Mixers create the perfect atmosphere for learning about other key businesses in the area as well as sharing what you do in your own business. And when held in the breathtakingly beautiful ambiance of the Allegheny River valley, it makes for a pretty nice evening out!

A special thanks to all who participated and assisted in make the evening a wonderful success. We look forward to working with all we were able to connect with again in the future!

From Divani Chocolate (Showing 2 of 86 items)

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A few days before July 24th, 2008 I had been trying to capture the “best view” of the old Foxburg Bridge that my modest Minolta Dimage Z1 would afford. Then I noticed this little flower planted among the bushes on the edge of the river. After assuming some awkward positions in an attempt to include the little flower within composure, I managed to take several shots from the perspective of someone who must have witnessed the Foxburg Bridge throughout the season leading to it’s end.

A year ago today, a very special event was about to take place. Everyone was looking forward to it – some were very unhappy about it, a few were relieved and the rest I’d say, pretty neutral. We all knew it had to happen…and finally after putting in over a year of planning and construction, they imploded the historic Foxburg Bridge into the Allegheny. A legacy was blown up within moments!

There were lots of rumors surrounding the then Foxburg Bridge. I heard, “They are going to keep it and put little shops on it” and “They’ll just leave it there. After all it’s a piece of history”. Despite all hopes and anticipations, the authorities appeared to be fairly clear about what needed to be done. Someone said the old bridge could have collapsed anytime in future without warning and was simply a hazard given that it would not have been maintained. This would have rung the bells to anyone who used the old bridge or the Allegheny for work or leisure. So, inspite of all the controversy, finally the big day arrived and the town took a moment to pause, reflect and await the judgement.

Foxburg had been busy earlier in the season with not only visitors but also the crew responsible for constructing the new bridge. There were construction signs everywhere warning users of the bridge to expect delays and intervention by construction machinery. But that day there were more – the Discovery channel decided to capture the moment with their own sophisticated gear, there were emergency services sprawled all over as close to the bridge as possible, ready to intervene “just in case”, then there was the audience – both locals and visitors. Earlier, the town folks were asked to evacuate the town for safety reasons – although the authorities were confident that the implosion would go smoothly without damage to any structure or life, they wanted an extra layer of protection. A policeman patrolled the town and verified that the houses were actually vacated before the scheduled time for implosion. This, of course, gave the town-folk an opportunity to step out and witness the “big event” in its entirety.

Some people flocked to the bike trail and climbed down to the river-bank to secure a nice view. Others boated over on the Allegheny to peek at the scene from atop the river. There was an excitement about in the air – the kind you don’t experience in mundane life. Everyone was awaiting the spectacle and yet most of us wished it would never happen. All of us were deliberately quiet as if sitting in an opera or a movie theater. The last siren blew from the Foxburg Fire Hall to mark the beginning of the implosion. Soon, as we waited patiently with our hearts pounding, a spark was seen starting at the far right of the bridge travelling swiftly to the left followed by the blasting sound that had found its way through our earplugs. A series of clapping and cheering followed from the audience – pleased or upset, the people seemed to have come to terms with the reality of the moment.

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For those interested, the bridge identification plate and foundation stones of the old Foxburg Bridge can be found at Foxburg Free Library on Main Street in Foxburg.

Soon after the implosion, the old Foxburg Bridge, a piece of history as it was, made its way to the HistoricBridges.org website. A stream of amateur videos appeared on YouTube.com capturing the demolition scene. Please see one of my favorite videos below.

]]> http://gofoxburg.com/2009/foxburg-bridge-is-falling-down/feed/ 0 http://gofoxburg.com/2009/allegheny-river-excursion/ http://gofoxburg.com/2009/allegheny-river-excursion/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:00:35 +0000 Go Foxburg Admin http://www.gofoxburg.com/?p=277 If you listen closely, you may hear the waters calling out to you from the river’s edge. I could hear the beckoning when I moved to this quiet little town tucked in a valley of the Allegheny Plateau. Enchanted into dreaming, I saw visions of Lenape tribesmen gliding silently over the water. My senses drew inward like a breath, to a world that, one day, needed to be realized and after the passing of two summers, I could wait no more.

We (my husband and I) were supposed to go to the city for supplies that day, but as the hours melted in the summer sun, so did our ambition to proceed as planned. It was a simple choice, really. Race to downtown Pittsburgh at the peak of rush hour? Or transform a dream into reality. We chose the latter. Next thing I know, I’m headed for Parker.

We pulled into the lot overlooking that majestic temptress in all her shimmering glory, ready to trade our four wheeled rolling vehicle for something a little more… buoyant. And so it was. A feeling of surreal excitement radiated throughout my being as we entered the house of a new experience. Rows of life-jackets dutifully lined the walls, oars ready and waiting in their respective posts, a vast hall encompassing various floatable vessels, and a welcoming, “Hello there!” filled my senses. Ready was the moment and we were with it. As we were guided in the direction of attainment, we suited ourselves, selected our oars and hopped in the transport van which had earlier been graced with the object of our pursuit… a canoe. This trip from Foxburg to Parker marked our first time ever in a canoe on the river. “See you in a couple of days!”, teased the owner smilingly as he waved.

Riding to our launch point, feeling the breeze flowing through the open windows, I thought to myself, “This is the perfect day for an adventure” and when we pulled in to park and unload the canoe, the determination to make it back to Parker in the shortest amount of time possible assumed the driver’s seat of my ambitions. “Not only will we make it back today,” I thought jestingly, “but we’ll make it back in record time!”
“Enjoy your trip!” our guide wished us as we shoved off.

After spinning in circles from one end of Foxburg to the other, we finally got a feel for the water… and the boat! I abandoned my aspiration of being the fastest first time canoer of all and settled back into reality taking in the green, sunny scenery and the sights of wildlife. Breathing the fresh air and feeling the working of muscles that I had forgotten I had, as we paddled forth. For a moment, the Lenape appeared beneath the shadows of the trees, seamlessly slicing through the water on their craft.

We ventured in to the Clarion River and back out again, continuing down the Allegheny over tiny rapids, past some fishermen and back to our starting point at Parker’s Landing. By the time we returned, we were like seasoned professionals steering straight to the cement slope to reconvene with dry land.

What a refreshing way to spend an afternoon. Out on the open waters without a care in the world. Anything less than a storytelling would not have done the experience justice. Less than an experience would not do anything justice! Summer time is short, but the daylight showers us with the opportunity to experience new things. Or if not something new, then something loved. So, if you haven’t yet, then do. If you already have, then do again. The waters are calling you.

EPILOGUE
Parkers Landing makes your canoeing experience easier and more accessible. All you really need to do is show up! The friendly staff there will help you pick your canoe, oars and life jacket. You will then load up the canoe on their van and proceed to your chosen launch point which would depend on how much distance you wish to cover canoeing. Parkers Landing has various designated launch points for different routes. Other than canoes, they also have kayaks as well as inflatable circular rafts perfect for an afternoon on the river with friends. For more details and pricing, please visit their website.

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