This year’s event is open to the public Saturday and Sunday (September 4^th and 5^th, 2010) from 10:30AM to 6:00PM. Admission is free.

The festival, now in its 40^th year, is held annually at the Community Arts Center, located at 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in Johnstown, PA’s Westmont neighborhood (click here for a map to the Community Arts Center, Johnstown, PA).

Free parking is available at the Memorial Medical Center parking lot on Menoher Boulevard, approximately ¼ mile away from the Community Arts Center (click here for a map to the Memorial Medical Center parking lot), with free shuttle transportation running every 10-15 minutes.

The Log House Arts Festival has historically been one of the best ways to spend the day with friends or family, featuring great food, live music performances and a children’s area with face-painting and crafts for the little ones.

For more information, including photos from previous years’ events, visit the “Events” page on the Community Arts Center’s website.

The grounds, considered to be an Italian formal garden, are meticulously cared for by the Franciscan Friars of the T.O.R. Each side of the garden is bookended with long stone walls, topped with foliage-covered pergolas. At the center is a large pool that captures the reflection of the former Charles Schwab limestone mansion.

There is as much variety among the garden’s visitors as there is among the foliage. During our visit we struck up conversations with several plein air painters, witnessed a bridal party in search of the perfect spot for a wedding day photograph and were surrounded by everyone from young families to senior citizens enjoying a sunny Saturday walk.

A collection of photographs, courtesy of Johnstown photographer Shawn Schmalz, can be found on our Johnstown, PA-themed Flickr.

The Sunken Gardens are located just off of Manor Drive (State Route 1001) in Loretto, PA (click here for a map to the Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi) and are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. More information is available by calling (814) 472-8971.

Beginning September 2, 2010, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown will conduct a scuba diving class that, upon completion, will graduate students with a NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Scuba Diver certification.

“This is a great opportunity to experience the underwater environment,” said Jamie Hedrick, class instructor. “It’s a lot of fun and you don’t have to be a very proficient swimmer to participate.”

To provide the most comprehensive level of instruction, the course includes classroom, pool and open-water training sessions.

Classes are held at the Zamias Aquatic Center at Pitt Johnstown on Thursdays from 5:30PM-9:00PM and run for seven weeks. Attendance at all classes is mandatory to earn the certification.

Additional details, including price structure and prerequisites, are available on this Scuba Diving Class flyer. Register by calling Jamie Hedrick at (814) 269-2006.

Fortunately, there are some great opportunities to take in this view.

The Conemaugh Gap is known for being the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River–1,350 feet to be exact. The Gap can be viewed from the Conemaugh Gap Scenic Overlook, a pull-off on Haws Pike (Route 56 between Johnstown and Seward) or via the Laurel Highlands Trail. The Conemaugh Gap runs for seven miles and was formed by the Conemaugh River cutting through the Laurel Ridge Mountain.

Click here for a map to the approximate location of the Conemaugh Gap Scenic Overlook.

“We are a little different than just an art gallery,” said Jessica Stewart, Activity Director. “Our mission drives what we are trying to do each day. This is a space for a very diverse group of people—not just those that are generally interested in the arts. This is for the entire community to come and enjoy.”

The organization exhibits artwork through both permanent and temporary displays, with new work brought in monthly. Over the years, the artwork shown has included portrait artists, mosaics, photography and historical exhibits, to name just a few.

But there is much more to the Arts Center than the artwork on display. In addition to the gallery, the facility features a theatre and studios which are used for a host of functions, including performances, workshops, cooking classes, lectures and more. “We don’t believe ‘art’ needs to be defined as ‘fine arts’,” said Jessica. “People don’t always see that the fact that their grandmother taught them to cook pierogies as an art; but we do.”

Another active part of the BOTTLE WORKS calendar is the various festivals they hold throughout the year, for which they select a particular ethnic group and structure a day- or weekend-long event around that cultural heritage.  This includes representative artwork and exhibitions and the availability of related music, food and crafts.

The exhibits are always open to the public for free, but there are fees associated with classes, etc. For an up-to-date listing of coming events, visit the BOTTLE WORKS “Coming Events” page (we highlight key events in the Do Johnstown! calendar, too).

To learn more, visit the official BOTTLE WORKS Ethnic Arts Center Web site. You can also contact the BOTTLE WORKS by calling (814) 536-5399 or via email at bottleworks (-at-) floodcity.net.

Click here for a map to the BOTTLE WORKS Ethnic Arts Center (which is located at 441 Third Avenue, Johnstown, PA). Regular hours are: Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Photograph courtesy of Shawn Schmalz

For many families, it’s a summer tradition to pack up and head to a favorite spot for the annual Independence Day fireworks displays. Lawn chairs, clear skies and perhaps a blanket are all that is needed to enjoy these colorful nighttime presentations.

There are many fireworks displays are planned throughout the Johnstown PA region for the upcoming holiday weekend. The popular Johnstown Galleria’s annual fireworks display will occur on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at approximately 9:30pm. This beautiful exhibit can best be seen from the Richland/Geistown area. Many people simply park in the Galleria or neighboring parking lots to get the best view.

Continuing the custom of treating Johnstown residents and visitors to a performance of patriotic favorites suitable to the holiday, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will stage their annual 4^th of July Concert at Point Stadium on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 8pm, which will be followed by a fireworks display. This presentation is best viewed in the downtown or overlooking areas (a favorite viewpoint is from the observation deck atop the Inclined Plane).

