—
There was plenty of spirit-filled fun across the region Saturday with plenty of activities on a beautiful fall day.
Many of the events were getting a jump on Halloween, featuring costume parties and themed programs to celebrate the season.
Cambria City may have been Spirit Central with hundreds of ghouls, ghosts, cowboys and superheroes dressed up for the annual Great Pumpkin Masquerade Ball at Ace’s.
“We go all out,” co-owner Laura Matolyak-Neatrour said. “They love that we decorate so much for Halloween. It’s our biggest holiday, along with St. Patrick’s Day.”
Shades of June, Ribbon Grass and YUM kept the huge dance floor filled in an evening that featured costume prizes, specialty drinks and food.
Several band members came in costume.
“Halloween has always been a big time in our family,” Matolyak-Neatrour said. “It is not just for little kids to go trick-or-treating. Let’s all go get some costumes for a good time.”
Across the street at the Venue of Merging Arts, the monthly Blues Gathering performers took on the spirit of experimental/rock musician Tom Waits.
“Since it’s Halloween, why not pretend you’re somebody else,” lead singer Matt Miller said before taking the stage and doing his best Tom Waits-trademark growl.
Halloween also provided the theme for Johnstown Symphony Orchestra’s Spooktacular Concert, with costumed musicians. The annual event is geared toward children, who are also invited to come as they aren’t.
Participants were treated to darker tales of early rail travel during Spirits of the Staple Bend Tunnel. The National Park Service program included a bus ride and walking tour of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, squads from several local schools and gyms raised spirits of a different type at Bishop McCort High School cheerleading competition.
SpiritFest marked the 21st annual competition and featured peewee, elementary, junior high, high school and all-star levels.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
