Human Interest

Riverside Alumni to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in Footloose

For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film. Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires…


Pure Gold Brings Timeless Hits and Unmatched Energy to the Ellwood City Festival

When Pure Gold takes the stage at Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, audiences can expect much more than a concert. They can expect a full-scale entertainment experience built on decades of musical excellence, crowd interaction, and nonstop energy. Pure Gold Showband delivers a fully choreographed, high-energy performance packed with the songs you know and love. Every show is designed to get audiences singing, dancing, and completely engaged from start to finish. With five lead vocalists, a full horn section, and a powerhouse rhythm section, this is live entertainment at…


Ellwood City Festival to Feature The Jaggerz: Six Decades of Harmony, Soul, and Western Pennsylvania Pride

For 60 years, The Jaggerz have been a staple of the Western Pennsylvania music scene, blending R&B, soul, rock, and Top 40 favorites into a sound that has endured across generations, and they will take the stage on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. Since forming in 1965, the band has recorded four albums and 11 singles, building a legacy that stretches from local clubs in the tri-state area to national chart success with their signature hit, “The Rapper.” The story of The Jaggerz began when musicians from three different…


Suns of Beaches To Bring the Ultimate Tropical Party to Ellwood Festival

No passport. No plane ticket. No worries … will be needed when the Suns of Beaches take to the Festival Stage on Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. The high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute band transforms every performance into a tropical getaway. Complete with steel drums, island favorites, beach-themed originals and plenty of audience participation, the group has built a reputation for delivering what they call more than a concert—it’s a beach party. According to drummer Ben Sakmar, while Jimmy Buffett’s music forms the heart of every show, the band offers…


Union Carpenters Return to Pine Valley Youth Camp to Continue Volunteer Project

ELLWOOD CITY, PA – Over 26 union carpenters from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) recently volunteered their time and skills at Pine Valley Youth Camp in Ellwood City, helping advance construction on the camp’s new dining hall. Members from Local Unions 420 and 432 installed metal doors and continue work on the building’s wooden siding. The volunteer effort was the second phase of the project, following work completed in March. As additional materials are donated, the volunteers plan to return to hang drywall and help complete the dining hall. This year’s volunteers were led by participants…


More Than a Festival: Why the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Needs Community Support

Every summer, Ewing Park transforms into the heart of Ellwood City as thousands gather for one of the region’s most cherished traditions—the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival. Now entering its 44th year, the festival continues to showcase the creativity, talent, and community spirit that have defined Ellwood City for generations. Scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, the three-day event brings together artisans, crafters, food vendors, entertainers, musicians, community organizations, and families for a celebration that has become synonymous with the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The marquee highlight of the Festival has always been the finale … the…


Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Inducts Peter Greco Into Hall of Fame

The Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival is proud to recognize Peter “Pete” Greco for his outstanding dedication, leadership, and nearly three decades of service to one of our community’s most treasured traditions.Pete’s Festival journey began in 1989 when he was recruited by longtime Festival Chairman Tom Martz to join the committee. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly grew into a lasting commitment that would span more than twenty-five years and leave a significant mark on the Festival’s success.Throughout his years of service, Pete became known for his reliability, work ethic, and willingness to take on whatever…


Ellwood City Native Returns Home To Lead As Borough Manager

For Jeff Foley, stepping into the role of borough manager is more than a career move — it’s a homecoming rooted in pride and a sense of responsibility to the community that shaped him. “Returning to serve the community where I grew up is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart,” Foley said. “Ellwood City has given me so much throughout my life, and I’m committed to giving that same dedication back.” A graduate of Ellwood City High School, Foley went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting & Business Administration from Grove City College as well…


Borough Council Awards Waste Collection Bid to Aiken Refuse

During May’s regular meeting of Ellwood City Borough Council, officials awarded the bid for the collection of Refuse, Recycling, and Yard Waste to Aiken Refuse (Billing by Borough option). According to Borough Manager Jeff Foley, the move to Aiken will be a step in the right direction to save the residents money on waste collection and also provide more enhanced services. He also said that a good majority of Aiken’s employees live in Ellwood City, which is a nod to keeping business local. Previously the Borough contracted with Valley Waste Service for a two-year agreement in April of 2024. That…


Mayor Court Recognizes Rev. Robert Tod Custer With Proclamation

Mayor Anthony J. Court offered a special recognition to Rev. Robert Tod Custer during Monday night’s regular meeting of the Ellwood City Borough Council. Proclamation Honoring Rev. Robert Tod Custer Mayor Anthony J. Court Borough of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania WHEREAS, Robert Tod Custer was born on March 26, 1961, in Barberton, Ohio, to Harry “Sam” and Martha Custer, and was raised alongside his siblings—John, Mary, Alice, and Sam; WHEREAS, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Muskingum College in 1983 and began a career of compassionate service as a church youth director and later as a Case Worker…