Organizers of this year’s observance of Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary are inviting the public to reflect on the year-long celebration at an event on Dec. 6.
The Golden Gala Dinner is set for 5-8 p.m. at the Antiochian Village Conference Center, 140 Church Camp Trail, off Route 711 in Fairfield.
The catered meal features a menu inspired by the holiday season and the county’s early history.
At 5:30 p.m., guests will sip chilled caramel apple cider or warm spiced wassail while sampling hors d’oeuvres hearkening back to colonial times — including sweet and savory dumplings and puff pastry with seasoned beef. The 6:30 p.m. dinner offers an entree choice of stuffed chicken breast or roasted vegetables with gluten-free pasta.
A program will include remarks by county sommissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew and a slide show of highlights from Westmoreland 250 activities.
“It’s meant to be a very casual evening of celebration of all the collaboration and wonderful special events that occurred through the year,” said Dawn Lamuth, who has helped coordinate 250th anniversary activities for the Discover Westmoreland organization.
Attendees will receive a related commemorative gift. The EBT Jazz Trio will provide music.
Looking ahead, Lamuth will speak about Westmoreland County’s plans for participating in activities marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, in 2026.
“We want to keep the collaboration going,” she said. “We’re going to use the foundation that was developed for Westmoreland 250 to continue the celebration in the next two years, leading up to America 250.”
Lamuth, who is the director of culture and community connections for the Go Laurel Highlands tourist bureau, pointed to the locally adopted Hanna’s Town Resolves as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence. “We feel there’s a real link between Westmoreland County and the nation’s independence,” she said.
Dinner guests who arrive between 5 and 6 p.m. will have an opportunity to tour the facility’s Antiochian Heritage Museum. The museum features hand-embroidered clothing, inlaid wood furniture and religious icons that celebrate the artistic, cultural and spiritual heritage of the ancient city of Antioch and its surrounding Eastern Mediterranean region.
According to the museum website, current exhibits include: “Titanic Connections,” stories of passengers on the ill-fated ship’s 1912 voyage with Antiochian connections; “East Meets West in Ligonier,” stories of two communities that worshiped on the land now occupied by Antiochian Village.
Those attending are invited to wear cocktail attire or a historic costume. The cost is $50 per person. Thursday is the deadline to RSVP at GOlaurelhighlands.com/Westmoreland250Gala.
