by justin strawser
TREVORTON - During the final Sunday moments of Trevorton Heritage Days, Cheyenne Popewczak and her father embraced with a guitar between them at the foundry and pool house.
Moments before, the 15-year-old Shamokin girl sang a surprise original song for Lenny Popewczak during the event's talent show.
Entitled "Stay Strong," the song was written four days ago because her father had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer last month.
Cheyenne, who has been playing guitar for eight years and singing for 11, would later win $25 by round of applause for her performance against six other acts
This, and the other scheduled events during the two-day festival, impressed Zerbe Township Supervisor Mike Mazer.
"We've been trying to bring in new things and breathe new life into the town," said Mazer, who assisted the Heritage Days Committee with organizer the inaugural event.
Instead of focusing on the places that have closed down, including the pool grounds, they have taken the property and used it for something different.
"It's rewarding for all of us," he said.
The goal, said Mazer, is to revitalize the area, a plan which includes installing playground equipment.
He and Mindy Shingara, event organizer, both said that each individual event worked for the village residents and visitors. They noted the success of the parade, trolly rides and campfire tales Saturday.
Inside the former pool house, several displays featured photographs and memorabilia throughout Trevorton's history, proved to be a popular attraction, they said.
"We didn't hear one negative comment," said Shingara. "Everything went as planned."
While they didn't have an estimate of attendees, Mazer said the organizations who were selling food planned for two days, but ran out of food the first night and were forced to cook more for Sunday.
Shingara said she hopes this festival brings attention to the fall festival and Christmas celebration being planned for later this year. She also sees promise in having live monthly entertainment next summer's Heritage Days.