JOHNSTOWN — Spiritfest 2012, the 21th annual Bishop McCort Invitational Cheerleading Championships, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, 25 Osborne St. in the 8th Ward section of Johnstown.

Doors open at 9, and the competition is scheduled to last until 4:30 or 5.

The contest is open to all pee-wee, elementary, junior high, high school varsity and all-star squads. Thirty-nine squads will compete.

Tickets, which will be sold in the lobby, are $6 for adults and $3 for students.  

Masked Halloween

The sixth annual Great Pumpkin Masquerade Ball will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday at Ace’s,

316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Three dance bands, Shades of June, Ribbon Grass and YUM, will provide music, and there will be a costume contest.

Tickets, which are $10, will be available at the door.

Information: 536-4176.

Good vibrations

The Unexpected Surfer Boys will present a musical tribute to the Beach Boys at 7 p.m. Saturday at Richland Performing Arts Center, One Academic Ave., Richland Township.

The show about four guys at a bachelor party features the timeless harmonies of the Beach Boys and high-octane choreography performed by veteran Broadway performers.

Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for senior citizens.

Information: 269-0300.

Fall fun

Spirits of Staple Bend Tunnel will be presented at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Saturday beginning at the Staple Bend Tunnel trailhead parking lot.

Park staff and volunteers will share darker stories of life and death on the Allegheny Portage Railroad.

The tour includes a bus ride to the tunnel and a walking tour through the tunnel.

In the event of inclement weather, the tours may be canceled.  

Tours are $2 per person, and reservations are required.

Information: 886-6150.

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A nighttime Historical Halloween trick or treat will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Somerset Historical Center, four miles north of Somerset on Route 985.

Participants are encouraged to dress as a historical character, especially one from Somerset County’s past. Ideas of what people may have worn in that era are available at www.SomersetHistoricalCenter.org.

The evening will end with a bonfire, refreshments and a free hayride around the site.  

Anyone wishing to participate should bring a recyclable bag and a flashlight.  

The cost is $5 per carload, plus a canned good for the Salvation Army’s food pantry.  

Information: 445-6077.

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The annual Bedford Elks’ Halloween Parade will be held Monday in downtown Bedford.

The parade will form at 6:30 p.m. and step off at 7:30.

It will begin at the east end of town, travel up East Pitt Street and turn left onto Juliana Street, where it will pass in front of the judges’ stand before disbanding at Bedford County Courthouse.  

Individuals or organizations interested in taking part in the parade may pick up a registration form at the Bedford Borough office or on Facebook at Bedford Elks Halloween Parade.

The rain date is Wednesday.

Information: 623-9510 or www.downtownbedford.com.

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A corn maze presented by Weakland Farms, Route 164, Portage, will be open from 4 to

8 p.m. today and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The farm closes at 9.

Featured events include hayrides, animal feedings, a pumpkin patch and an indoor straw maze.

Mums and fall decorations also will be available.

Information: www.weaklandfarms.com.

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HallowBoo, a family-oriented Halloween event, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Idlewild Park, Route 30 East, Ligonier.

There will be trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest, live entertainment, costumed characters, themed rides and attractions and a hay-bale maze.

The cost is $26.99, and children ages 2 and younger will be admitted free.

Information: www.idlewild.com.

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The 28th annual Autumnfest will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

The theme is chocolate and chili.

There is a $5 per car parking fee, and complimentary shuttle service will be available.

Information: www.7springs.com or (800) 452-2223.

Spooky music

A Halloween Spooktacular Concert will be presented by Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Richland Township.

The audience is invited to dress in costume for the special family concert.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and younger.

Information: 535-6738, 269-7200 or www.JohnstownSymphony.org.

Italian party

An Italian Celebration will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Venue of Merging Arts,

305 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

James Greco of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America will give a presentation.

A photo exhibit, “Italy as I See It,” will feature photographs by Alisa Pavick Barnhart, Eileen Graham and Chandler Mical, who all visited Italy.

Matthew Meyers and Darlene Pantano Pejack will give food demonstrations.

Other Italian treats to sample will include pizzelles by Theresa Fenimore Cassat, biscotti by Mary Battaline and several types of homemade wine.

Admission is $7.

