Rain threat spurs move of some Willie Thrower anniversary events to Valley High School

Rain has forced a change in events planned Saturday in New Kensington for the 70th anniversary of city native Willie Thrower’s first snap as an NFL quarterback.

Because of the anticipation of rain, the community day and cookout, as well as several other events scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., have been moved from outdoors in downtown New Kensington to indoors at Valley High School, Mayor Tom Guzzo said.

On Oct. 18, 1953, Thrower became the first Black quarterback to take a snap in the NFL. Festivities celebrating the anniversary are scheduled for Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, the anniversary date.

Weather should not be an issue for the first Willie Thrower Homecoming Parade and Homecoming Festival and Senior Recognition Night, both Thursday night. There is no chance of precipitation, National Weather Service meteorologist Alicia Miller said.

But it’s a different matter on Saturday, the day which has the most events and activities scheduled.

“Saturday is not going to be good. We have a pretty close to 100% chance of rain,” Miller said.

The community day and cookout now will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the main gymnasium at Valley High School.

Other scheduled events are a Kids’ Korner with face painting, coloring, bounce and play slides, balloon twisting, games and prizes at 11 a.m.; the Willie Thrower “1st Snap” essay contest readings and announcement of winners at noon; strolling magic with Weird Eric from 1 to 2 p.m.; children’s tables hosted by community organizations and science and art project displays from 1 to 3 p.m.; hot dogs and burgers from 1 to 3 p.m.; and the Baron “BB” Flenory Skills and Drills basketball camp from 2 to 4 p.m.

Rain is expected to end Sunday morning, Miller said.

Sunday’s scheduled events are a neighborhood 5K walkathon benefiting the American Heart Association from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning and ending at Feldarelli Square, 2300 Freeport Road; and Penn State student athlete skills demonstrations from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and a football skills camp from 3 to 4 p.m., both at Valley High School.

On Wednesday, a live radio broadcast hosted by Pittsburgh Sports Radio 93.7 The Fan with Ron Cook and Joe Starkey is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school. A livestream of “The Evolution of the Black Quarterback Podcast” hosted by The Willie Thrower Award Foundation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. at Strange Roots, 977 Fifth Ave.