Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Determined crowds brave rain for Way Fair


ABOVE: Off-and-on rain that drenched the area Sunday didn't keep people away from the 36th annual American Way Fair in downtown Pottsville. Hundreds packed the fair area and took advantage of food, rides and other offerings. BY STEPHEN J. PYTAK (STAFF WRITER spytak@republicanherald.com)

Published: May 16, 2011
Patrick Hahn, 16, of Pottsville, couldn't resist a turn on the Rolo-plane amusement ride set up in the first block of South Centre Street for the 36th annual American Way Fair.Operated by Otto's Amusements, the bright orange-and-white amusement park ride is made of two huge baskets, which took riders more than three-stories up and then down in a circle, spinning them at the same time.
"You can see Nativity when you go up in the air," Hahn said, referring to Nativity BVM High School, which stands on Lawton's Hill, high above the city.
He also saw layers of gray clouds, which hovered over the event. Despite splashes of rain throughout the morning and afternoon, hundreds flocked to the one-day downtown street fair that featured musicians, games and food vendors.
The National Weather Service, State College, had predicted a 90 percent chance of precipitation for Sunday with the possibility of thunderstorms.
Charlie Kershner of CEK Entertainment, Schuylkill Haven, said the toughest part of the day was setting up for the New Jersey band The Party Dolls on the 100 block of North Centre Street about 10:30 a.m.
"It was no fun. We were trying to cover everything," Kershner said.
"It rained from, like, 10:30 to 11:30. Then it was misting. Then we got sun for about two minutes. Then it was misting again. And it's been raining on and off. But we've been lucky, though. There are a lot of people here," said Mark Mamrosh, Pottsville.
read more at:http://republicanherald.com/news/determined-crowds-brave-rain-for-way-fair-1.1147310

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