Riders, horses, parade in downtown Zelienople
ZELIENOPLE — There was plenty of horsing around Thursday night when the 56th annual Horse Trading Days stepped off with the Round-Up Horse Parade. Riders and rigs paraded down Main Street to celebrate the community and 179 years of Zelienople.
The parade was organized for the first time by local Julie Wahlenmayer of Glade Run Lutheran Services.
“They were looking for someone to take it on,” said Wahlenmayer.
This year's lineup included local and regional horse farmers, recreational riders, a pair of medieval riders and mounted Butler County law enforcement, among other participants.
The 2019 festival has a decidedly youthful motif. Kids were involved in everything from Main Street craft stalls to the annual Miss Horse Trader pageant. Six-year-old Josie Ewing helped her mom, Patty, and other members of Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church distribute free water.
“I like helping,” Josie told the Eagle.
This was the first year she was really involved with Horse Trading Days.
Twelve-year-old Ava Bowman of Cranberry was crowned Junior Miss Horse Trader.
“My friend ... talked me into doing this,” she said after being crowned. “I think I will take this winning to heart.”
Eight-year-old Helena Jordan won the Little Miss Horse Trader title after giving a twirl performance and answering questions about herself. A native of Volant in Lawrence County, she loves visiting her aunt, Shelly Mathew, in Zelienople.
What will Jordan do this summer?
“Swim,” she announced.
The youngest pageant winner is 6-year-old Kendall Horan, who loves noodles and strawberries and watching “The Sandlot.” She enjoyed “everything” about her time in the pageant and winning Petite Miss Horse Trader.Horse Trading Days drew many out-of-town visitors, including sisters Joan Raley and Nancy Cantatore. Raley and Cantatore grew up in Zelienople but lived in Las Vegas for several decades. They moved to Latrobe, Westmoreland County, a couple years ago. Raley has been to the festival before. This was the first time Cantatore went.“It's fantastic,” she said.Raley bought a hand-carved image of the Last Supper and a crucifix for her grandchildren at the craft and trade show. She was pleased with both acquisitions.“I love the Last Supper,” she added. “We have a very strong faith.”The festivities continue Friday night with tours, vendors and entertainment available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 412-995-8401 or email info@horsetradingdays.com. Follow Horse Trading Days on Facebook, too.
