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Memories…
A particular smell, or sight, or feeling. Maybe a song brings back a certain time that is meaningful to you. We all have memories tucked away that we choose to keep with us. At WaterFire, we hope you hear a lot of music that bring back some good memories – and that while you’re here, you form new ones!
Artisan Marketplace – 2-11pm
Our Artisan Marketplace is a showcase of creative talent! Experience the talent and beauty present by over 50 local and regional artist vendors during your visit to WaterFire Sharon PA. Be sure to stop by our many fine downtown merchants, you just never know what you might find while shopping in these unique shoppes.
Food Court – 2-11pm
Stop by the food court to enjoy a variety of delicious treats. You will know you are headed in the right direction as you pick up the aromas of ribs on the BBQ! There will surely be a sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and funnel cakes. You can cool off with a milkshake! So much savory, so much sweet – you can’t go wrong with a visit to the food court. Just a few of the delicious food options: pulled pork, mac & cheese, hot sausage, philly cheese steak, fries, gyros, nachos, corn dogs and so much more!! Have lunch, dinner or take a snack to take home from the WaterFire food court!
Children’s Fun Zone – 3-7pm
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Be sure to bring the kids to the Children’s Fun Zone, located at the corner of Shenango Ave. and State St., directly under the American Flag. There will be lots of interactive projects, games, giant legos, music, robotics and much more. Parents need to stay with their children. This is a non-smoking zone.
The Sharon Tiger Techs and the Sharon High School Robotics Team showcasing various types of robots. The Tiger Techs will be demonstrating their robots that draw artwork, will have robots that children can drive, and will also have a programming station for ages 7-14. The Sharon High School Robotics Team will have an area demonstrating their high school robot from this past year. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to see robots in action, built and programmed from students from the Sharon City School District.
Orb Lighters (click each image to read details)
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River Festivities – 7-11pm
Our evening will begin at 7pm with the Native American Blessing of the Shenango River by Leon Briggs followed by the lighting of the WaterFire Sharon PA orb along with 55 braziers, filled with cedar and pine, approximately at 7:30pm. Enjoy live entertainment on the river by the following musical and performing artists:
Leon Briggs
Leon Sam Briggs, is an enrolled Tonawanda Seneca whose native name is H oya’degay hus, “he helps always” hawk clan. In 2004, he was ordained as a spiritual leader of the American Metis Aboriginal Association. He works in traditional Arts of beading, quill and leather work. He speaks on his traditional teachings in herbology, (focused native uses of plants), and works as a cultural consulting. He has made annual trips to Little Eagle, South Dakota to meet with the community and government leaders as a cultural lea son, participate in events and ceremonies, such as Peace Place powwow to support local efforts to start building the Little Eagle Community Center. He has participated as guest speaker on Native American culture, storyteller, environmental impact on indigenous plants at various events including Native American Awareness Week at the University of Dayton, and Sunwatch Village, since 2007.
Making Relations another gathering of communities for the exchange of cultures (Little Eagle and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, since 2009) and Native Peoples Celebrate the Peacemakers, University of Dayton. Leon is a consultant/ speaker with the Red Bird Center whose mission is to support the Healing and Unity of Native Families in Ohio. The Center specializes in assisting families in recovery from trauma and loss. Leon is a presenter at the Red Bird Center’s Annual Native Unity Gathering which focuses on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within Native Communities. The Red Bird Center has been in operation since 1997 and is a Native non-profit organization. Making Relations another gathering of communities for the exchange of cultures (Little Eagle and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, since 2009) and Native Peoples Celebrate the Peacemakers, University of Dayton. He is a consultant/ speaker with the Red Bird Center whose mission is to support the Healing and Unity of Native Families in Ohio. The Center specializes in assisting families in recovery from trauma and loss. Leon is a presenter at the Red Bird Center’s Annual Native Unity Gathering which focuses on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within Native Communities. The Red Bird Center has been in operation since 1997 and is a Native non-profit organization.
Steve Vuich
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Steve “Honey Boy” Vuich
Steve “Honey Boy” Vuich has been performing music in the NE Ohio / NW Pennsylvania area for four and a half decades, averaging 250 dates per year in concerts, nightclubs, restaurants, wineries, private events as a solo act, in duos, trios and with his band mates, The River Saints. Steve plays a wide variety of musical genres, rock, blues, soul, folk, country, reggae and light jazz. Steve was scheduled to play on the Shenango River for the 2020 WaterFire events but due to circumstances beyond all of our control, WaterFire had to be postponed until this year. Steve wishes safety, health and happiness for all of us and hopes that we will all be kind to each other. Peace, Love, Music, Togetherness! See you on the WATER…FIRE!”
