Committee Prepares for 100th Dormont Day

On the 100th Dormont Day celebration, one lucky raffle winner will receive something unique: 25 years of Dormont Day memories.

Two quilts, each made from 25 Dormont Day t-shirts dating back to the 1970s, were created in honor of the 100th anniversary, happening again this year on July 4. One quilt was donated to Dormont Historical Society—the other can be won through a raffle. Tickets will be available soon at Dormont Public Library.

It’s a new addition in honor of a historic event, and Dormont Day Committee chairwoman Diane Veri said it’s just one of the things to look forward to this year. 

 “We’ve tried to bring back things we’d given up because of cost, and traditional things that haven’t been part of the celebration for years,” Veri said.

Pony rides, swimming races and a hot dog eating contest—all events from Dormont Days past—will return this year, run by Dormont Athletic Boosters Association. DABA also will sponsor traditional games, such as foot races and an egg toss. 

Several local businesses and organizations, including Hollywood Theater, Dormont Historical Society, Giovanni’s Pizza and Pasta, Dormont Main Street and many others will have activity and information booths.

Johnny Angel and the Halos will play in the evening, and Battle of the Bands winner Masters of the Universe also will play.

At the end of the night, a larger-than-usual fireworks display will be followed by Dormont Volunteer Fire Department’s announcement the winner of its 2013 car raffle.

Veri said she’s grateful to those who donate, and to the borough’s fire, police and recreation departments, who have helped run the event each year.

“Everything we do is for this one day,” Veri said. “We remember, as young children, this just being the best day ever. That’s why we still do this. We want to make a memory for the people who are here now.”

Dormont Day is July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Dormont Park. Volunteers and donations are needed for the event which, in total, costs $35,000 to put on.

Donations can be made through a PayPal account on the Dormont Day website.

Parking will be available at Dormont Elementary School and in the parking lot of Dormont Stadium. Keystone Oaks School District donated shuttle transportation to take people to and from Dormont Day.

Volunteers or students in need of community service can call Diane Veri at 412-401-0878.