A new sign was placed at the entrance to Harmony two weeks ago. Officials said it's meant to introduce motorists to what the borough has to offer.

HARMONY — Drivers traveling by or into the borough now get a new greeting.

A bigger welcome sign was erected two weeks ago in the triangle where Evans City Road, Main Street and Harmony Way meet.

“I’m very thrilled it’s finally up,” Mayor Cathy Rape said.

The sign features black, red and green colors and arrows pointing to the attractions that Harmony has including restaurants, shops, historic sites, the boat launch and community parks.

The welcome sign was paid for by Harmony Business Association members, Historic Harmony, other organizations and residents. It about $9,500, Rape said.

“It’s definitely an attention-getting sign,” Historic Harmony President John Ruch said. “It’s going to be a very effective tool to bring more people into town.”

The granite marker that once served as the welcome sign was placed outside of the Main Street parking lot where the Historic Harmony Visitor Information Center is nearing completion.

The marker says “Harmony National Historic Landmark District” and features the logo used for the borough’s 150th anniversary in 1990 created by Paul Chmara, a former Harmony resident. The marker was moved for free.

“We’re always amazed by the number of people we encounter who have never been to Harmony before,” Ruch said. “I’ve met people from Zelienople who have never been to Harmony, so anything that brings attention (is good).”

Other features were added recently to enhance the area. Rape said flower beds were planted this past weekend by the monument in the town square. Bollards also are to be built to keep people off the monument.

The visitor center will update people on activities. A bulletin board and brochure racks will be installed at the center’s exterior.

“It’ll help a lot because on Mondays when most shops aren’t open, they (people) can go there and get information,” Rape said.

A handicap ramp soon will be installed for easier access to the center.

Ruch said the interior of the center is not intended to be used by the public, although he said that could change.

“People will be able to park in the municipal lot, go onto the porch and get literature,” he said.

Ruch hopes the center will be open by Labor Day.

The granite marker that once served as Harmony’s welcome sign has been relocated to Main Street by the municipal parking lot. The marker was moved for free.