Mar 21, 2019 2 min read

BELLE VERNON – The borough is expanding its popular one-day canoe and kayak race and community festival into a week-long celebration along the Monongahela River.

During Belle Vernon council’s monthly meeting Tuesday, Rachel Christner Wilson announced plans for the Monongahela River Community Festival, which will take place from July 13 to 20, 2019.

Hosted by the Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board, the festival will feature a Miss/Mrs./Mr. Monongahela River Pageant, a large community parade, vendor fair, concert, food stands, car show performances, children’s activities and an evening fireworks display. The canoe/kayak race will be held on July 20, starting at 1 p.m. All events will take place in Belle Vernon.

“All communities located along the Monongahela River are invited and encouraged to participate in the community festival,” said Wilson, chairwoman of the borough’s parks and recreation committee. “The weeklong festival will be the first of its kind and will emphasize community building, local collaboration and a positive emphasis on the Mon Valley Region.”

Belle Vernon is also planning a full schedule of other events for 2019, including an Easter egg hunt on April 13, a fishing derby on June 15 and open-air boxing match on July 19.

Also, during the meeting, Mayor Gerald Jackson commended the Southwest Regional Police Department for conducting regular foot patrols throughout the borough.

“I can’t think of many other small towns where you’ll see a police chief walking the streets,” said Jackson. “Our residents appreciate Chief (Keith) Williams’ commitment to keeping our town safe. His presence on the streets enables our police department to build a stronger relationship with the community and helps to deter crime.”