Buhl Day reunites friends

The tradition was resurrected in 1980 with entertainment and food vendors.

By VIRGINIA ROSS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

HERMITAGE, Pa. — Although they were born decades apart, Dave Cole and Nicole Lemos share a common view of Buhl Day: It’s a great way to connect with friends.

As part of their Labor Day activities, Cole, of South Pymatuning, and Lemos, of Hermitage, joined hundreds of area residents and natives Monday by meeting up with friends and acquaintances they don’t often get to see.

“You stroll through the park and all the festivities and sure enough there are people here you’ve haven’t seen in a long time — sometimes years,” Cole said. “This is a tradition around here. Some people have moved away, but they come back for Buhl Day. It’s a great park, and there are a lot of memories here.”

Lemos, 13, took the opportunity to meet up with friends she hadn’t seen all summer.

“It’s fun and there’s a lot going one, but the one thing I really like is seeing everybody. It’s like this big get-together or party and we’re all invited. It’s great,” she said.

Cole and his brother, Ed Cole of Brookfield, Ohio, said they recalled ice skating on the pond at Buhl Park more than 50 years ago. They used to attend regular dances at the Casino, which is now being renovated.

Buhl Day is open to all residents of the Shenango Valley.

How this started

The current event is based on one that industrialist Frank Buhl held in the earlier part of this century for his employees. His picnic symbolized the end of summer and recognition of the employees’ hard work.

The tradition was resurrected in 1980 with some entertainment and food vendors.

The modern Buhl Day festivities have attracted folks from the Shenango Valley and beyond. The event boasts a parade, juried art show, entertainment, memorial services, flag-raising ceremonies and classic car cruise, among other festivities.

Events have even branched out through the weekend with a tennis tournament, fishing derby and golf tournament held in the days leading up to Buhl Day.

This year a second stage was added to accommodate the entertainment.

“The people here are so great,” said Linda Auld of South Pymatuning. “They are so giving and kind.”

Auld’s church, South Pymatuning Community Church of Sharpsville, sponsors a food booth at the festival. Proceeds from selling meatball sandwiches and other treats are used to buy sewing supplies members of the church use to make blankets and scarves for the needy.

Auld serves as coordinator of the effort, Warm Hearts Blanket Ministry.

“This is our main fundraiser,” she said. “The people here are so supportive and encouraging and giving. We enjoy being here with them.”

Last year the church group was able to raise enough money at the festival to buy supplies to make more than 50 blankets and 40 scarves that were distributed by various organizations.

“Everyone has a reason for being here, and this is ours,” she said.