Archive for the ‘Sports & Leisure’ Category
Learn to Ride
Published Sunday, February 21st, 2010
A benefit inherent to living in the Johnstown area is that you are, at any given time, a maximum of about five minutes from a motorcycle-friendly road. These asphalt ribbons winding through our area provide the perfect surface for a season of two- and three-wheeled recreation.
For those that would to take advantage of this resource, but have no prior riding experience (or, maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve been in the saddle), courses through Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) could be the first step in igniting this passion. These courses are designed to train riders in the safe operation of motorcycles using both classroom and hands-on riding sessions.
Green Gables Beer and Wine Tastings
Published Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Each month, Green Gables Restaurant provides two separate opportunities for the beverage connoisseur to treat his taste buds to a sampling of premium wines or specialty beers.
The events, aptly named “First Friday Wine Tasting” and “Second Friday Beer Tasting”, occur on the first and second Fridays of every month of the year and are a particularly nice way to combat a chilly Pennsylvania winter. “We attract a pretty varied crowd,” says Laura, a hostess at Green Gables. “It’s a nice mix of younger and older people.”
Celebration Johnstown!
Published Monday, December 28th, 2009
As the first decade of the new millennium draws to a close, it is with the return of a Johnstown, PA tradition—the family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash known as “Celebration Johnstown!”. Stationed at multiple venues in downtown Johnstown, the event provides an alcohol-free environment from which to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
From 6:00PM to 10:00PM this New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2009) revelers will be treated to free entertainment, festive surroundings, and food and refreshments from several downtown churches and the Cambria County Library.
Frightmare Haunted House
Published Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
The leaves turn and the temperature drops and skulls, ghosts and goblins begin popping up in the unlikeliest of places. Another October draws to a close and, just like everywhere, Johnstowners are looking for a good, friendly scare. Fortunately, opportunities for just such entertainment are all around the Johnstown, PA area.
Each year, on the final four days of October, Frightmare Studios presents a haunted house that is sure to rank as one of the top Halloween experiences for all of their visitors.
Johnstown Marathon
Published Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Athletes will put their endurance to the test in Johnstown, PA on Sunday, October 4th, 2009, as the city hosts the 34th Annual Johnstown Marathon. Organized by the Greater Johnstown YMCA, the race is a favorite of participants for a host of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the event is held during the height of autumn, giving runners a colorful view of the Greater Johnstown area.
Ebensburg Potato Festival
Published Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
Each year a Potato Festival (or “Potatofest”) is held in downtown Ebensburg, PA to celebrate one of the staples of the region’s agricultural industry—the potato. This humble crop takes center stage during a day-long festival that features live music and dance performances, bingo, arts and crafts booths and a wide-variety of foods where vendors will be serving up lots of festival-style eats, with an emphasis on potato-themed fare.
Windber Rumbles
Published Thursday, September 10th, 2009
The Saturday after Labor Day marks one of the most anticipated weekends of the year for motorcycle enthusiasts. The occasion is “Windber Rumbles”, a motorcycle poker run that covers 100 miles of rolling hills and beautiful landscape. Windber Rumbles continues the 20 year tradition of the widely popular Windber Dog Run, an event that has risen close to $1 million for the community.
“We hope it stays as successful as previous years,” says Barry Jerley, event organizer. “We had a lot of support from businesses, organizations and individuals to make sure the run didn’t go away. Without the charitable donations of the community this event would not have happened this year.”
AAABA Baseball Tournament
Published Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
The All American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) is comprised of 23 franchises located across the United States. Teams compete throughout the summer with their sights set on a single purpose—a trip to Johnstown, PA for a chance at the national title.
The contest kicks off Monday, August 10th, culminating in the Championship Game, scheduled for Sunday, August 16th at Johnstown’s Point Stadium. During the week, 16 teams will vie for the national title in a double-elimination tournament.
Second Sunday Street Festivals
Published Friday, July 10th, 2009
Summertime means getting out for the area festivals, including the Second Sunday Street Festivals in Johnstown’s Moxham neighborhood. Now in its third year, these free festivals give everyone a chance to enjoy great food, music and community.
This year the festivals are being held on the second Sundays of July and August along Village Street (just off of Central Avenue) between Grove and Park Avenues (click here for a map). Each event runs from 1:00PM until 8:00PM.
“It’s a chance for friends and family to gather, eat good food and have a great time together,” says event coordinator Adia Dobbins.
Thunder in the Valley
Published Saturday, June 20th, 2009
In Johnstown, it’s the beginning of the one of the best weeks of the summer. It starts this weekend with a trickle of bikes blending into the local motorcycle population. By mid-week the city will be experiencing a steady stream of two-wheeled vehicles flowing through its streets. They come from all across the country, riders of every ilk answering a common call: participation in what has become known as one of the best motorcycle rallies of the year.
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