13-03-2025
Top-notch entertainment an economic boost for region
From big shows with big names to edgy theatrical productions and a first-class symphony orchestra, top-notch performances continue to be an economic boost for our region.
That's thanks to regional entertainment leaders who are in tune with what audiences (both young and old) want to see and hear. Some of the entertainers are even playing to sold-out audiences, made up of local patrons and people from neighboring counties and states.
As Chad Mearns, marketing and box office manager at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial in downtown Johnstown, told our Kelly Urban in our recent Vision 2025 special section, 'People are buying tickets and coming to Johnstown in increasing numbers, and that's not just from Pittsburgh. It's northern West Virginia, western Maryland and eastern Pennsylvania.
'People are coming into Johnstown and spending money. They're eating in restaurants, getting gas and staying the night in a hotel, so that helps the city in a lot of ways. It's something we take seriously and we're happy to add to the city's economy.'
Those same sentiments were echoed by Jerry Ledney, executive director of the Arcadia Theater in Windber.
He said, 'Most people will make a night of it and eat at one of the local restaurants, and we do hear that they are very busy on show nights.'
And it's just not the bigger venues. The Community Arts Center of Cambria County's Log Art Theatre productions attract people from across the region and state, as well as from out of state.
Angela R. Godin, executive director of the Westmont arts center, said, 'If people don't have family here, they're not just going out to eat; they are getting a hotel and staying. From the addresses we have from intake when we get a registration, we're seeing that this is not only crossing counties, but states, so people are coming to shows and adding to the economy.'
Adding to that is the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, drawing crowds with its music celebrating the community's strengths.
Erin Codey, JSO's executive director, said, 'We had our largest audience yet at our season-opening concert, two almost sold-out shows for December, and the February show sold out.'
Events are also drawing crowds at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in Richland Township and the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown.
And we look forward to the economy being bolstered even more by the many festivals throughout the summer and fall that will pack in the crowds.
