We’re trudging through the doldrums of winter, with short days, freezing temperatures and a perpetual blanket of snow. Warm up this weekend with some fun events around Westmoreland County.
Red Light and Blue Celebration
This year will mark America’s 250th anniversary, and Westmoreland County will be doing it up in style, kicking off with this program on Saturday.
The ceremony will include performances by local organizations including “Hands of Flight” Ligonier Valley High School Air Force JROTC and Westmoreland Performing Arts. Local officials will also make remarks, and the event will culminate in the illumination of the Westmoreland County Courthouse in red and blue lights.
Gather together to set the tone for this year of reflection. The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 N. Main St., Greensburg. For more information, visit discoverwestmoreland.com.
Ligonier Ice Fest
We’re probably all tired of the cold, and this week has been colder than most. But out of ice also comes the beauty of ice sculptures. This weekend in Ligonier, more than 60 intricate pieces of ice art will be on dsplay.
The installations, which are by Glacial Ice Works in Jeannette, will be set up throughout Ligonier’s Diamond and surrounding streets, so make sure to take a stroll and see them all. There will also be live ice sculpting on Friday and Saturday, treats by Hanson’s Original Kettle Korn on sale in front of the library and horse-drawn sleigh rides available for $5 per person, assuming the weather cooperates.
Don’t forget to patronize all of the different businesses throughout Ligonier while you’re there. The Ice Fest will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, visit business.ligonier.com.
Carrie Underwood tribute
Fans of country music songstress, former “Americn Idol” winner and current “American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood won’t want to miss this tribute concert at Live Casino Pittsburgh.
“Carrie’d Away” is a tribute that will bring the stirring singer’s vocals to vivid life, from hits such as “Before He Cheats” to fan favorite tunes, from energetic anthems to gentle ballads. Authenticity and energy are priorities for Carrie’d Away, with top-notch musicianship and passion.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. Friday at PBR Cowboy Bar Pittsburgh, Live Casino, 5260 Route 30, Hempfield. Special guest Mallory Bozovich also will perform. Get tickets at livech.com/Pittsburgh.
Stage Right The Mainstage LAB performance
This double feature live performance from Stage Right is part of a new series that’s focused on centering students at every step of the creative process, from the direction to the technical side to the actors onstage.
This fantastical pair of performances will showcase both “The Worst Fairytale Ever” and “Snow White and the Seven Endings.” Both are funny and imaginative, highlighting the creativity of the students of Stage Right.
The show will be held at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg. Performancs will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Get tickets at stagerightgreensburg.com.
Creativity Week at SAMA
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier will partner with Crayola for this year’s Creativity Week, starting with interactive art events this weekend and running through Jan. 30. This is a great time for art lovers of all ages to try out some new projects.
On Saturday, the museum will hold a round robin painting event where guests can either pay $5 to participate or just watch as painters move from canvas to canvas. This is both part of Creativity Week and the museum’s Saturdays at SAMA programming.
Starting Sunday, they will hold daily art activities for Creativity Week. The Saturday program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and art activities will be held Sunday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, 1 Boucher Lane, Ligonier. To learn more, visit sama.art.org.