Patrick Buchnowski
pbuchnowski@tribdem.com
JOHNSTOWN —
The Air Force presidential honor guard will join today’s parade at Richland Community Days.
Retired Air Force Col. Doug Lengenfelder was able to bring the honor guard from Washington, where the elite group performs for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
“They come out to communities not only as a recruiting tool, but they like to come to small communities that are patriotic,” said Lengenfelder, former leader of the honor guard and the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington.
“Johnstown is a perfect fit,” he said.
The honor guard also will participate in a ceremony honoring the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha of Johnstown.
The two-day event kicked off Friday at Schoolhouse Road and Theatre Drive.
Richland Community Days is in its third year.
About 15,000 people attended last year, said Jim Miliauskas, co-chairman of the event.
This year more people are expected. The event is free.
“Not only is it growing, but there are a wider range of activities and food,” he said. “You’ll find something here you like.”
Youngsters displayed quilts they made at a show Friday at Highland Community Library.
Richland Elementary School pupil Casey Costa, 7, displayed a colorful 65-by-80-inch “Turning Twenty” quilt she made. Casey explained why she turned to quilt making at such an early age.
“My mom and my sister do it and I didn’t want to be left out,” she said.
Her mother, Pam Costa, credits her 9-year-old daughter, Courtney, with getting her started.
“My mom did quilts when we were young,” Pam Costa said.
“My oldest daughter wanted to start making quilts.”
Katlyn Petrosky, 12, displayed a Christmas quilt with snowmen.
“It takes along time to make,” she said.
The students learned to make quilts from Schrader’s Fabrics by Barb.
“They’re very good students and they enjoy it,” Barb Schrader said. Quilts are assembled by machine with portions of the three-layer coverlet hand sewn.
It takes about 30 hours to make one, which sells for about $250, she said.
The U.S. Air Force Stealth Tour was on hand. The visual interactive tool is to raise public awareness about the Air Force.
Richland Days continues today from noon to midnight with live music, an antique car show and children’s activities.
The second annual Howl at the Moon Twilight 5K Run will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the flagpole at Richland High School.
Proceeds benefit East Hills Recreation and Richland High’s cross country teams.
The cost is $20.
Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
