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
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
Mayor Issues National Day of Prayer Proclamation
May 5, 2011
On behalf of the Borough of Smethport, Mayor Ross Porter issued a National Day of Prayer Proclamation this morning on the steps of the McKean County Court House:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” Nahum 1:7
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God, to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to ask God to guide our leaders and bring wholeness to the United States and her citizens; and,
WHEREAS, prayer has long been a positive force that unites our citizens of Smethport and serves as a source of inspiration and hope to countless individuals; and Read more
Miss Smethport, Kayla Woods, Crowned McKean County Fair Queen
August 17, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Miss Smethport, Kayla Woods, has been crowned McKean County Fair Queen for 2010-2011. As the new queen, Woods will represent the McKean County Fair in the January state fair queen contest in Hershey, PA.
In addition to the talent and speaking categories of the contest, the five queen candidates, who represented the county’s high schools, were scored on interviews with the judges and the number of scheduled events they attended since mid-June. Wooly Willy Wonderdaze was one of the events Kayla and other candidates chose to attend.
For the talent portion of the contest, Kayla sang “Keep Holding On” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” Kayla is the daughter of Dan and Kim Woods of Smethport.
Kayla’s new duties include reigning over the Fair and representing McKean County during the State Fair Convention in January.
Lesley Willis Turns in Perfect Score on ‘Discover Smethport’ Quiz
June 29, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Lesley Willis of Smethport won the ‘Discover Smethport’ quiz written by Wooly Willy inventor Jim Herzog. Her perfect score earned her a $125 gift certificate from The Country Porch.
The 11-question quiz is sponsored by the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce and is a featured event of Wooly Willy Wonderdaze. It tests a person’s in-depth knowledge of Borough history.
To find the right answers, participants are encouraged to visit local landmarks, do research online or at the Hamlin Memorial Library, and talk with area business owners.
This year, three contestants achieved perfect scores on the Discover Smethport quiz. The winner was selected by blind draw at The Country Porch, with Lesley Willis emerging as the winner.
The People and Organizations Behind ‘Wonderdaze’
June 29, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Holding the five-day Wooly Willy Wonderdaze event requires the involvement of many people and organizations working behind the scenes, giving generously of their time and energy to help make our community a very special place.
We are indebted to the Borough’s utility crew who installed new poles to display the Wooly Willy Wonderdaze banner across Main Street after it had blown down twice at its original location.
On short notice, Borough electrician Charlie Jones built new utility boxes to handle the increased load at various locations in Hamlin Lake Park. Read more
Sights and Sounds of Wooly Willy Wonderdaze
June 29, 2010
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.
