Photo provided to the Times Observer A parade - a part of last year’s version seen here - and fireworks are among the many events set to make up Pine Grove Days on Saturday in Russell.

A day of fun for the whole family

That’s the objective for R.O.A.R. (Revitalization of Akeley and Russell) as they prepare for this weekend’s Pine Grove Days.

“Our biggest goal for our event is to showcase all our small town of Russell has to offer,” Katie Walker explained, “… and we hope everyone walks away with memories of a fun day spent in Russell, Pa.”

Saturday will be a busy day along N. Main St.

The R.O.A.R. 5k will kick off the day at 9 a.m., starting at the Russell United Methodist Church.

A vendor fair opens at 11 with crafts, foot, lemonade and more while the Russell VFD will serve chicken BBQ. The Russell Trading Post Antiques & Treasures shope will also hold a flea market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A parade is set to touch off at 11 a.m., traveling from Woodland Dr. down N. Main St. ending at the fire department.

A Kids Zone will be set up at the Russell UMC from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a petting zoo, magician, face painting, hula hooping, games and crafts.

Live music by Dean Wells and Alyssa Wismar will start at 2 and a car cruise-in will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The last event of the day will be a “Dancin’ on Main Street” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring music from the Russell Roller Rink. That will be followed by fireworks provided by Ace Pyro.

Given the scope of the event, there will be street closures that residents should be aware of. That will include N. Main St. from Liberty St. to State St. and East St. from Pine St. to Conewango St. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

S. Main St. will be from Woodland Dr. to Liberty St. will be limited to one lane from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. and closed from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Motorists are advised to keep an eye out for pedestrians and residents are encouraged to park elsewhere to preserve access to their vehicle.

Walker said that Pine Grove Days as an event started in 2018 but explained that the Russell VFD hosted a Jubilee Celebration on Memorial Day weekend in the past.

“Over the course of time those celebrations fell to the wayside, and were missed by the community,” she said. “So in 2018 ROAR decided to take on the planning of the event. With a small but mighty group of volunteers we were able to successfully hold our first event.”

The pandemic forced cancellation twice so this marks the third Pine Grove Days.

“We have been able to add to our event line up and offer a day that is fun for the whole family,” Walker said.