Though it rained -- literally -- on the Buhl Day parade Monday, showers didn't stop the 24th annual Labor Day festivities in the Shenango Valley.

Although some marching bands backed out of the parade and more than a few people likely stayed indoors instead of heading to Buhl Farm in Hermitage, stalwarts including 2002 honoree Olive Thompson kept the party going.

As she has every other year, Mrs. Thompson waved two American flags as she marched alongside other members of the Shenango Valley Walking Club. Local politicians, fire brigades and members of civic organizations rolled by beeping, waving and tossing candy to children.

And dreary as it was, soaking weather didn't keep Bryan Grove of Hermitage from attending the event that honors Sharon industrialist and philanthropist Frank H. Buhl and his wife, Julia Forker Buhl.

Grove, of Woodside Drive, said he was happy for a day off work. He and his son Eric, 11, watched the parade from under an awning along East State Street.

"I haven't missed a parade since (Buhl Day) started," he said. "It's a little tradition. My daughter is grown now, but I have my son here. We plan to go to the park after the parade and do our traditional pirogis and sausage sandwiches."

While some watched the parade from vehicles, Pat Brady of Sharon sat with friends on chairs lining East State Street.

"I came out to support the community," Mrs. Brady said from under her umbrella. "Even if it's raining, you can always find a bright spot here to have fun."

Previous Buhl Day celebrations have brought "sunshine, heat, rain and cold," said Sue McLaughlin, co-chairwoman and committee secretary.

"Our motto has always been the show will go on," she said. "It's amazing the people who have come out and we're grateful for their support."

A scattered number of people in the park watched opening ceremonies, which began with a flag-raising and 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League Detachment 788 of New Castle and singing of the national anthem by the West Middlesex High School Nightingales. Music and entertainment followed the ceremony during which this year's honorees -- former Sharon Mayor Robert T. Price, Adele Dengel and local lawyer Mike Ristvey -- were recognized.

Because of the weather, minor adjustments were made to accommodate all of the day's activities, such as moving the children's games and activities to the Casino. Other activities included a show by the Valley Arts Guild, a 5-kilometer foot race, a flute choir, synchronized swimming by Buhl Mermaids, a climbing wall and a children's magic show.

Ms. McLaughlin said nothing would be canceled "unless the weather changes. But we intend not to cancel anything."

Staying dry and indulging in yummy food seemed to be the trend as festival-goers enjoyed the company of their families and friends. Colorful arrays of ponchos and umbrellas decorated the park most of the day. Mixed aromas of various fair food lingered. And though the rain kept the crowd numbers lower than expected, vendors seemed happy with business.

At the booth of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, the favorites seemed to be kielbasi with sauerkraut and Italian sausage with peppers and sauce. Members of the Hermitage church Lee Reale, Dorothy Drivere and the pastor's wife, Pat Rowe, served food from under a dry tent.

"We're doing just fine considering the weather," Ms. Reale said.

"Our food is wonderful, that's why," Ms. Drivere added.

About six people kept busy rolling out dough for St. Paul's United Church of Christ's beloved elephant ears, a "hot item" among Buhl Day visitors. For eight years, the Hermitage congregation has sold the crusty treat covered in cinnamon or powdered sugar on Buhl Day, said church member Chris Bobby.

"It's been pretty consistent," he said of business. "We obviously do better on dry days, but it's pretty decent."

Robert Mitchell Sr. of Hermitage and his two grandsons, David Mitchell Jr., 11, and Michael Mitchell, 10, stood near picnic tables gorging on those elephant ears. Mitchell Sr. said they come every year for the treat that they planned to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"We pace it out," he laughed. "It's the only place we can get them and it's only once a year."

Buhl Day was reinstituted as a community event in 1979. The daylong activities, which start with the parade and normally conclude with fireworks, honor the memory of the Buhls, who donated Buhl Farm park for the community's enjoyment.

It takes many people to put the event together; this year that consisted of four co-chairpersons, 29 committee members, benefactors and donors. Each year, thousands of dollars must be raised to help pay for Buhl Day, which is funded entirely by donations, said Jim Feeney, president of Buhl Trustees.

Buhl Day normally attracts about 35,000 people, but Ms. McLaughlin predicted a significantly lower number this year.

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