SupperMarket food, music nights return to Lincoln Highway Experience

Outdoor dining and music will be available again when the weekly summer SupperMarket returns Wednesday to the Lincoln Highway Experience in Unity.

The Wednesday events, running from 5 to 8 p.m., offer outdoor dining options from several area food purveyors, along with a live musical act.

Serving up a la carte specialties will be Aroma Italiano of Latrobe, Chef Dato’s Table of Derry Township, Connections Cafe of Ligonier, Greenhouse Arcade Taco Truck of Windber and Simply Good catering of Ligonier Township.

The first three will be present every week through Aug. 30, with the other two missing select dates.

Connections Cafe has been serving grilled pizzas at SupperMarket since the beginning, said owner Sharon Detar.

“It’s a great crowd and a beautiful atmosphere with trees shading the whole space, even on a hot summer day,” she said. “With the music, it’s a great way to spend a Wednesday evening.”

This year’s attendees will notice improvements to the infrastructure, said Kim Cady, executive director of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, which operates the site.

Some deteriorating wooden picnic tables have been replaced with new ones that are ADA-compliant, featuring extensions that accommodate wheelchair users. They’re also built with recycled and sustainable materials.

“They’re designed to last a long time. They should stand the test of time and the winter weather,” said site director Spencer Simpson.

The musicians also will have a new and larger stage that, unlike the old one, is wired for electricity.

Simpson said the improvements project was spearheaded by longtime volunteer Wayne Sauter, who sourced both materials and volunteer labor.

The stage was built by members of a Bible study group from Trinity United Church of Christ in Greensburg. Lumber and hardware came from Hitchman’s Supply in Derry Township, and electrical work was done by Brant Electric in New Alexandria.

So far, donors have funded 12 new picnic tables. Donations are still being accepted to bring that number up to 20, Simpson noted.

Many of the featured musicians are known for playing at various venues around the area, and many are returnees to the SupperMarket stage.

“We are excited to return to the SupperMarket this summer. Returning is like a reunion with old friends,” said Jane DeBone, who plays guitar and sings easy listening favorites with Mandi O’Leary in the duo, Detention.

Entertainment is funded by the Westmoreland County Local Arts Grant Program.

Because table space is limited, guests are encouraged to bring their own seating, especially if arriving late. Seating will begin at 4:30 p.m.

There is a $5 parking fee at the site at 3435 Route 30 East. No outside food or pets are permitted.

If a SupperMarket is canceled because of weather concerns, the information will be posted on the organization’s website by noon that day.

For more information and complete food schedule, visit lhhc.org.