Slimmed-down festival still a hit at Alameda
BUTLER TWP — It may have been a “slimmed down” version of the popular annual SeptemberFest at Alameda Park, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but Sunday's Fall Family Fun Day that took its place still was a hit with the young and not so young.
The kids still showed up to fish for live trout stocked for the occasion at the Alameda Waterpark, and the adults showed up to show off their vehicles at the car cruise.
One of the hits of the car show was a bright orange and black 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray.
“They made just 2,700 of them,” said owner John Putizer of Penn Township.
He ordered it 14 months ago, and got it only three-and-a-half weeks ago.
“It was my retirement gift to me,” Putzier said.
The LT2 V-8 engine packs 495 horsepower. The C8 rips off zero-to-60 mph in a cool 2.8 seconds. It's equipped with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission.
The first weekend he had it, he drove it to Ligonier, Westmoreland County. He admitted he — the Vette, that is — got a lot of looks.
Putzier and his wife, Loriann, participated in Sunday's car cruise, and they fielded a lot of questions from onlookers.
One primary inquiry seemed to be the cost. Once he gets his wheels fitted for vertical doors, Putzier said the price tag will come in just under $100,000.
Nearby, Bill Slagle of Meridian showed off his hard-to-miss purple 1946 Ford coupe. He was there with a couple of buddies.
“Whenever there's a car cruise,” he said, “we're there.”
He's had his Ford for about 10 years, not nearly as long as Dave Wagner of Butler has had his 1965 Chevy El Camino.
“I enjoy old cars,” he said. “I take my old Chevy out whenever I get the notion.”
More than 100 classic and muscle cars of assorted makes and models lined the park's Odd Fellow Loop.
Earlier in the day, the youth fishing activity was held at the pool on the other side of the park. Lance Welliver, county parks and recreation director, estimated 50 youngsters, maybe more, participated.
While noting this year “would have been our 23rd year for SummerFest,” Welliver seemed happy with Sunday's turnout — all things considered.
Like what it's done to all things normal, COVID-19 upended the SeptemberFest. The decision was made some time ago to cancel the festival, Welliver said, in deference, in part, to public safety.
The festival normally attracts an estimated 4,000 people to the park, and more than 50 crafts and merchandise vendors. Those crowds and that participation makes it hard to manage social distancing.
Park officials were also concerned with having the usual plethora of games and activities for children.
Welliver said he hopes that SeptemberFest will resume next year.
