Westmoreland County kicks off birthday celebration

Westmoreland County’s birthday bash kicked off with a treat.

More than 500 red, white and blue cupcakes were handed out to courthouse workers Monday to signify the start of the county’s 250th birthday celebration and commemorate the founding of the county in 1773.

Commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew led a singing of “Happy Birthday” as workers were greeted with the cupcakes as part of what is expected to be a yearlong celebration throughout Westmoreland County.

“We are very proud of who we are,” Kertes said.

Chief Clerk Vera Spina said the birthday party came about as a way to get employees involved in the celebration.

The county is seeking employee suggestions for items that will be placed in a time capsule and buried this year in the soon-to-be completed courtyard in front of the courthouse.

“We really wanted to start this (birthday celebration) out with something for our employees. We really want them to get excited,” Spina said.

As part of the celebration, officials redecorated the lobby of the courthouse complex with banners touting the county’s cultural assets hanging from the ceiling and landscapes of county locations affixed to the walls.

Commissioners in June will hold a public meeting at Historic Hanna’s Town, the original county seat of Westmoreland. Other events will be held throughout 2023.

“Westmoreland is one of the first counties in Pennsylvania. The history we have here is wonderful, and we want people to come out and see it,” Chew said.