Ricky Hale
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WaterFire Welcomes Back Ricky Hale
Working remotely during 2020 brought Rick Hale back to the area from Philadelphia, where he works as a Manager for a New York advertising agency. Rick earned his Mathematical Economics degree from Gettysburg College in 2018. He performed in the Gettysburg College Choir, participated in several school choir, and performed in the Sunderman Conservatory’s Opera “Die Fledermaus.” Hale was the director of the college’s acapella group “Drop The Octave,” where he developed composition and arranging skills. His studies and extracurricular interest in music still left time for him to compete, and win, two Greater Mountain Region NATS competitions. Since being back in Sharon, he has performed at 40 Below, and studies under Daniel Teadt, Professor at Carnegie Mellon’s College of Fine Arts. Although a fan of all types of music, Rick’s favorite to perform is classical.
Jimmy Pyro
Jimmy Pyro has always been drawn to the power and sound of fire, which he uses to captivate his audience with explosive and dramatic performances. Jimmy is a born thrill seeker and a natural entertainer. He is completely self-taught and enjoys learning new skills and adding new and exciting stunts to his repertoire. Jimmy Pyro has been professionally performing for 10 years and has entertained over 270,000 people. He will leave you talking for years to come and a memory you will never forget. Jimmy Pyro will perform several times throughout the evening. Watch for Jimmy on a boat on the river, the bridge abutment and on the State St. bridge.
Pink Moon
Pink Moon is a three-piece band originally from Sharon, PA, now based out of Youngstown, OH. They play your favorite rock, funk and soul music. Band members included Nate Yingling on the bass and vocals, Nik Killa on the guitar and Aaron Allenbaugh on drums.
Evil Ways Band
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Evil Ways
Evil Ways is a high-energy tribute to the music of Santana, featuring some of the Northern Ohio’s most exciting and experienced musicians. Evil Ways approaches each memorable Santana tune with a dedication and motivation to make each performance perfect. Blues circuit legend Mike Goldberg has an uncanny ability to recreate the style and sound of Carlos Santana’s fabled guitar. Evil Ways is ready to take its place among the ranks of the truly outstanding and memorable national tribute artist’s. A performance by Evil Ways included all of the Santana hits, performed with authenticity and exuberance that will bring audiences to the feet in appreciation. Stunning instrumentals, high-energy drumming and percussion, a live horn section and, of course, the legendary sound of the guitar, all come together to bring the SANTANA concert experience to life for an event you will not soon forget!
Hern Bros Band
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Hern Brothers
The Hern Brothers have performed for thousands of fans over a 40-year span! The band formed in 1980 and has performed shows non-stop to today! The bands show incorporates a wide variety of music from the Rock eras of the 70’s 80’s 90’s to the popular music of today! Included in every Hern Brothers performance is an extremely popular dance set of Funk & Disco music!
State Street Bridge entertainment – 3:15-6:45pm
3:15-4:15pm —The Twirling Angels
The Twirling Angels are a baton twirling group that train out of Sharpsville Pa. Missy Colbert started the group back in 1999 with just a small parade group and the group has now flourished into 100+ individual students along with many teams. Both the team and individual twirlers compete all year round. Each twirler performing here today is part of a state, regional or international champion team. Many of our twirlers also twirl for their high schools and colleges. We have members from age 3 all the way up to 21.
Ukuladies Gone Wild
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4:30-5:00pm — Ukuladies Gone Wild
Ukuladies Gone Wild are a group of high energy, kinda wild gals, who love our ukes and get a kick out of making music together! If you are looking for a happy group of musicians with an eclectic musical repertoire for your event – call us! Look us up on FB at Ukuladies Gone Wild!
5:00-5:30 — AEtheric Alchemy drumming team
AEtheric Alchemy drumming team will perform a variety of music. The physical sensory nature of drumming provides a unique aesthetic experience. Recent research indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boost the immune system and assist in releasing emotional trauma. Drumming has a positive effect on anxiety, grief, fatigue, depression and behavioral issues.
5:45-6:45pm — Ally Grande & ACT Sharpsville (ACTS)
Ally Grande has been performing in community theater since she was nine years old, beginning with the production of Les Miserables, where she portrayed Young Cosette. Ally has participated in shows throughout Western PA and Eastern OH. She has played principal roles in Aladdin (Jasmine), Mamma Mia (Sophie) and West Side Story (Anita). Ally has also performed at the new venue in Downtown Sharon, 40 Below. Ally has been a featured soloist at Waterfire Sharon for the past four years and is involved in the New Castle Playhouse as a Mini Star and in their Annual Stars of Tomorrow show. She is also an active member and performer for the Chrysalis Stage Performing Arts Conservatory in Sharon. She also sings regularly at the Peter Allen Inn in Kinsman Ohio. Ally will be a senior this fall at Sharon High School and is looking forward to her Senior year as well as her many upcoming performances, including a return to the Waterfire stage.