Admission is free to both events.

Other fireworks display within driving range of the Johnstown area include:

• Kennywood Park July 1-5, 2010 at dusk
• Somerset High School July 3, 2010 at dusk
• Lakemont Park July 3-4, 2010
• Idlewild Park July 4, 2010 at 10pm
• Indiana County Fairgrounds July 4, 2010
• DelGrosso Park July 4, 2010 at dusk
• Central PA 4th Fest July 4, 2010 at 9:15pm
• Blair County Ballpark July 5, 2010, following the 7:05pm Altoona Curve game

Keep in mind, all firework shows are weather permitting.

Recreation opportunities abound in the Johnstown PA area. Hiking, biking, running and kayaking are some of the most popular activities our residents and guests can often be witnessed enjoying. For many of our younger citizens, the activity of choice is skateboarding and BMX riding. The greater Johnstown region happily boasts two skate parks—one in Johnstown’s West End; the other at Windber Recreation Park—that were created to meet the specific needs of these athletes.

The West End skate park is located at the Bheam School Playground on the corner of J Street and Fairfield Avenue and features a variety of equipment for riders, including:

• 4’ half pipe
• 4’ incline
• 4’ spine
• 4’ quarter pipe
• Small box

Click here for a map to the Johnstown, PA skate park.

The Windber-area skate park is open from 8:00AM to dusk and is located at Windber Recreation Park, on Route 160, East of Windber, PA. This park features:

• 4’ quarter pipe
• Fun box
• Rails
• and more

Click here for a map to the Windber, PA skate park.

In both cases, access to the skate park is free. The use of protective equipment is the responsibility and choice of the rider, though use of a helmet is strongly recommended. Additionally, both parks permit bicycle use of the equipment.

• June 12—Lou Stein
• June 19—Whiskey River Panhandlers
• July 10—Jazz In Your Face
• July 31—Lou Stein
• August 14—Rachel & John
• August 21—Jazz in Your Face

Anyone that has experienced these outdoor concerts will tell you that these performances are a great way to spend a summer evening. Concertgoers are welcome to sit on the park benches or to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Admission is free.

Click here for a map to Central Park, downtown Johnstown, PA.

The 5th Annual Roxbury Bandshell Summer Concert Series kicks off this Sunday, May 30th with an afternoon full of events. The 54th PA Volunteer Infantry and Civilian re-enactors will be on-site to perform Civil War re-enactments, which will start at noon and occur throughout the day between music sets. Music schedule for Sunday is as follows:

•    1:00 pm Lou Stein
•    3:00 pm Hard Rok, Koko, and Joe
•    5:00 pm Ole ‘97

Concerts for this season will be held on Sundays, May 30, 2010 through September 12, 2010. Music for every taste has been scheduled—rock, polka, jazz, country and more! For a complete list of this year’s line-up, visit the “Calendar of Events” page of the Roxbury Bandshell Web site.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance and are used for renovations and upkeep of the bandshell. Concertgoers are asked to bring their own seating and are permitted to bring a picnic lunch. Food is also available for purchase from Holy Cross National Catholic Church.

The Roxbury Bandshell is located in Roxbury Park at 1430 Franklin Street in Johnstown (click here for a map).

Renée Daly, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Johnstown, and coordinator for the Johnstown and West End farmers markets is looking forward to the upcoming season, “This year there will be eleven vendors surrounding Central Park, music at the Gazebo, and live chef demonstrations.” The chef demonstrations are new to this year’s market and will be featured on select Fridays throughout the season (see the Do Johnstown! calendar for details). Daly adds, “We have so many great local chefs around here that we want to not only show off the products customers can purchase at the market, but also show off the skills of the local chefs.”

The farmers markets below offer a variety of locally-produced items, some organic, such as produce, meats, dairy products, baked and other homemade goods, flowers, and crafts. Items offered vary by market.

Johnstown Farmers Market
Central Park, downtown Johnstown
814-536-8616
Fridays, 5/21/2010-10/29/2010, 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Moxham Farmers Market
Grove Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 Grove Avenue, Moxham section of Johnstown
814-539-8684
Thursdays, 7/1/2010-10/28/2010, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

West End Market
Corner of Fairfield Avenue and H Street, West End section of Johnstown
814-536-8616
Tuesdays, 6/15/2010-10/26/2010, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Westmont Farmers Market
Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne Street, Johnstown
http://www.westmontpc.org/
Saturdays, 5/22/2010-10/23/2010*, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
*No market on the following dates: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9

Portage Borough Farmers Flea Market
Site of the former Caldwell Avenue School on Main Street, Portage
http://www.portageboro.com/
Saturdays, 7/3/2010-9/11/2010, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Ebensburg Farmers Market
Penn Eben Park, Sample Street, Ebensburg
http://www.ebensburgmainstreet.com/events/farmers_market.html
Saturdays, 7/31/2010-9/18/2010, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Somerset County Farmers Market
Georgian Place, Somerset
http://www.somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com/
Saturdays, 5/29/2010-10/30/2010 9:00 am-1:00 pm and Wednesdays 6/16/2010-10/27/2010, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Ligonier Country Market
West Main Street and U.S. Route 30, Ligonier
http://www.ligoniercountrymarket.com/
Saturdays, 5/22/2010-10/2/2010, 8:00 am-12:00 pm

So, get out today and support your local farmer by visiting the farmers market nearest you.