Natrona community group plans Twelfth Night Festival

They'll be tapping into the spirit of a centuries-old tradition of fun Saturday in Natrona, and everyone is invited.

The volunteer-led, nonprofit Natrona Comes Together Association will play host to it's first Twelfth Night festival starting at 2 p.m. and continuing until about 6 at the Natrona Ballfield, off River Avenue. The ballfield is across from the lock and dam.

"It's to bring families and people together and have a little party, get them out to enjoy themselves," says Christy Neal, one of the event organizers.

There will be horse-and-buggy rides, a visit from the Kennywood Trolley and a clown, an interactive sound sculpture, face painting, balloon making, the Hilltop Hose fire truck, carolers, a bonfire and refreshments, including hot chocolate and Eat 'N Park Smiley cookies. Children younger than 10 will receive a free gift bag.

A raffle ($1 donation) will help raise funds for future community projects. An autographed Steelers football will be one of the prizes.

Santa will not be in attendance. "He's on a well-deserved vacation at the South pole," says Bill Godfrey, association member.

"We were searching for an event to bring the community together, and someone suggested a celebration that embraced our different ethnic histories," Godfrey says."It's an excuse to get people together to celebrate warmth and light from the fire and a new beginning for this new year."

Twelfth Night marks the official end to the holiday season, says Veronica Rutkowski, also of Natrona Comes Together. "And it's celebrated in many different ways throughout the world," she adds. "Expect to have fun, meet your neighbors and make new friends."

It is not necessary to be a Natrona resident to participate. "We hope to get a nice following (from anywhere in the Alle-Kiski Valley area), and make a good example for other communities," sayss Don Gallagher, another volunteer.

The bonfire is expected to be a magnet. Rutkowski agrees that there is something special about the attraction of a bonfire.

"It's the flicker of the flames, the glow it casts, along with the wood burning," she says. "And it's being in the night air under the stars and having a good time, talking with family and friends."

It's getting in touch with our primal roots, says Godfrey, who is an artist. "Bonfires have mesmerizing effects, and the light in the darkness draws people together. Our bonfire will be specia,l because we're creating a 'burning-man sculpture' in its middle."

The association was formed to make the community a better place to live, including providing activities for all ages, Rutkowski says. "We need support from our friends and neighbors and some new members to lend a hand."

The hope is to help it become a more vibrant and better place to live, Neal adds.

"We don't want people to forget there are other parts of the township (like Natrona) that need attention and get the same things done like the rest of the township. That's why we formed this association," Gallagher says. "I'm a Natrona resident and proud of it. When everything is accomplished, I will be even more proud."

The group is committed to using its resources for positive change, Godfrey says. He says members are working on projects such as a Neighborhood Crime Watch program, spring cleanup, Gateway Clipper cruise, a new playground and riverbank benches and gardens.

"We are committed to using our many resources for positive change," he says.

The association views Twelfth Night as another step toward that goal.

"This is old-fashioned community fun," Godfrey says.

For more information about Natrona Comes Together Association and/or to volunteer and plan events, phone 724-226-9353 or 724-224-1790.