103rd ‘Old Timers’ Day’ set in New Castle

staff report

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — New Castle’s 103rd “Old Timers’ Day” is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12 at the pavilion at Cascade Park.

The free event for senior citizens will include lunch, dancing, prizes and souvenirs. Chairwoman is Lawrence County Prothonotary Helen Morgan. Other committee chairmen are county elected officials: State Rep. Chris Sainato, Paul Klabon and Lillian Germaine. Registration chairwoman is Dolly Gagliardo.

Former city councilman Frank Bonfield will serve as master of ceremonies, and greetings will be given by New Castle Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo and the Honorable Judge J. Craig Cox. David J. Harruff of the New Castle Area Honor Guard will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Rev. John Petrarulo of St. Vitus Church will give the invocation. The Rev. Matthew Bupp of the Men’s True Life Ministries of the City Rescue Mission will give the benediction.

Refreshments will be served by Medure’s Catering, and beverages will be served under the direction of Ben Tencer.

Sing-along entertainment will be provided by organist Ray Melcer and the Nick Perrotta Band.

Prizes will be awarded by county Registrar and Recorder Jan Kalajainen, Sheriff Perry Quahliero, county Treasurer Richard Rapone and county Controller David Gettings.

The first Old Timer’s picnic took place Aug. 23, 1907, at Cascade Park and drew 7,000 people. It was such a success that it was continued as an annual affair with 16,000 attending in 1912, according to organizers.