Behind the Scenes Look at Wooly Willy Wonderdaze
June 29, 2011
Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller
The 3rd Annual National Wooly Willy Wonderdaze concluded Saturday night with an impressive fireworks display by PYROTECHNIC out of New Castle, Pennsylvania.
“The light crowd on Friday turned into big crowds on Saturday, until the late afternoon rainstorm, and another big crowd for the fireworks display on Saturday night,” said Jeff Andrulonis, chairman of the Wooly Willy Wonderdaze planning committee.
Andrulonis noted two key indicators of the event’s success: more raffle tickets were sold for the McKean County Fair than ever before and the Smethport Fire Department sold out of chicken barbeque on Saturday.
The fireworks capped a full day of activities on Hamlin Lake, which included a combined bike-car show, an array of “bouncy” rides for the kids, happy vendors, and an exciting karaoke contest that went into extra rounds to determine the first place winner.
A full rainbow over Hamlin Lake following the late afternoon rain was a fitting capstone for the three-day event.
Putting on the annual Wonderdaze festival would not have been possible without the generous support of the following organizations: Read more
Bike - Car Show Ekes Out Success Under Threat of Rain
June 28, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Saturday’s combined bike-car show on the island of Hamlin Lake drew about 60 entrants as part of the Wooly Willy Wonderdaze festivities.
Bikers and car enthusiasts showed up to display their vehicles despite overcast skies and the constant threat of rain.
Among the 23 car trophies distributed at the event, Beth Cooper won the “Best of Show” for her 283-hp 1960 Chevy Corvette. The trophy was sponsored by Smethport Web Services.
The “People’s Award” plaque went to Norm Smith for his 1933 Plymouth CP with a 350 Chevy engine. The plaque was sponsored by C. L. McKeirnan, Inc.
The bike-car show ended with a parade down Main Street, led by the Smethport High School marching band under the guidance of music director Matt Bailey.
Special thanks go to this year’s trophy sponsors for making the event a success:
Big Bob Radio
Bill Lake Real Estate
C L McKeirnan, Inc. (2 trophies and People’s Award)
Chef Specialties
Edward Jones Financial Advisors
H&S Pet Animal Hospital
Hamlin Bank & Trust Company
Kwik Fill
Lakeview Living and Rehabilitation
Mansion District Inn Suites
Northwest Savings Bank
Olson & Tenglund - NAPA Auto Parts (2 trophies)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church
Smethport Auto Wash
Smethport Country Club
Smethport Gulf & Tire
Smethport Web Services (Best of Show trophy)
The Mountain Radio
V.F.W. Post 2497
Diana Covert of Lightwaves Laser Engraving did another great job in building and engraving the trophies and plaque.
Pharmacy Wins Wooly Willy Storefront Window Painting Contest
June 28, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy on Main Street won this year’s top prize for their window painting of Wooly Willy.
The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce encouraged business owners to paint their storefront windows for the 2011 National Wooly Willy Wonderdaze festival. The theme this year was, “Wooly Willy in Costume.”
The storefront window painting won the prize based on originality, theme interpretation, and artwork quality. Hamlin Bank & Trust Company furnished the 1st place award, consisting of a $75 savings bond.
The pharmacy will also receive the Leonard Mackowski Award for display at their business. Leonard did the original artwork for the globally popular Wooly Willy toy.
Wooly Willy Wonderdaze Officially Underway
June 23, 2011
Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller
The third annual Wooly Willy Wonderdaze festival got underway Thursday evening in Smethport, Pennsylvania with an opening ceremony on the steps of the McKean County Courthouse. The event was hosted by local resident Jeff Andrulonis, president and CEO of Colonial Radio Group.
The ceremony featured acclaimed toy inventor Jim Herzog, whose creation, Wooly Willy, is now known worldwide. During the event Herzog graciously modeled a sample from the new line of high quality “Wooly Willy Wear” shirts and caps, which will be on sale during the festival. Read more
Artist Demonstrations Scheduled During Fifth Annual Art in the Wilds
June 21, 2011
Smethport Web
The Fifth Annual Art in the Wilds juried fine arts show will take place on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26. It will be held in scenic Evergreen Park in the center of Kane, Pennsylvania from 10 AM until 5 PM each day.
A total of 34 artists showcase work in the following categories: acrylics, oils, watercolors, drawings, pastels, gourds, basketry, pottery, photography, fiber, wood, leather, jewelry, glass and metal. Attendance and parking are free and food vendors are available. Read more
Patch Products Celebrates the Summer of Wooly Willy
June 17, 2011
Smethport Web — by Patch Products
Be on the lookout this summer because you might find Wooly Willy® coming to a town near you! The 56-year-old popular toy, will be honored at the Wooly Willy Wonderdaze festival and will be going on trips throughout the world.
The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce announced their third annual National Wooly Willy Wonderdaze festival is set to take place on June 23–25 in Wooly Willy’s hometown of Smethport, PA. The free-admission festival kicks off at 1 p.m. and will have several Wooly Willy themed activities throughout the 3-day event. Read more
Colonial Radio Group Adds Eighth Station to Media Portfolio
June 12, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Colonial Radio Group added its eight radio station to its media portfolio this month. Featuring news and talk, the “Voice of the Twin Tiers” (WVTT) officially went on the air June 1.
