What’s happening for America 250 and the 2026 Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention hosted by Somerset Regional Volunteer Fire Department, 340 W. Union St., Somerset? Here’s a list of events happening on Aug. 6.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Pennsylvania Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial, a place of honor and remembrance dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, at 10:30 a.m. at the Remember Me Rose Garden, Stoystown. The ceremony will include remarks from invited officials, fire service representatives and community leaders, along with ceremonial music presentation of the colors and official groundbreaking.
At a time to be determined will be the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team Performance at the Wall of Names, Flight 93 National Memorial.
“Bands for the Brave,” a concert for heroes with special guests, is from 4-10 p.m. at Laurel Arts, 214 Harrison Ave., Somerset. Gates open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 4:45 p.m. It is a free community concert that is provided by the Somerset Regional Volunteer Fire Department and Somerset 25/250 Committee honoring the first responders. Bring lawn chairs for an evening of music, food and drinks for all ages. The music lineup includes Allison Borek from 4:45-5:15 p.m.; Fret Buzz from 5:30-7 p.m.; and The Commonheart from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Food trucks, dessert, and drink trucks will be available. Some of the participating food vendors include Jackie’s Groovy Cheese Truck, Smoked Out BBQ, The Grumbling Gypsy, Funky Funnels and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee. Alcoholic beverages will be sold by SRVFD and Forbes Trail Brewing. The proceeds will benefit the fire department.
Activities will include a dunk tank and bounce house. There will be a special guest appearance by former Steelers player Brett Kiesel, (photos, no autographs) to honor servicemen and women. A special 9/11 exhibit will also be on display inside the Dressler Center for guests to visit throughout the week.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, arrive early, and utilize event parking and shuttle from the Somerset Area High School Athletic Field. In the event of inclement weather, music and vendors will move to the Somerset Regional Volunteer Fire Department.
The Mountain Playhouse will present “Come From Away,” the Broadway musical about 7,000 passengers stranded during Sept. 11 and the small Canadian town that welcomed them, at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 and 7 and at 7 p.m. Aug. 7, in the Somerset Area High School auditorium. Get tickets at 814-629-9220.
More: America’s County celebrating America 250 with music, events, fireworks
Firemen’s convention
10:30 a.m. Pennsylvania Fallen Firefighters Memorial Dedication at the Remember Me Rose Garden
1 p.m. Bus trip to Flight 93 Memorial, leave from Somerset station
4 p.m. Bands for the Brave, free concert at Laurel Arts, featuring Allison Borek, Fret Buzz and the Commonheart. Food and drink available.
7:30 p.m. Caucus meeting at Somerset fire station
For the America 250 event updates and additional information, follow Somerset County 25/250 Celebration and event partners on social media and visit the website at americasco25-250.org.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: What’s happening Aug. 6 in Somerset for America 250, convention?
