Buhl Day is about family, community

Sunday, August 27, 2006 Organizers have worked to keep the event a free family day. By LAURE CIOFFI VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU HERMITAGE, Pa. — If there ever was a family day, well then it must be Buhl Day. That's how most Shenango Valley residents identify Labor Day when thousands flock to Buhl Park for free entertainment, activities and lots of food vendors. "Buhl Day is a true family day. A true picnic in the park," said Karen Emmert, one of the Buhl Day committee people. Buhl Day dates back to 1915 when industrialist Frank Buhl and his wife, Julia, started the celebration to honor the working men and women in the Shenango Valley. It continued until World War II and then resumed again in 1980. Day's start Each year people who have given significant contributions to the community are honored. This year's honorees are Bill Evans, a retired water company executive, Joe Shafron, a former resident who created an oral history project of the area, and podiatrist Leonard Pleban. The honorees will ride in a place of honor in the parade at 9:30 a.m. that will run from Hermitage Towne Plaza on East State Street to Buhl Farm. The celebration officially kicks off on Saturday with the Annual Fishing Derby at Lake Julia, the 21st Annual Junior Tennis Tournament, and the 45 & Older Golf Tournament at Buhland Golf Course. Only some changes Nick Baron, one of this year's co-chairman, said there will be no fireworks again this year because of cost constraints. Baron, his wife Melissa, and Terry Whalen of West Middlesex are chairing the Buhl Day committee this year. Baron said they've worked to keep Buhl Day noncommercial with free events and entertainment. Emmert said there will be some new entertainers in this year's line up, but little else will change for the annual community event. cioffi@vindy.com