Hometown celebration coming Sept. 19

The inaugural Keystone Hometown Celebration takes place on Sept. 19.

The brainchild of new Keystone Area Chamber of Commerce director Robin Pladson, the celebration is a way to bring the community together and offer a shoulder season event to tourists. Pladson, who began her tenure as chamber director this summer, is hoping to bring one event per month to the tiny town.

The celebration will feature all sorts of events for locals and tourists alike. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a farmers market near the Keystone Community Center featuring vegetables, fruits and foods from all over the region. A community-wide rummage sale will also take place throughout residences in Keystone. Both the market and rummage sale will run all day.

At noon the 1880 Train Depot will feature pictures with Chug. A historical costume contest near Big Thunder Gold Mine takes place at 1 p.m. The site also features Captain Jack Crawford spinning tales of the Wild West at 2 p.m.

A carnival featuring family friendly games and activities will take place at 3 p.m., alongside the “bridge to nowhere” property on Madill Street in Old Keystone. Softball is returning to the town in the late afternoon with teams ready to take the field around 4 p.m.

The event culminates at Watson Park at 5 p.m. with music from Tiffany Johnson and free food. Johnson is a local songwriter/artist with a passion for sharing her music.

“One of the things I appreciate most about playing music is when I can make a connection with someone else through my songs,” Johnson said. “I think we all experience similar emotions throughout life so when someone can relate to one of my songs that’s really special.

“Local events such as the Keystone Hometown Celebration are events where people come out to support local businesses and reconnect with each other. It’s a really positive thing and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Pladson has applied for grants to offset the cost of the event. She recently created the first annual Keystone Veteran’s Rally and Ride, which drew over 50 bikers to the tiny town and raised over $2,700 for Veteran’s Helping Hands program.