Clarion Area Honors Teams, Band, Cheer And Dance Squads With 2024 Fall Sports Kickoff and Bonfire Celebration

Unless otherwise noted Clarion Area Bonfire photos by Clarion Area Technology Director, Jim Smyton

Clarion Area held their 2024 Fall Sports Kickoff and Bonfire Celebration at Wiser Field, behind Clarion Area High School last evening (Thursday, August 22nd), before a sizeable crowd.

The event recognizes participants in Clarion Area fall sports, as well as teams in which Clarion Area kids are part of in co-ops, North Clarion and Clarion-Limestone. The event also recognizes the Band, Dance Team and Cheer Squad.

(Clarion-Limestone held their Celebration last Friday,August16th; we share photos by Maria Wilson on from that event below.)

The Clarion Area celebration recognizes participants in Clarion Area fall sports, as well as teams in which Clarion Area kids are part of in co-ops. The event also recognizes the Band, Dance Team and Cheer Squad.

Emcee for the event was Doug Klein, who did his usual great job, as he has done every year since it’s inception in 2010.

The members of the various squads ran through the “human tunnel” as they were introduced by name, including the Clarion Area Bobcats Volleyball Team; Central Clarion Wildcats Boys Soccer Team; Central Clarion Wildcats Girls Soccer Team; Central Clarion Wildcats Football Team; Central Clarion Wildcats Marching Band; Clarion Area Bobcats Boys Golf Team; Central Clarion Wildcats Boys and Girls Soccer;

Central Clarion Wildcats Boys and Girls Soccer; Central Clarion Wildcats Boys and Girls Cross Country; Central Clarion Wildcats Cheerleaders; and Central Clarion Wildcats Dance Team.

A new feature this year was the Hotdog launcher, which sent foil wrapped hotdogs, complete with condiments into the stands, all provided by the Clarion Area Music Boosters concession stand which was in operation throughout.

The proceeds of The Clarion Area Music Boosters stand goes toward Clarion Area’s general music fund and supports the concert band, choral, and general music programs. Funding from the organization is used to provide for new instruments, instrument repair, music purchases, materials for general music, and other equipment necessary for these programs.

The celebration was coordinated by Laura Burford. This was her last year with those duties, which she has handed over to Beth Uckert for next year.

One of the most anticipated events as it is every year, is the judging of the pallets, decorated by the original squads. After the winner is presented with the trophy by Clarion Area Elementary Principal Roger Walter. This year’s winner was the Wildcat Football Team.

Then everyone heads over to the bonfire area, with the pallets being added for more fuel, prior to lighting by members of Clarion Fire & Hose Company No. 1, which have safely managed the bonfire, since the event’s inception.

Doug shared this just prior to the Bonfire: “Earlier we thanked the individuals and organizations that made tonight happen. We also thank you, the parents who drive the students to and from countless camps, practices, and games… Clarion Area, along with our co-op schools, North Clarion and Clarion-Limestone can be vey proud to have such fine students to represent them.

It is really a comunity coming together for the greater good of the community.

Good luck to all the teams this fall season and a ‘big thank you’ to our marching band for being our number one fans.

Here are photos from Maria Wilson from the C-L Celebration:

The Celebration honored the Clarion-Limestone teams and their co-op teams.

(Have Great Seasons, Fall Sports Teams!!!! Thanks to Jim Smyton, Maria Wilson and Matt Lerch for their photos!!)