Community Day continues South Fayette’s 175th anniversary celebration
Members of the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association
perform during a variety show at Community Daycelebrating the township’s 175th anniversary.
South Fayette Township Commissioner Gwen Rodi accepts an Allegheny County proclamation in honor of the township’s 175th anniversary.
Baritone Anthony Brown performs during a variety show during Community Day celebrating the township’s 175th anniversary.
Audrey Logan sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” during South Fayette Township Community Day.
Harry Funk
Showing off their Community Day shades in this 2017 file photo are, from left, Luca Kostuch, Andrew Loar, Nico Kostuch and Adam Vail.
A celebration isn’t complete without an inflatable air dancer.
Stilt walker Joe Lyons poses with a couple of mascots and a young festivalgoer during Community Day.
Singer-guitarist Shawn Kichta performs during Community Day.
The celebration of South Fayette Township’s 175th anniversary continued during Community Day.
The event, held Aug. 26 at Fairview Park, featured food, fun, games and entertainment, highlighted by a ceremony and variety show commemorating the township’s official establishment on March 16, 1842, when the larger township of Fayette split into separate municipalities.
At one point in the 18th century, the commonwealths of both Virginia and Pennsylvania laid claim to what now is South Fayette.
“If it weren’t for the Mason-Dixon Line,” U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, quipped, “we’d probably be saying, ‘How y’all doin’ today?’ and be talking with a Virginia accent.”
Murphy was on hand to present an anniversary citation from the House of Representatives. Patrick Catena, the Allegheny County Council member representing the 4th District, read a proclamation on behalf of the county.
Members of the Historical Society of South Fayette Township spoke about the relevance of their organization.
“History is being made every day,” John Kosky said. “We’re all part of history today. We’ll talk about this 20 years from now.”
He and fellow member Joanne Petrillo implored local residents to donate photos and other memorabilia to the group, which was established in 2003 and set up a history center last year.
“The historical society is set up to preserve the past,” Kosky said. “And in order to preserve the past, we need whatever help that we can get from the community to do that.”
To arrange a visit or to donate an item related to South Fayette history, call Emily Williamson-Brady, society president, at 412-257-3523 or 412-221-6657.
In the meantime, a raffle held during Community Day committed all proceeds to the historical society in honor of the anniversary.