MOUNT UNION - Mount Union residents who told their stories in WPSU-TV's "Our Town: Mount Union" got a special sneak peek of the documentary Wednesday evening at Mount Union Area High School.
The documentary features community members from Mount Union who discuss various people, places and events in the town, as well as aspects of its history.
Those in the video attended a private showing prior to its over-the-air debut Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.
Whitney Chirdon, a producer at WPSU-TV who coordinates many of the "Our Town" programs, said those in attendance have the opportunity to see the video before it is broadcast, and to check for name spelling and accuracy.
"We're really excited to have you out here tonight," she said.
Chirdon said the Mount Union show is the 55th in the "Our Town" series.
"We've seen participation grow after each series," she said.
She added that the documentary project started in 1996.
"We believe we're here to share your stories," she said.
Laughter filled the room during parts of the viewing, and audience members' eyes lit up as they recognized people and places they hold near and dear to their hearts.
The program features a welcome from Mount Union's mayor Tim Allison, and 24 Mount Union residents and their stories. Some topics include historical sites, the Mount Union Library, Canal Era Days, a resident's story of what it was like to grow up in Mount Union, Mount Union's Relay for Life, the Festival of Trees, area parks, area industries, the water plant, Mount Union Area High School's renovation projects, the East Broad Top Railroad and music in the schools.
According to a press release by WPSU, the "Our Town" project, which has showcased a variety of different towns, was developed in an effort to involve the communities and their residents with WPSU-TV. The series adopted the concept of "day-in-the-life" picture books, which profile the people, places and happenings of a specific town or area. The "Our Town" series is intended to treat viewers to the many personalities, perspectives and possibilities local towns have to offer.
Previous "Our Town" programs have featured such areas as Bedford, Bellefonte, Huntingdon, DuBois, Lewistown and Somerset, the release states.
For more information visit www.wpsx.psu.edu.
