99 Years of Dormont Day—and Counting!

Dormont Day is quickly approaching its centennial, and although plans for this, the 99th year, are in place, the committee already is looking ahead to make the 100th year especially memorable.

But to make this July 4—and especially next year's holiday—special, more donations and volunteer help are needed.

Dormont Day Committee Chairperson Diane Veri said a private committee always has organized the event in , and it’s always been funded mainly through donations.

The committee doesn’t want that to change, she said. Help from the community makes this day a truly community-oriented event, something that everyone can take part in and enjoy.

Many members of the Dormont Day committee have been involved for 20 years or longer, and countless volunteers have helped make it possible throughout the years.

But Dormont’s unique day comes with a price tag, and the committee could always use more help to keep the celebration going, Veri said.

The fireworks show alone costs $11,000, and rentals for tents, tables, inflatables and other needs only add to that cost. Veri said even though vendors pay to rent their tables and tents, that doesn’t pull in enough money to cover the whole event.

“We really rely on mailings that will go out in beginning of June and coverage from the borough newsletter,” Veri said. “We can’t put on the day without the donations.”

The borough helps a great deal, she said, through a monetary donation, paying for the band, and providing police and fire protection, and help from the parks department. The committee always has been, and always will be grateful for the borough’s help, she said.

But it’s the volunteers and donations from the community that really keep Dormont Day going. Veri said the committee encourages students who need volunteer hours and others from the community to help set up and take down the tents and tables, or fill grab bags with treats.

“We’ve been fighting for years to keep this day and keep this tradition going,” Veri said. “We’re looking forward to having the 100th anniversary next year.”

Donations are even more important this year, Veri said, because the committee already has plans to make Dormont Day’s 100th anniversary simply spectacular.

The committee already is working with Zambelli Fireworks for a larger fireworks display, and is considering other special attractions.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Veri at 412-401-0878. Donation forms are attached to this article as a PDF file.

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