'Hot Diggity Dog Diggity Days' Event Scheduled

will celebrate the 100th birthday of hometown crooner Perry Como with a two-day "Hot Diggity Dog Diggity Days" celebration in May.

Manager Nadeen Steffey said Friday that the event keeps with the town’s “America’s Small-Town Music Capital” moniker.

“We’ve held small downtown events the last couple years celebrating Canonsburg’s town son and his birthday leading up to the 100th," she said. "This birthday bash is going to be extra special!”

The festival will open with a cake-cutting ceremony at noon Friday, May 18, at the Perry Como statue in front of the borough building—and conclude with a ‘50s-style sock hop the following Saturday.

The downtown festival will feature food booths, oldies bands, crafts, contests, a “Perry’s Playland” area for kids, a “Como Karaoke” competition and more.

Two of the main attractions will be the “Magic Moments Theater” that will screen Como’s television shows and a “Hoop De Doo” scavenger hunt.

While the festival will be on Pike Street, there will also be a formal birthday luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn sponsored by the Canonsburg Heritage Society on Saturday afternoon.

Borough Manager Terry Hazlett confirmed that interest in the event is high.

“We’ve received inquiries from all over the country, as well as several emails from England," he said. "Just last week, a gentleman in South Africa wanted the dates of the celebration so he could plan his vacation to the United States around it.”

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the sock hop (held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) closing out the celebration.

More details on the celebration will be released soon. Vendors wishing to participate in this unique event may contact Nadeen at 724-745-1515.