Regular programming on WVTT includes Twin Tiers’ Morning News from 6 am-9 am; Glenn Beck from 9 am-12 noon; the Dennis Miller Show from 12 noon-3 pm; Dave Ramsey from 3 pm-5 pm; The Cage from 5 pm-7 pm; and Michael Savage from 7 pm-10 pm. Read more
New Scholarship Established for Smethport Students
June 10, 2011
A new scholarship has been established with the Smethport Area School District Foundation to benefit Smethport students interested in pursuing careers in education.
The Stephen and Beckie Herzog Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior at Smethport Area High School who plans to prepare for a teaching career. Read more
Smethport Residents Celebrate Return of Local Entrepreneur
June 4, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Hui Hua Xiao, who owns the Food King Chinese Restaurant on Main Street, was reunited with his family in Smethport this week after a three-month absence.
His return was celebrated by his friends and neighbors who presented a “Welcome Home” cake baked by Jovanna Porter. Hui and his wife Jenny prepared a banquet of Chinese food as a way of thanking everyone for their support during a very difficult time.
The Xiao family has resided in Smethport for two years, becoming an integral and vital part of our community. Hui and Jenny work long hours every day to build and sustain their successful Chinese restaurant and take-out business.
Through their own efforts, Hui and Jenny have transformed one our community’s Main Street buildings into a thriving business, earning the respect and admiration of everyone who has come to know them.
With resolution of the immigration technicality that took Hui from Smethport, he can continue pursuing the ideals we all share: raising his family, running his business, and contributing to his community.
Mayor Ross Porter Welcomes Matthew de Smeth on Visit to Smethport
June 4, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Matthew de Smeth, 22, a descendant of the Dutch financial family after which Smethport is named, is visiting the Borough this week.
A student studying civil engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Matthew lives in Australia, where his father moved in the 1950s after working at a rubber plantation in “Belgian” Congo.
While on a trip to Toronto, Matthew decided to rent a car in Buffalo to drive to Smethport. While here, he visited the McKean County Historical Society and Hamlin Bank, among other places, and met with Mayor Ross Porter and Jovanna Porter at their Mansion District Inn B&B. He brought copies of the family crest, family tree, and a photo of today’s de Smeths.
Matthew said nothing remains of the financial empire built by Raymond and Theodore de Smeth in the early 1800s. The family sold their holdings and pursued positions in the Dutch Royal Court. Several family members held the title of baron. There were two castles in the de Smeth family, but both were destroyed during World War II. The ruins of one is used by a youth organization for special events and parties.
Matthew said he would send a narrated slide presentation about the de Smeth family, so stay tuned for a follow up story right here on Smethport, PA’s Online News Magazine.
HAMLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Fly-Tying Class
Mondays: Jan. 23 to Feb 27 at 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Place: Library Meeting Room
Fee: $25 covers instruction and materials
The sessions are funded in part by a PPA grant from the PA Council on the Arts. Call the Hamlin Library 887-5326 or stop in to register.
Join the fun! Bring your friends!
SMETHPORT SENIOR CENTER
Amish Tour - Lancaster, PA - May 8th & 9th
Package: 2 Days - 1 Night, May 8 - May 9
Transportation: RT Motor Coach
Accommodations: Deluxe - Lancaster, PA area
Breakfast: Fantastic Full Amish style
Dinner: Family Style - Amish Restaurant
Theater: All new "JONAH" Show
Guided Tour: 3-Hour Amishland tour
Visit: Wilbur Chocolate Company & Museum
Shopping: Kitchen Kettle Village (optional)
Cost: $209.00 per person/double occupancy
For more information and reservations, contact Barbara Ness at 814-887-5630.
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Upcoming Events
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Smethport Weather
THE DAILY PLANET
Visit us every day on Facebook and see what’s happening in the exploration of Smethport, Pennsylvania’s rich history.
– Planet Smethport Team
Timeless Home - Buy it Online!
This book is an historical record of Smethport’s growth from its birth as a tiny hamlet to a modern borough.
Containing a wealth of historical photos, this is the most comprehensive record of Smethport ever published. It was funded by the Smethport Sesquicentennial Committee through the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Book size: 8-1/2” x 11”
Soft Cover $20.00
Shipping and Handling: $5.00 per order.
Spread the word !
Let your friends and family know about this website, so they can stay informed about news and events around the Borough.
Send an email now ...Christian J. Howard, OD
ALLEGHENY EYE CARE
- Thorough tests for Eye diseases and disorders - glaucoma/cataracts
- Lasik pre and post correction care
- Designer frame gallery including Calvin Klein and Nike
- Guaranteed contact lens success program
- Medicare and Insurances welcome
422 W. Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
887-2920
FREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Costa's Ace Hardware Store
Two grants - Get Active and WalkWorks – support Smethport residents in their efforts to stay or get fit.
In this spirit, 2 bikes with helmets and 2 pairs of snow shoes with poles are available to be checked out FREE of CHARGE from Costa’s Ace Hardware Store on 323 East Water Street in Smethport (887-5542).
Some restrictions apply. For more information contact Claudia Caminite at 362-5066 or clc209@pitt.edu.
