NEWS AND VIEWS «« May 21, 2026

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George Washington Paddled Our River – Come Watch Him Do It Again on May 21

May 20, 2026 - News & Views Staff

On May 21, 272 years ago, George Washington paddled the Youghiogheny trying to chart a route to the Forks of the Ohio. On May 21, 2026, you can watch him do it again at the Outflow Campground in Confluence. Free, no registration required.

Who’s Supplying the Water for a New Fracking Well Near Laurel Ridge State Park?

May 18, 2026 - Kris Mamula

Tapping deep rock formations for natural gas takes lots of water – over five million gallons to hydraulically fracture a well, according to the Mountain Watershed Association. But where is all that water coming from for a well planned near Laurel Ridge State Park in Fayette County? In December, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued permits to Pittsburgh-based PH Masterline LLC to allow drilling and earth moving work at the wellpad, which is near Jim Mountain Road in Springfield Township. Masterline still needs an air permit and water management…

The 9/11 Memorial Trail Is Getting Closer to the GAP

May 18, 2026 - News & Views Staff

A critical 1,500-foot segment of the September 11th National Memorial Trail connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the Flight 93 National Memorial is now underway in Somerset County. The 1,500-mile trail links all three 9/11 sites - and our corner of Pennsylvania is the key connection.

Honor the Fallen – VFW and American Legion Hold Memorial Day Ceremony May 25

May 17, 2026 - News & Views Staff

The Confluence VFW and Ursina American Legion will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at the Bandstand in Confluence Town Park. All are welcome.

Confluence Community Market Returns for the 2026 Season

May 17, 2026 - News & Views Staff

The Confluence Community Market is back in the Town Park for 2026, running from 8 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month through the summer. Market organizer Michelle Byrd says the season is shaping up well. “We are looking forward to a good year this year with many vendors already reserving their space,” she said. It’s more than fresh produce — sellers and buyers come from well outside the valley, and the variety has grown every year since Michelle and her team got it started. Mark your…

The GAP Is More Than One Trail

May 16, 2026 - Paul g Wiegman

The Great Allegheny Passage is a chain of locally maintained trails united under one name in 1996 — and it connects to an entire national network of trails, routes, and bikepacking corridors. Author Paul G. Weigman breaks it all down.

Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival – May 30,

May 15, 2026 - News & Views Staff

The Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival is May 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local artisans, live music, and wine tastings in one of the GAP's most beloved trail towns. A perfect ride destination and a great reason to get out on the trail.

Upcoming Events

MAR

23–31

Silent Meditation – Mondays @ CCAC

Monday, March 23 – Thursday, December 31

6-7 PM | Confluence Creative Arts Center | Free

MAY

6–31

Weekly Movement: Gentle Yoga & Pilates/Barre

Wednesday, May 6 – Thursday, December 31

6-7pm | Confluence Creative Arts Center | donation-based , pay what you can!

AUG

21–29

Somerset County Fair

Friday, August 21 – Saturday, August 29

Aug 21-29; carnival midway Aug 24-29 | Somerset County Fairgrounds, 7842 Mt Davis Rd, Meyersdale, PA | $12 per person; $2 per car parking

AUG

Acoustic Music Thursday — Laura Rullo

Thursday, August 27

AUG

Art in the Park

Saturday, August 29

11 - 3 | Confluence Bandstand | by donation

AUG

Bike Ride into History

Sunday, August 30

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Rockwood Trailhead, Rockwood, PA

SEP

9–13

Farmers and Threshermens Jubilee

Wednesday, September 9 – Sunday, September 13

New Centerville Rural Volunteer Fire Company grounds, 3054 Kingwood Road, Rockwood, PA 15557 (Route 281, about 9 miles south of Somerset)

VIEW ALL EVENTS →

SUMMER HOURS!

Reminder, the River's Edge Cafe, Tissue Farm, and possibly other businesses switch to their summer hours this week.

See their websites for hours

ALL TURKEYFOOT VALLEY SCHOOL SPORTS EVENTS HERE

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