Information: 410-2245.

Recital series

Bishop McCort Singers will perform at noon Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St. in downtown Johnstown.

Some songs will be a cappella while others will be accompanied by Anastazia Hall or Jessica Schulte.

A light lunch will follow.  

Information: www.firstlutheran.info.

Musical evening

Kalob Griffin Band, Pennsylvania-bred Americana rock ’n’ rollers, will perform tonight at Art Works in Johnstown! 413 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Local musician Gerry Stanek will open at 7:30.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free.

Information: artworksoctober.eventbrite.com.

Hoppin’ stop

Hip-hop artist and Johnstown native Andre Roxx of the Wu-Tang Midwest Killa Beez will perform Saturday at Eva’s Lounge, 1002 Railroad St., Johnstown.

Doors will open at 9 p.m.

Other up-and-coming artists to be featured will be Klasik, Doc Jonez, C Gunna and T.O.A.K.

Tickets are $15 in advance at A&A Closet, 654 Horner St. in the Hornerstown section of Johnstown, or at the door for $20.

Information: 242-7848 or 270-3197.

Performance venue

Americana, blues and horror are on the menu at Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The Hit and Miss Engines and Striped Maple Hollow will perform from 8 to 11 tonight, with doors opening at 7.

Cover charge is $5.

Scott Jeffreys will host The Blues Gathering from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

There will be a Rocky Horror screening and performances by Homeless Gospel Choir and The One and Only Matt Miller from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Information: 410-2245.

Animal house

Kritter Kamp will be presented by licensed wildlife rehabilitator Ayn VanDyke at noon Saturday at Dane Castle, Route 403, Strongstown.

The public is invited to learn about VanDyke’s work and meet some of her critters.

Information: 322-4506 or 749-7341.

Off-road racing

American Woods Racing Series will be held Saturday and Sunday at Rock Run Recreation Area, 1228 St. Lawrence Road, Patton.

The race is a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

On Saturday, quads and minis will race at 9 a.m., with youth at 10 a.m. and a buddy race for adults at noon,

On Sunday, dirt bikes will race at 9 a.m., with youth at 10 and a buddy race for adults at noon.

Rock Run will be closed to public riding for the weekend.

Admission is $10 for spectators both days.

Sumptuous sewing

“Ex Machina – 34 Years of Costuming by Winnie Voytko” will be on display through Nov. 5 at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The exhibit includes more than a dozen costumes created for Johnstown Concert Ballet as well as wedding dresses and Pennsylvania Junior Miss gowns.

Information: 536-5399.

Artistic kids

Saturday Art Classes for Kids will be held at The Learning Lamp, 2025 Bedford St. in Stonycreek Township.  

In Self-Expression in Painting, students will explore the basics of color mixing and American Indian imagery while creating a self-portrait with acrylic paints on canvas.

Children in prekindergarten and kindergarten will meet from 9 to 10 a.m., and children in Grades 1-3 will be in session from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuition for both age groups is $25.

Extended classes for youth in Grades 4 and older will be held Saturdays from noon to

1:30 p.m. Tuition is $38.  

All tuition includes cost of supplies for three sessions per month.  

Information: 262-0732 or www.thelearninglamp.org.

Book bargains

Friends of Cambria County Library’s Inclined To Read Bookstore will feature murder mysteries and Halloween books for October at the library, 248 Main St., Johnstown.

There also are books by R.L. Stine in the children’s section.

Hardbacks are $1, and paperbacks are 25 cents each or five for $1.

Bookstore hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Information: 536-5131.

Scary fun

The 21st annual scarecrow contest sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held through Wednesday around the Diamond in Ligonier and along surrounding streets.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be determined by three judges.  

The public will vote by ballot for the community favorite at participating shops or the chamber office.  

Information: (724) 238-4200.

If the shoe fits ...

Bedford County Players will perform the classic children’s play “Cinderella” at 8 tonight and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Harrison Township Community Center, Manns Choice.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Seating is limited.

Information: 623-7555.

Comedy charmer

Indiana Players’ production of “Bus Stop” will be presented at 7:30 tonight, Saturday and

Nov. 2-3 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 4 at Philadelphia Street Playhouse, 725 Philadelphia St., Indiana.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

Information: (724) 464-0725 or www.indianaplayers.com.

