Ox Roast helps E. Brady get ready for Riverfest
EAST BRADY — The ox was back in East Brady Saturday night.
Dozens of community members showed up for the return of the borough's Ox Roast celebration, packing the parking lot of All Stars Bar & Restaurant for dinners and subs fresh from the smoker.
Proceeds from the community dinner and event go to support next month's 34th annual East Brady Riverfest held the last weekend of July.
“We came out to support the Riverfest. We love the river,” said Terry Henry of East Brady, who came with his wife, Debbie, and several friends. “They've put a lot of work into making it better, so that's why we're here.”
The Ox Roast was one of several events in the works this month organized by the East Brady Riverfest committee, a group of volunteers looking to make this year's Riverfest bigger and better. In addition to Saturday's dinner, the group is planning a golf outing June 22, raffles at area businesses and the annual Riverfest pageant on June 29.
“It's what you grew up with,” said committee member Cliff McClure as he served up meals. “I came to Riverfest as a kid. It brings the community together and reminds you of when you were a kid.”
The annual event features activities along the Allegheny River throughout the weekend of July 25-28, including fireworks, a carnival, parade, music performances, vendors and the ever-popular “Anything that Floats” contest.All boats in the race must be homemade vessels powered by hand or foot, even blow up mattresses, outdoor furniture, old T-shirts and milk jugs are fair game.“It's something everybody looks forward to every year,” said Luanne McAnallen, committee member and owner of All Stars. “We've timed it around the summer and the campers. They all look forward to Riverfest too.”McAnallen and other committee members volunteering Saturday said the annual event is a great way to promote the town and all it has to offer.“It brings families back to town,” said committee member and volunteer Melissa Malloy. “People coming for the carnival and the events — it brings everybody together and builds relationships.”
