Historical society to host Stroll, Shop and Sip
The Monongahela Area Historical Society has a two-fold plan with the third annual Stroll, Shop and Sip fundraiser on Saturday. The event will help to offset the yearly museum operating costs of $10,000 to $12,000, and it will showcase the city of Monongahela.
The historical society promotes a few events annually to help offset the operating costs of the museum. Other fundraisers include the Auction on the Green and the Ghost Walk.
Carol Frye, treasurer of the Monongahela Area Historical Society, said in addition to the events, the historical society is always looking for new members to volunteer.
“We have an aging membership, and it is challenging,” Frye said. “We live in a great town and would love to have more members to help with not only keeping our history alive, but promoting our town in events such as the Stroll, Shop and Sip.”
The upcoming event is more than just a stroll and shopping event, said Frye.
“We want people to know what a great town we have and everything we have to offer,” she said. “It isn’t just about raising money for our museum. People will have an opportunity to browse the downtown businesses and hopefully return to our town and to these businesses. Even if they don’t shop that day, people will remember that business and patronize it.”
About 25 businesses will participate in the fundraiser. At each business, ticket holders will receive either a drink, a taste of something or a small token or gift. In addition to the sip, tastes and gifts from participating stores, other prizes also will be awarded.
“We have new businesses in town that are participating. There is an opportunity for people to check out these businesses that they may never have visited and to see the eclectic businesses that the downtown area has to offer. We have a great little town here and things that other towns don’t have,” Frye said.
Businesses range from a new and used clothing store to a yarn store and a motorcycle repair shop, with lots of others in between.
The historical society hopes that people will make an entire day of visiting Monongahela. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Monongahela Area Historical Society Museum, 230 W. Main St. The Bar, at 131 W. Main St., also will offer a buffet breakfast at 10 a.m. for an additional cost. Frye added that visitors can eat breakfast, walk the town and attend a concert at the Monongahela Aquatorium.
“This event will help showcase our town and hopefully will entice people to return to shop and use our amenities,” Frye said.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 at participating businesses or online at www.monongahelahistoricalsociety.com.