Mt. Pleasant prepares for first Glass & Ethnic Festival without beloved longtime mayor

Mt. Pleasant Borough Manager Jeff Landy recalls that, in years past, planning the borough’s annual Glass & Ethnic Festival was filled with laughter and humor. This year, however, things were different.

“It’s an empty feeling,” Landy said.

On Friday, Mt. Pleasant will kick off its first Glass & Ethnic Festival without beloved Mayor Gerald Lucia, who died unexpectedly in December at 76.

Lucia — who served as the borough’s mayor for 36 years and its fire chief for 31 years — co-founded the festival with Landy in 1987.

The three-day event aims to honor the borough’s heritage and glass industry.

Landy anticipates the 2022 festival won’t feel the same without Lucia.

“Jerry’s impact was more of a driving force,” he said. “He would be the one to push to make sure that a lot of events happen and keep the tradition going on.”

The festival will remember Lucia and his legacy in several ways. Jackets and signs will honor the former mayor, and Lucia’s family will serve as marshals in Saturday’s parade.

In addition, the YMCA of Laurel Highlands will host the inaugural Jerry Memorial Walk through Mt. Pleasant on Saturday morning. Bea Jarbeck-Burk, the YMCA’s fitness director, knew Lucia well.

“I think (the walk is) a nice way to honor him because he was a big part of the fiber of Mt. Pleasant,” Jarbeck-Burk said. “He was everywhere, literally.”

No matter where you went in the community, Lucia’s stamp was there, Mayor Diane Bailey said. He often was seen walking the borough’s streets or answering phone calls from people who needed his help.

“He was a person you felt would be around forever,” Bailey said. “You never, ever anticipated him not being here.”

Lucia left the community in “good shape,” said Bailey, who filled the vacant mayoral seat in January. Since she began her term, she’s trying to keep the community running smoothly while paying attention to citizens’ needs and keeping up with the world.

“I’m trying to move the town forward but keep it the same,” Bailey said.

Festival details

The Glass & Ethnic Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Friday’s schedule will feature a performance by rock band Molly Hatchet, a glass auction, balloon launch and pumpkin carver.

Planned events Saturday include the Main Street Parade, a pizza eating contest, pageant and balloon launch. The Jerry Memorial Walk, which is free, will take place at 8 a.m. at Frick Park.

Sunday will feature square dancing, Kids Fest and a fireworks show to conclude the festival.

A free shuttle service will be available throughout the weekend.

The full festival schedule and further details can be found on the festival’s website and Facebook page.