By Hayden Schultz, New Castle News

Last week was filled by the Fourth of July and fireworks, but this week brings a variety of events to pick from.

Starting with the outdoor events, the annual Slovenefest takes place this weekend along with Briar Brook Barn’s sale event with antiques, crafted goods, Amish doughnuts and specialty coffee.

Moraine State Park is hosting two more events this weekend focusing on fly fishing and historical industrial equipment.

If history and industrial machinery is of interest, check out equipment demonstrations and history related to the Muddy Creek Oil Field on Saturday at Moraine. Also on Saturday is the West Pittsburgh Stationfest, a train-focused extravaganza.

If you want to beat the weekend heat, take a trip to the New Castle Playhouse for “The SpongeBob Musical,” New Life Baptist Church for a gospel concert or the New Castle Public Library for speed friending.

•LIVE MUSIC: Classic Rockers take the Riverwalk Park stage on Friday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. downtown with a food truck from Haitian Sensation. In Ellwood City at the community plaza downtown, D-Major takes the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday. In Neshannock Township’s Pearson Park, Trainwreck will play classic rock and modern country from 3 to 5 p.m.

•SPEED FRIENDING: 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 12, New Castle Public Library. Hosted by Oneness of Lawrence County. Event is similar to speed dating, only to meet new friends. To RSVP, call the library at (724) 658-6659 and ask to speak to Carissa Neary.

•GOSPEL CONCERT: 7 p.m. July 12, New Life Baptist Church, 3414 State Route 208, New Wilmington. Featuring Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Tickets $15, available online at nlbc.church. Proceeds benefit Bread Basket food pantry in New Castle. (724) 946-2816. Band information at https://www.erniehaase.com/

•WILMINGTON AREA HIGH SCHOOL ALL-CLASS REUNION: July 12, River Valley Community Resource Center (former Pulaski Elementary School). Social hour at 5:30 p.m.; banquet at 6:30 p.m. $35 per person, checks payable to WAHS Alumni Association. Reservations should be sent to Myrna Young, 358 Pine Spring Drive, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 or call (724) 530-2992 with reservation. The reunion is for graduates from 1934 to 1979. Honorees will be the Class of 1974. The 2024 scholarship recipients will be recognized.

•INTRO TO FLY FISHING: 5 to 8 p.m. July 12, 528 Bridge Boat Launch Area, Moraine State Park. Join park staff to dive into the basics of fly fishing such as how to set up a fly-fishing rig, cast a fly rod, tie knots, pointers on what flies to use, and what’s going on under the water. After the lesson, you’ll have a chance to use your new skills by fishing in Lake Arthur. During the program, a fishing license is not required, and all equipment is provided by the park but feel free to bring your own. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring a drink and snacks if desired. Program is for anyone 12 and up, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/intro-to-fly-fishing

•SLOVENEFEST: July 12-14, SNPJ, 270 Martin Road, Enon Valley. Featuring the food, music and culture of Slovenia. Day passes are $10 for Friday and Sunday and $15 for Saturday. A $30 three-day pass is also available. Free admission for children under 16. Free parking. Learn more at slovenefest.com.

•”THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL”: 7:30 p.m. July 12, 13, and 2 p.m. July 14, New Castle Playhouse, 212 E. Long Ave. For tickets, call (724) or visit newcastleplayhouse.org.

•WEST PITTSBURG STATIONFEST: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13, West Pittsburg Train Station, 805 9th St. Antique tractors and stationary engines, classic car cruise, Fort Pitt HiRailers, model train display, music by D.J. Jan Smith and a Scottish bagpiper, food trucks, auctions, raffles, craft vendors. Sponsored by the Beaver-Lawrence Railway Historical Society. For more information, email messugar@gmail.com.

•MUDDY CREEK OIL FIELD LIVING HISTORY DEMONSTRATION: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13, Park Road, Moraine State Park. The Bessemer Gas Engine and Marshall-Barr No. 19 oil well equipment is restored and open for visitors to hear and see the industry that powered this region.

•BARN SALE: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13 and 14, Briar Brook Barn, 330 Eastbrook Neshannock Falls Road. Home decor, antiques, handcrafted goods and more. Fresh Amish doughnuts July 13. Yo Momma’s food truck, specialty coffee both days. Farmers Market on July 13, Makers Market July 14.Hayden Schultz is a student at Slippery Rock University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Hayden is interning with the New Castle News.