Pig Iron Fest
Living History
On October 11th, 2004 Rivertownes, in conjunction with Marietta Restoration Associates, held its first annual Pig Iron Fest and Car Show. A grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission facilitated the appearance of Richard Pawling of History Alive. Pawling, a noted living history educator, portrayed a furnace worker and guided visitors through the furnace ruins, delivering an entertaining and educational narrative throughout. The fest also featured exhibits of antique tractors, hit and miss engines and historic memorabilia. Artwork and vintage photos were exhibited by artist Klaus Grutzka and collector Bud Heim. Representatives of local metalworking industries were on hand to display some of their work and answer questions.
Car Show
The Car Show featured 144 antique, classic and custom cars and motorcycles. Registration fee for exhibitors was $7, and each received a dash plaque commemorating the event. Food for the event included Tom Burke's fabulous pork loin sandwiches, hand cut french fries and ice cream made on site using the power of a hit and miss engine. Admission for the general public was free and all proceeds benefited the Musselman-Vesta Restoration Fund. Planning for next year's fest is currently underway.