BY JULIE BENAMATI
The Tribune-Democrat
VINCO
June 28, 2008 12:00 am
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Five years after Jackson Township officials held a community festival to coincide with Cambria County’s bicentennial celebration, the Heritage Days festival continues to thrive.
Intended to be a one-time-only event, Jackson Township Heritage Days was such an immediate success that it now is a yearly event that draws thousands to the township’s fire company and senior center grounds.
“Once you start something like this, and people come out and support it, you have to keep doing it,” said Dave Hirko, the township’s manager. “It’s a lot of work. But when it all comes together, it’s worth it.”
Although scheduled for July 19-20, this year’s party actually will get started Friday night.
Instead of an under-21 concert to kick off the weekend, Johnstown Classic Rockers band will provide a free show at 7 p.m. July 18.
“The band is made up of guys who were in some of the popular Johnstown bands from days gone by,” Hirko said. “They all got together and formed the Classic Rockers.”
A car cruise-in also will be featured Friday evening, and food vendors will be open for an early start on hamburgers, hot sausage, french fries, funnel cakes and more.
Other new additions include a tractor show and a petting zoo with not-so-typical animals, such as a giant turtle and llamas.
On Sunday, the up-and-coming country band NoMad will entertain from 6 to 9 p.m. The Pittsburgh group recently won a contest to open for country singer Kenny Chesney at Heinz Stadium.
“NoMad is really good, and I think they’ll be something big someday,” Hirko said. “We have gotten some wonderful, quality entertainment this year.”
The entertainment tent has a capacity for about 600 people, providing shelter from sun and rain.
“Heritage Days will happen rain or shine,” Hirko said. He’s amazed by the number of people who flock to Vinco.
“The crowds were phenomenal last year,” he continued. “When you run out of food and parking spaces, you know it’s a success. We expect the park to be full again this year.”
Hirko said he and other event organizers enjoy seeing friends and neighbors getting together every year.
“The part of the festival I look forward to is seeing everyone having a great time and socializing with their neighbors, friends and family,” Hirko said. “Many people have told me that they see people from the community at the festival they may not see the rest of the year.
“The atmosphere is friendly and festive and there’s nothing better than seeing everyone having a great time.”
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