Community celebrates Scottdale's 150th anniversary at West Overton Village

Scottdale sure knows how to throw a party.

Townsfolk and other revelers celebrated Scottdale’s 150th anniversary Sunday, hailing it as a borough that has evolved from its roots as an industrial center at the southern tip of Westmoreland County.

“I think that it’s important for people to take pride in their … community,” said Scottdale Historical Society vice president and event co-organizer Lindy House. “Just to celebrate our town and come together and have fun.”

The party, held just outside borough limits at West Overton Village, was complete with balloons, face painting, music, a huge food spread and a scavenger hunt. Partygoers could sign their names on a poster bidding the town a happy birthday — which is officially Monday — while children took turns decorating inedible birthday cakes and making crowns to wear during the celebration.

The West Overton Museum, a former whiskey distillery, was open and partygoers gathered in the lower-level Overholt Room where longtime Scottdale resident Marty Savanick was honored for more than 40 years of dedication to the community.

Event co-organizer Amanda Eutsey read a proclamation that listed Savanick’s hefty resume, including her involvement in the creation of the Scottdale Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteer work in town.

The honor was a surprise to Savanick. She moved to Scottdale, her husband’s hometown, in 1979 and ran three businesses on Pittsburgh Street — Collections by Marty, Miss Martha’s Tea Room and Miss Martha’s Floral — in addition to her involvement in events and ideas.

“It’s humbling because it’s something that I just love to do,” she said.

The party kicked off a year’s worth of 150th anniversary-related events in Scottdale. The birthday will be part of annual festivities such as a car show, block party and fall festival in addition to storytelling panel discussions and plein air events.