The world’s largest rubber duck is splash landing at Idlewild this summer.
Idlewild is one of many amusement parks in the Pittsburgh area. They opened May 24 and this is the 148th season.
“I go every year with my family,” junior Mariah Mann said. “I have two younger siblings and it’s something we enjoy doing together. Personally, I am very excited that they are adding the rubber duck; I think it will bring some personality to the park.”
An example of a season pass to Idewild
Photo by: Ever Schmidt
The rubber duck is going to be part of a special event from June 27-29 at Idlewild as a part of duck themed games and merchandise, according to CBS News. This year is going to be the first since 2013 that the duck is visiting the Pittsburgh area.
“I have gone since I was a little kid, even now that I am an adult,” math teacher Mr. Jake Cole said. “My daughter is a little over two years old and this is going to be the first year we are going to be taking her.”
Many people, like Mr. Cole, have gone from a young age and continue to go with their families. Now, as summer approaches, people are ready to enjoy the water again. Health and Physical Education teacher Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch has season passes.
“I have season passes and I’m going to take my daughter,” Mrs. Lukatch said. “We have already gone once this year and have more fun memories.”
Some teenage girls at GS are losing their minds after watching The Summer I Turned Pretty season three teaser trailer.
The trailer came out on April 24 and many want to know which brother the main character Belly will choose.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” book trilogy.
Photo Courtesy: Ava Richards
“I think it’s a big debate because usually teen romance books and shows is popular, and with things like TikTok, it makes it easier to debate things with more people to see,” senior Abegail Spaugy said.
Many fans get in heated arguments over this topic on social media.
“I am team Conrad just because the way he treats Belly in my opinion is more genuine,” Spaugy said. “I also think Conrad is better looking, so that helps his case. The scene on the beach made me a huge fan.”
Author of the books Jenny Han has made it a point to have Belly jump back and forth with both brothers.
“I’m on neither team,” junior Eden Wilson said. “Both boys have good and bad qualities to themselves making me not think either one is good for her. If I could, I would be team anti-Belly.”
According to an instagram poll, most fans tend to favor Conrad, but his brother Jeremiah also has a handful of defenders.
“I’ve had people explain to me why they’re team Conrad, that he is just simply meant to be with Belly, and I don’t see the appeal,” senior Cecilia Ecklund said. “I think a lot of people prefer a brooding character, but to me, he is often emotionally distant and honestly pretty toxic.”
In the third book, Belly chooses Conrad at the end, but Jenny Han has teased switching the plot.
The third and final book of the trilogy, published in 2011.
Photo Courtesy: Ava Richards
“I’m on team Jeremiah, not because I think he should end up with Belly, but because he is the better option,” Ecklund said. “He is emotionally available, has good communication, and has a fun personality. He offers a much healthier relationship if
Belly were to choose him.”
Spaugy, however, feels the complete opposite, saying he “sucks” and
“constantly” makes Belly feel bad.
“I usually prefer the books over show adaptations, but in this case the show is better,” Ecklund said. “There is more complexity in the storyline and the characters that the book just doesn’t cover.”
The community is soaking up the sounds that carried them through the past three months as the summer season events end.
The summertime was packed full of concerts, markets and other events to keep locals busy over break. The festivities kicked off with Elton Rohn, the Elton John tribute band, at St. Clair Park for SummerSounds.
Elton Rohn performs at St. Clair Park for SummerSounds.
Photo Courtesy: David Baldinger
SummerSounds is an annual free concert series put together entirely by 50 volunteers who present Greensburg with a wide variety of musicians over 14 weeks. Preshows lasted from 6:15 to 6:45, the main show then starting at 7 p.m.
“It’s a very exciting thing,” junior Maddox Kunkle said. “I think it’s done very professionally, it’s more top-of-the-line.”
The SummerSounds lineup included various tributes and original acts to appeal to music lovers of all ages. This summer’s end marks 24 years of concerts for SummerSounds with more to come under new management from the Greensburg Community Development Corporation.
“Because it’s free, anyone could go if they wanted,” Kunkle added. “People might’ve even been in for a surprise with what bands they saw.”
Once a month on select Thursdays from April through December, the Greensburg Night Market is active across four city blocks with over 140 vendors selling foods, art, jewelry and much more.
A typical view of the street during the Greensburg Night Market.
Photo Courtesy: Alex Newill
“The turnout for all the markets was pretty good this year,” owner and founder of the Night Market Ms. Jessica Hickey said.
The Greensburg Vintage Market was also active throughout the summer season. Over 50 vendors gather throughout St. Clair Park and the parking lot behind the Amphitheatre, selling vintage décor, collectables, clothing and other vintage items along with food and plants.
The vintage market set up.
Photo Courtesy: Alex Newill
“The heat can be a bit of a challenge during the summertime,” Ms. Hickey said. “We had a couple hot markets, but our water refill station and being in the park for some shade helped a lot.”
On August 16, GS held the annual Back to School Bash at Offutt Field to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
“It seemed pretty crowded, and everyone had a great time,” Associate to the Superintendent and Back to School Bash Coordinator Mrs. Kayla Tamer said. “It was an exciting night.”
The Bash was in conjunction with Mini-THON, which provided students and families with the dunk tank and cornhole fundraiser at the event. There were over 25 community vendors, 10 student organizations and five food vendors.
Mr. Nick DeMary sits in the dunk tank.
Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Tamer
“It was a team approach,” Mrs. Tamer added. “The layout this year was a little bit different, we recognized the athletes and activities in the middle. I think the weather kept some people away, but overall, it was really fun.”
On August 24, the Greensburg Music Fest was back for the 6thconsecutive year. This year’s festival was spread throughout three locations with five stages total and 15 bands who played throughout the day. The Music Fest is presented by the Westmorland Cultural trust in partnership with Green Beacon Gallery and Band Together Pittsburgh.
“It was a fantastic experience,” senior Wesley Heverly said. “The talent from the kids who are a part of Band Together was mind blowing.”
Band Together Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization that creates music with musicians on the autism spectrum. Heverly had the pleasure of participating in the event at St. Clair Park and helped promote it with posters he made himself.
Greensburg always has something to look forward to, but especially during the summertime. Each of these events will be back around next year, with an all-new lineup of bands with SummerSounds for students and Greensburg locals to enjoy.
“It’s always tough to see the summer end because of the events that occur during the season,” Greensburg Mayor Robert Bell said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the results of this past summer’s event calendar. Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce a few new events for next year.”
The Lions' Den 