
“It’s a family tradition,” McWilliams said.
Her son Landon, 11, took a positive view of the rainy day.
“At least there’s not any sun in your eyes,” he said.
The Bingo tent was almost full Monday and provided a dry activity away from the elements.
Live music was on hand and The Townsmen Plus One kicked off the musical festivities around 11 a.m.
The Townsmen Plus One perform “Kansas City” Monday morning at the Labor United Celebration in Northmoreland Park. @VNDNews @TribLIVE @TribWestmoreCo pic.twitter.com/LCxXHYYYR5
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) September 5, 2022
Many of the youngsters in attendance were loving the lack of wait times for amusement rides.
Kaia Reagle, 6, of New Kensington rode the Dragon Wagon ride twice. She was the sole rider.
“I’m sad because some of the rides are closed, but at least there’s no lines,” Reagle said.
Reagle’s father Carl Reagle donned a clear, full-body rain covering to handle the elements. He said attending the celebration is an annual tradition, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
“I support labor unions. My father was in a labor union,” Reagle said.
A muddy petting zoo didn’t stop children from interacting with baby goats, a miniature pig and baby llama.
“I love the ponies. I don’t care that it’s raining. This is no big deal,” said Faith Weston, 9, of Allegheny Township.
The Arnold Volunteer Fire Department #2 French Fry Booth sold fresh-cut fries with various toppings including gravy, cheese, vinegar, ketchup and more.
The fry fundraiser is the largest money earner for the fire department. This year’s year sales will not meet expectations, said company member Toni Montemurro.
“The weather hasn’t helped. Last year we made $8,000 and this year sales are about half,” Montemurro said.
In 2021, Arnold #2 cooked up more than 80 50-pound bags of potatoes. On Sunday, about 30 bags of potatoes were used.
Kelsie Taggart, of Lower Burrell, said the rain couldn’t stop her from shopping and the sparse crowds made for easy parking.
Taggart was hoping to find tool props for The Haunted Mine, a seasonal Halloween-themed attraction in Tarentum she helps to manage.
“We enjoy the food. We had fun. It was easy to park. Last year we were in line over an hour to park,” Taggart said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.