White Oak, Duquesne Prepare for Community Day Events

By Cami DiBattista
The Tube City Almanac
August 01, 2018
Posted in: Duquesne News, White Oak News

(Above: White Oak Community Day will feature a train ride around the grounds. White Oak Recreation Board, via Facebook.)

Residents of Duquesne and White Oak will be celebrating all the great things that make up their communities this Saturday during their annual community day events.

Sponsored by the White Oak Borough and the White Oak Recreation Board, White Oak Community Day will be held at the Heritage Hill Park and Pool Complex.

Duquesne residents are sure to enjoy the 27th annual Duquesne Community Day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Duquesne Athletic Field on Commonwealth Avenue.

White Oak Community Day

“White Oak Borough Community Day is an awesome day-long event with tons of fun for everyone,” said Michelle Gessner, White Oak Borough employee. “There will be swimming, music, food, games, train rides, a moonwalk, entertainment, vendors, fun and fireworks. This year we will even have a special show performed by the Wild World of Animals for everyone to enjoy.   It is a great day to just hang out with your family and friends and enjoy the community.”

The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. and run until dark, will include swimming, music, food and games for all ages.

Pool admission is free for residents and pass holders, all others may pay daily admission rates to swim. Activities and entertainment will take place throughout the day and the event will conclude with fireworks at dark.

Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the day by The G Boys.

Other featured acts include:

2 to 3:30 p.m.: Pure Gold

4:30 to 5 p.m.: The Dance Company

5:30 p.m.: Wild World of Animals Show

6:30 to 9 p.m.: The Stonehorse Band

North Huntingdon resident Lynne Jesko said she is looking forward to attending this year’s event.

“I'm hoping to raise money for the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, which serves the community, and help raise awareness for the services they provide, all while having fun with the residents,” said Jesko, a shelter volunteer.

White Oak Borough Community Day has been going on for over 25 years, according to Mayor Ina Marton.

“The importance of community day is to give back to the residents of White Oak a thank you for residing here and to show new residents our beautiful Heritage Hill Complex and surrounding areas,” she said. “The event gives people a chance to meet their neighbors, council and mayor.”

Duquesne Community Day

Duquesne Community Day began in 1992 and continues to be held annually on the first Saturday in August.

“We’ll have free food, entertainment and lots of good, clean fun,” said resident and organizer, Rosemary Reid.

Mayor Nickole Nesby called it a great opportunity for residents to “come out, introduce yourself, enjoy some music and chat with your community.”

An opening service for community day weekend begins at 7 p.m. Thursday with a service by Pastor Christina Dawn Reed at Payne Chapel in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a performance by a blue jean cabaret at the Macedonia Baptist Church. Free will offerings will be accepted.

The annual Duquesne Community Day golf event is slated for 7 a.m. Friday at the Rivertown Golf Club in Elizabeth. Cost is $50 per person or $190 per foursome.

Additionally, a community day dance is slated for 7 p.m. Friday evening at the Croatian Club on Grant Avenue. Tickets are $15 each at the door.

“The city of Duquesne is more than just a group of people living in a particular area,” Nesby said. “We are a group of people who lean on each other when times are tough.  Our friends, family and neighbors provide love, support and encouragement. During my health journeys, my community helped me with rides to the doctor, home-cooked meals and sometimes just a shoulder to cry on.  It really takes a village and I am proud to serve 15110.”

Cami DiBattista is a freelance writer.

Originally published August 01, 2018.

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