Export festival marks official opening of Westmoreland Heritage Trail's 4th phase

The annual Export Ethnic Food & Music Festival often marks the unveiling of something new and positive for the borough.

“In the past we had the unveiling of the (restored Turtle Creek Valley Railroad) caboose, and last year we unveiled a mural, so it’s really nice to do a little something to show the positive efforts we’re making to have good things come to Export,” said borough Councilwoman Melanie Litz.

This year, borough officials will host a ribbon-cutting at noon during the Aug. 17 festival for the fourth phase of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, which connects Murrysville to Export.

“I think it’s exciting to have that sort of big event happening,” Litz said. “All of us are thrilled with the response the trail is already getting. For myself, I notice every single day that there are people on the trail. Last Saturday morning, I counted 32 people in less than a mile.”

In addition to the ribbon-cutting for the trail, the festival will feature vendors, food, beer and live music all afternoon on two stages:

• Jack Tady Bears, 1-3 p.m., main stage
• Mountain Music String Band, 3:30-5 p.m., main stage
• Jerry B & the Bone Tones, 5:30-7:30, main stage
• Second Wind, 7:30-9 p.m., main stage
• Dave Stout, 12:30-3 p.m., East End stage
• Andy Gregg & the Liquor Missiles, 3:30-6 p.m., East End stage

The Export Historical Society will also raffle a painting, created by local artist John Santoro, which features past and present elements representing the borough.

Litz can’t wait to see the official opening of the trail.

“We’re excited not just for the ribbon-cutting but for the effect the trail will have on the community as a whole,” she said. “We’re happy it’s happening in conjunction with the festival. It’s a party atmosphere and it’s a fitting time to do it.”

The festival will run from noon to 9 p.m. on Washington Avenue in downtown Export.