Out & About: Fourth of July weekend starts with a bang at Fort Ligonier
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The Fourth of July weekend started with a bang during the Friday evening Cannons and Cocktails party at Fort Ligonier.
Literally.
The festivities included mock cannon firings in the hilltop stockade of the restored French and Indian War-era historical complex.
Guests had an opportunity to sample a George Washington Rye Whiskey, courtesy of Rusty Musket Distilling Co. of Boswell, Somerset County. It was made with grain grown at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
Rusty Musket also offered cocktails crafted for the occasion, including the Frontiersman, adding bitters and ginger to Apple Pie whiskey (replacing the traditional Apple Jack known to induce severe hangovers); the Grand Old Man, with rye whiskey and maraschino cherry liqueur; and the Stars and Stripes Forever, vodka and club soda with raspberries, blueberries, lemon and a hint of pineapple.
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin even made an appearance, thanks to historical interpreter Patrick McBride of McKeesport, who sported a blue bespoke suit. It was modeled after Franklin’s apparel in Howard Chandler Christy’s 1940 oil painting depicting the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787.
In the painting, Washington stands on a dais, with Franklin seated in front as Alexander Hamilton leans in to whisper in his ear.
McBride was accompanied by his wife, Dawn.
Event organizers also offered a program on the science of artillery and mortar firing and a cannon-themed scavenger hunt on the fort grounds. Those completing the hunt received a prize.
Fiddler Andy Bronkaj provided musical accompaniment for party-goers gathered on the patio of the fort’s education center.
Seen: Ligonier Mayor Ormond “Butch” Bellas, Jen Sausman and Mike Matrunics, Patti Buhl, Cindy Englehart, Dirk and Theresa Matson, John Beaufort, Carmen Quartararo, Mike and Ida Long, Melissa Eller, Barth and Angie Getto, Mercedes Getto, Elissa Getto, Emily Getto, Paul and Patsy Kennedy, Bob and Diane Ray, Rachael Ray and John Bowling, Matthew and Amber Smith, Judy Holden, Micki Mattern, Mark and Carolyn Gillespie, Matthew and Julie Gault, Rebecca Gault and Kristen Gault.