Fashion fundraiser

The Art of Wine and Fashion, the 10th annual fashion show fundraiser, will begin with a champagne reception and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona, 1210 11th Ave.

Reservations are required by Monday.

A raffle will feature an original botanical painting by Michael M. Strueber and a raku-fired ceramic sculpture by Helen Gorsuch.

Tickets are $75 per person, and valet parking will be available.

Information: 946-4464 or www.sama-art.org.

Historical haunts

“Ghosts and Legends of Fort Ligonier” will be presented by Walter L. Powell at 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday at Fort Ligonier, 200 S. Market Street, Ligonier.

Doors open at 5:30 for the first program and 7:30 for the second program.

Admission is $8 for nonmembers and $5 for members for adults and $5 for nonmember children ages 8-16. Children of members will be admitted free.

Advance reservations are suggestions as space is limited.

Information: (724) 238-9701.

 

Allies’ exhibition

The 80th annual Allied Artists Juried Exhibition will be on display through Jan. 5 at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Johnstown, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on the campus of Pitt-Johnstown, Richland Township.

An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Information: 269-7234 or www.johnstownart.com.

State of the art

“Biennial 2012” will be on display through Jan. 26 at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Loretto, on the campus of St. Francis University.

The exhibition will feature 131 works from nearly 100 Pennsylvania artists.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Information: 472-3920 or www.sama-art.org.

30 years on display

“Retrospective” by Johnstown artist Mark Ed will be on display through Nov. 3 at Art Works in Johnstown, 413 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The exhibit will cover 30 years of Ed’s work and will feature more than 200 pieces, including oil paintings, mixed media paintings, sculptures and other art work.

Admission is free.

Information: 535-2020.

History on show

“125 Years of Organized Jewish Life: 1888 to 2013,” the Johnstown Jewish Community Heritage Project, will be on display through September at Heritage Discovery Center, 201 Sixth Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The exhibition illuminates the history, traditions and achievements of Johnstown’s Jewish community.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Information: 539-1889.

Ceramics and wax

“A Sense of Place” featuring works by Willi Singleton and Joyce Werwie Perry will be on display through Nov. 2 at the Philip Dressler Center for the Arts, 214 S. Harrison Ave., Somerset.

Singleton makes ceramics using unprocessed clay forms with plant ashes.

Perry takes inspiration from photos to craft small encaustic, or painted, wax pieces and also will exhibit large oil paintings done with knives.

Information: 443-2433 or www.laurelarts.org.

Paints and prints

The works of Jan and Jonathan Heath will be exhibited by Bedford County Arts Center through Saturday at Anderson House, 137 E. Pitt St., Bedford.

Jonathan Heath has painted professionally since 1972 and is a self-taught painter who works in watercolors, oils and acrylics.

Jan Heath has been making prints for more than 30 years, and all her prints are hand pulled, signed and numbered.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Information: 623-1538.

Lifelong array

A collection of Colleen Browning’s works will be on display at two locations of Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art:

-- “Colleen Browning: Early Works” through Nov. 3 at the Ligonier Valley location, One Boucher Lane, Ligonier.

-- “Colleen Browning: Drawings” through Jan. 12 at the Altoona location, 1210 11th Ave.

Faithful display

“Seeing and Believing: Art Encounters Faith” will be on display through Dec. 8 in the Margery Wolf-Kuhn Gallery at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Loretto on the campus of St. Francis University.

The 45-piece exhibition features paintings, drawings, prints and photographs representing Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and American Indian spirituality.

Information: 472-3920 or www.sama-art.org.

Common work

The annual juried exhibition “Artists in Our Midst” will be on display through Jan. 19 in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona, 1210 Eleventh Ave.

The exhibition will feature 77 works by 27 local and regional artists who are members of Art in Common.

The variety of media will include photography, watercolors, wood, acrylics, oils, clay, fiber arts and mixed medias.

The museum will celebrate the exhibition at a Blue Monday program at 6 p.m. featuring a dinner set to the music of Stormy.

The cost is $20 per person or $10 for Art in Common members.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Information: 946-4464 or www.sama-art.org.

  

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