Although summer officially starts with the solstice Wednesday, nothing spells summer in Bellefonte like the annual cruise. Excitement filled the air on Friday as the television trucks that had filled the streets for days drove away.
Soon the main stage platform was in place. Cruise 2012 was on its way.
I drove to Bellefonte on Sunday, which was race day. There were just a few of the muscle cars left and the focus shifted to power of a different sort. Starting with the 5K and ending with the delightful “Diaper Dash,” it was a day filled with family fun.
The weather was beautiful and Bellefonte was enjoying a break from being in the national spotlight. In the 5K Open Men category, David Agler, of Bellefonte, finished first in 17:36. In the Open Women category, Rebecca Wittrig, of Port Matilda, finished first in 21:17. In Men younger than 12, Trent Fisher, of Bellefonte, finished first; David Close, of Snow Shoe, came in second; and Tommy Snyder, of Julian, placed third.
In the Women younger than 12 category, Caitlynn Close, of Snow Shoe, finished first; Madalyn Morelli, of Pleasant Gap, came in second; and Cecilia Stanton, of Bellefonte, placed third.
I have given the youngest kids some recognition, but there were 123 total finishers in the Run/Walk race and there were two women in the 70-79 group (Connie Levine, of Bellefonte, and Nancy Stover, of Howard) and one male finisher in the over-80 group (Arnold Gasche, of State College). Those people are awe-inspiring and I will think of them when I take my next two-mile stroll.
The “Diaper Dash” had 14 participants in the under-4 category in three separate heats. What fun to hear the parents’ encouraging calls, and to see the enjoyment of the spectators, as some toddlers walked, some ran to the sideline, and others made a “dash” for a familiar face across the grassy race lane.
Civil War stories
The Centre County Library and Historical Museum is offering a glimpse into everyday life during the Civil War.
Come to the technology suite of the library at 2 p.m. today for a free presentation, “Homegrown Heroes: Communities in the Civil War,” that is open to the public. Commonwealth speaker Steve Anderson will don authentic period clothing and engage the audience with his true stories of civilians and how they were affected by the danger that surrounded them during the Civil War. For information about the program, contact Jennifer Freed at 355-1516 or ifreed@centrecountylibrary.org. This event is possible through the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
Connie Cousins writes a weekly column on happenings in the Bellefonte area. Send her news at ccous67@gmail.com.
