WaterFire seeks veterans for ceremony

Staff report

SHARON, Pa.

WaterFire Sharon is looking for more than just a few good men and women to serve key roles in the first of its three festivals this year.

The first WaterFire festival in downtown Sharon will be July 18 with the theme “Americana,” and organizers want to honor area veterans by making them the torch bearers for the lighting ceremony.

The daylong festivities culminate with more than 50 custom-built braziers filled with wood anchored in the Shenango River being set ablaze at dusk by fire tenders who take to the water in boats.

About 90 people who have served in any branch of the armed forces are needed to stand together and light the flames that will spread to the braziers in the river.

All veterans are invited to participate and area VFW posts and American Legions can be represented as well.

To sign up to become a torch bearer or for more information, call WaterFire Sharon coordinator Erin Houston at 724-866-6596 or email her at erin@waterfiresharonpa.org.

WaterFire is also looking for volunteers other aspects of the festival, from setting up barriers to cleaning up parking lots the next day.

For information, go to waterfiresharonpa.org.

The WaterFire festivals transform downtown Sharon into a place of art, music, dance, food and more.

In an online call for volunteers, Larry Scheetz, Mercer County director of veterans affairs, said the festival is patriotic and will call attention to the World War II servicemen, dubbed America’s Greatest Generation.

Scheetz said the festival hopes to capture the feel of a historic riverfront downtown in its post-World War II heyday.

Guests can play classic games of the era, such as Twister, in the streets.

There will also be historical walking tours, a petting zoo, and a farmer’s market with produce, and Amish quilts and preserves.

Mercer County is home to more than 10,000 veterans, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

WaterFire Sharon Executive Director Michael Nelson said this year marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day, the formal end of World War II in Europe.

The remaining WaterFire Sharon festivals will be Aug. 22 and Sept. 26.

Each one begins at noon and continues well past dark.

The culmination of each is the dramatic lighting ceremony on the river.

Attractions at each include a children’s art and activity area, an artisan marketplace for original handmade items from regional craftsmen, and a food court.

Art experiences throughout the day include plein air artisan demonstrations by painters, potters and more; art installations; interactive street demonstrations with actors and performers; and showpiece attractions on the main stage and the small stages.

Each festival will also feature performance dance and social dance opportunities. Downtown merchants and eateries will also be open during the event.