The Community Theatre of Sharpsville (ACTS) was founded in February 2011. ACTS is committed to providing leadership and education in cultural development and performing arts in the region, striving to create a legacy of quality entertainment by tapping the resources of all age groups and encouraging the pursuit of artistic talent.
ACTS will perform songs from the Golden Age of Broadway. “I Could’ve Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. “One Hand One Heart” from West Side Story are just a few of the song you can expect to hear.
In addition to ACTS performing from 6:15 to 6:45 on the State St. Bridge, ACTS invites WaterFire Sharon attendees to see their new Performing Art Center, the former Scared Heart Church on South Irvine. They will have two free performances in their cabaret style venue in the lower portion of the Arts Center, the venue called 40 Below. From 2:30-3:30, the group Bellhouse (an indie-pop band) and from 4:00-5:00, The Dinner Theater Rejects (comedy improv group). Tours of their new stage and theatre, which is under construction, will be available 2-5pm.
Henry Ekker Autograph Collections 10am-5pm
Enjoy sports? Admire athletes and their accomplishments? Then you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind collection. Inside the Community Library of the Shenango Valley during WaterFire, you’ll find a large , autographed and unique sports memorabilia collection on display from 10am-5pm. There is no charge to visit this collection that you’ll find on the library’s first floor. Also, located at the Community Library is The Literary Garden. Members of Random Acts of Artists (RAA) installed this garden to help bring awareness to the importance of literature and the arts in our community. Each of the over 40 posts are painted to represent a book or piece of literature theme of the artist’s choice. Be sure to visit this inspirational garden.
Live Entertainment – 2:30-11pm
Our Main Stage is located in the food court area. Have a great time listening and dancing to Pink Moon starting at 2:30pm, followed by Evil Ways Band, a Santana Tribute band, at 4:30. Closing out the night, a fan favorite, The Hern Bros. Band will play starting at 8pm.
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Downtown Art Installations
Take time to visit all the inspiring art installations throughout downtown Sharon. You can walk your way from the Literary Garden at the Shenango Valley Library, to Random InterFace Alley, to Floral Garden Gallery located on Connelly Blvd. to Riverview Gardens Park to enjoy Willow Way and five wood cravings from ash trees. A must see is the HopeCAT Mural located along State St. World renowned mural artist, Joel Bergner, HopeCAT students, local artists and Park Inn by Radisson employees came together to create this one-of-a-kind work of art!
Historical Walking Tours – 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30pm
The Sharon Historical Society and Sharon Beautification Commission will conduct a walking tour of the Upper East Hill. Stops will include Saint Joseph Church and School, Jefferson Ave. School, the George Boyd Mansion and other grand homes and bygone mansions.
Touch-a-Truck – 3-7pm
Enjoy the opportunity to see the Myron’s Meal Mobile up close! The Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County will have this colorful, fun bus on display for all to enjoy. Enjoy the opportunity to see other large vehicles, too.
Tag up!!
Take selfies and be sure to check in on social media while you enjoy your day and evening at WaterFire Sharon. A check-in on social helps our downtown merchants with visibility and draws more attention to their key presence in the growing vibrancy along the river! Share what you see and enjoy your day in beautiful downtown Sharon. Use our hashtags when you share your fun photos and selfies on social! Hashtag so we can see all the memories you make at! And we might collect a few of our favorites to share on our social profiles.
Ready to volunteer a few hours to keep the event going??
Have you seen enough to make you want to join in? We welcome new volunteers! Come alone, in a group, whatever works for you! Whether you want to help in the preparation and planning, help set up vendors, work at the information center, tend to the braziers during the evening, or a variety of other areas to lend a hand, WaterFire Sharon would be happy to have you join in. Our volunteers are known to say things like “I met so many new people and made so many new friends” and “It’s fun to be a part of something so big!” and of course “I’m always proud to see so many people come to our area and witness what we have going on here.” Maybe you’ll feel just that same way after experiencing WaterFire as a volunteer. Sign up for the next WaterFire event at the Souvenir and Information center located at the corner of West State Street and S. Water Avenue – in front of the food court. Ask questions and see what you may enjoy the most! If you can’t visit the booth, call our volunteer coordinator at (724) 301-1868 and Karen will be happy to fill you in on all the opportunities available to be a part of WaterFire.
