Recently elected state Rep. Jill Cooper will hold her first community fair in New Kensington.

Cooper, a Republican from Murrysville, won election in November to represent the new 55th District, which spans 15 communities across about 180 square miles of northern Westmoreland County.

The fair, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on parts of 10th and Barnes streets in downtown New Kensington, will feature a variety of community groups and organizations covering health, wellness and careers.

“I’m so excited to have it in New Kensington. My district is very large. I felt, to start, let’s have it where it’s accessible to a lot of folks,” she said. “I’m hoping we have a great turnout. We’ve had so many organizations want to be part of it.”

The fair will be set up on 10th Street between Fifth Avenue and Barnes Street, and on Barnes Street roughly between Knead Community Café and the water authority. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the banquet room at Knead.

More than 40 exhibitors are expected to participate. Those who visit at least 15 exhibitors, confirmed with a “fair passport,” will be eligible to win a prize.

The Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Bloodhound Team will perform a demonstration between 10 and 11 a.m. Its booth will be at 10th and Barnes streets.

With the help of the New Kensington Police Department, residents will be able to get free replacements for hard-to-read license plates. Residents should bring a digital picture of their plate and their vehicle’s current registration.

Police also will help residents fill out applications for disability parking placards. An officer will be able to verify if an applicant does not have the full use of one or both legs or if their vision is impaired. Other disabilities must be confirmed by a doctor.

Cooper, former chairwoman of the Westmoreland County GOP Committee, defeated Democrat Scott Gauss in November’s general election after besting first-term incumbent Jason Silvis in the Republican primary.

Cooper grew up in Plum and worked for Alcoa, retiring from her career in sales and marketing in the early 2000s to raise her two children.

“New Kensington has a special place in my heart,” she said.

Cooper said she plans to make the fair an annual event and will move it around her district.

“We’re looking forward to a really fun day,” she said. “I’m thankful about the exhibitors and their dedication to the mission of reaching out to folks in the area. We’re going to try to make it a fun morning.”

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