The Clarks and Black Ridge Play IC Light Kickoff and Rib Festival at Acrisure Stadium; Tour USS LST 325 Docked at North Shore (Fri., 8/30/24)

1) The IC Light Kick Off and Rib Festival is an end of the summer tradition. The festival features some of America’s top rib vendors reflecting the nation’s diverse barbecue tastes. Awards are given out to top vendors each year in categories according to expert judges and attendees. Adding great music to tasty ribs and cold beverages makes a perfect trifecta. Today’s entertainment is popular Pittsburgh rock acts The Clarks (9 p.m.) and Black Ridge (7:30 p.m.). Free admission. Continues through Labor Day. Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

A spotlight “sunflower” effect shines down on The Clarks as they play at Stage AE in 2019 (photo: Rick Handler)

2) You may have noticed an unusual war ship docked on the North Shore in the last several days. What is it? It is and LST—an abbreviation for Landing Ship Tank—specifically LST Ship Memorial 325. LSTs carried tanks, soldiers and other heavy equipment ready for action. Like much smaller landing craft the front of the ship had gates that would open and a ramp would be lowered for the tanks, soldiers and equipment to quickly hit the beach. USS 325 saw action during the D-Day invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach and later at Sicily. It is the last remaining fully operational World War II LST. Guided tours are offered from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Through Tuesday. The ship is docked on the North Shore near Heinz Field.

Editors note: The writer’s late father Richard Marshal Handler served in the Army’s Combat Engineers who used LSTs to bring on shore their heavy construction equipment and supplies during or soon after battles. His unit supported the troops in the Pacific battles of Leyte, Saipan, and Okinawa. Handler was also involved in booking entertainers for the troops.

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