Hot Diggity Dog Days Friday and Saturday

This weekend, will be the focus of many music lovers here in town and throughout the world during the celebration of crooner Perry Como’s 100th birthday, appropriately entitled “Hot Diggity Dog Days.”

The idea actually started a few years ago when the borough and started getting phone calls from Como fans worldwide asking what the town was doing to celebrate.

“Perry was an icon," said Nadeen Steffey, chairman of the festival and Canonsburg’s Main Street manager. "We’re so close to it here, we sometimes overlook it.”

The town set the stage two years ago and invited people to come downtown for cake or cupcakes on May 18, the actual date of Como’s birthday. This year, in honor of Como’s 100th birthday, they’re doing it big with a two-day festival featuring music through the ages, entertainment, food, crafts, and something for everyone.

“The whole town is excited. There’s been a lot of response from community organizations and businesses to get involved,” Steffey said. The businesses will be doing window displays and 42 local companies who have donated will be recognized on banners, programs, and signs.

Here’s the most up-to-date rundown of the weekend’s activities:

Friday, May 18  

12 p.m.—Community cake cutting ceremony at the Perry Como statue. Cake donated by First Street Bakery; Tom Terling on the Downtown Stage.

12 to 8 p.m.—Perry’s Playland and food and craft vendors will be open all day on Pike Street, as well as the Magic Moments Theater (Council Chambers) where you can see Perry Como show screenings.

1 p.m.—Perry’s Perfect Pastry Competition, downtown

2:30 p.m.—Ron Dimico’s “Crooner Classics” Show on the Downtown Stage

4:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies, Downtown Stage

5 p.m. – Blind Date

7 p.m. – Matthew Long and the Washington Jazz Society

Saturday, May 19

10:00 am – Free Zumbathon sponsored by Studio Fit, corner of East Pike Street and Greenside Avenue. Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m.

12 to 8 p.m. (Downtown)—Perry’s Playland, and food and craft vendors, will be open all day on Pike Street as well as the Magic Moments Theater (Council Chambers) where you can see Perry Como show screenings

12 p.m.—Formal birthday luncheon sponsored by the Greater Canonsburg Heritage Society at the Hilton Garden Inn

1 p.m.—“It’s Impossible” Scavenger Hunt, downtown Canonsburg; Pam Evans on the Downtown Stage

1:30 p.m.—Kyle Byrd on the Downtown Stage

2 p.m.—Barbershop Quartet on the Downtown Stage

4 p.m.—Alternation on the Downtown Stage

5 p.m.—Matthew Long and the Washington Jazz Society on the Downtown Stage

7 p.m.—Festival Finale with

8 to 11 p.m.—'50s and '60s Sock Hop at the “Dream Along with Me Auditorium,” Canonsburg Polish Club, 510 Franklin Ave.