Out & About: Fort Ligonier’s signature Cannon Ball draws 250+ guests
Share this post:
Even though his heritage is Polish, Mark Kozelek of Cincinnati attended the Fort Ligonier Cannon Ball in full Scottish regalia.
From the Glengarry hat on his head to the brogues on his feet, with kilt and sporran in between, he was the very model of a proper Highlands clansman.
“I’m just a Highlands dress enthusiast,” Kozelek said.
He was among more than 250 guests at the event held Friday evening on the grounds of the Ligonier historical complex that dates back to 1758. Organizers gambled on hosting the crowd outdoors and were rewarded with warm temperatures and clear skies.
Kozelek said he is a student of another guest, Brett Walker, a historical re-enactor, English country dance instructor and shoemaker who works with the fort’s large collection of 18th-century archaeological shoes.
“I wanted to make a pair of riding boots, but he told me that was not the best place to start,” Kozelek said. Instead, he’s working on his first, much simpler pair.
Guests were delighted to mingle with George Washington, in the person of historical portrayer Dean Malissa, who also served as the Cannon Ball chairman.
Before he was the father of his country, the 22-year-old Lt. Col. Washington spent time at the fort in late 1758 during a mission to capture the French Fort Duquesne, at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in what is now Pittsburgh.
[gps-image name=”5439518_web1_gtr-oa-fort6-091822.jpg”]
The signature fundraising event included lively fiddle music by Andrew Bronkaj, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres by Vallozzi’s and live and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting the fort’s ongoing preservation and educational programs. Among auction items was dinner with Malissa at a rustic residence in the Ligonier area that dates back to the late 1700s.
Fort Ligonier Director Mary Manges, board Chairman Ron Petnuch and board Vice President David Roderick welcomed guests.
Seen: Charles III and Stephanie Fagan, Tom and Nancy Donchez, Bill and Pam Stablein, Art and Cheryl McMullen, Dirk and Theresa Matson, Paul and Mandy Sirofchuck, Ron and Theresa Gay Rohall, Phil and Gladys Light, Terry Graft and Linda Brown, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Dr. Bill Choby, Bryan and Jessica Vogelsang, Ted Neilson, Dave Byers, Joseph and Jennifer Benford, Megan Welty, Dylan Marshall, Christine Reisz, Carl and Molly Metzger, Lee and Merri Corbett, Matt Gault and Julie Donovan.