The 2008 Carnegie Arts and Heritage Festival promises to be a true community event this year.

Not only are the music, entertainment and activities being expanded, but the volunteer planners for the three-day festival represent a cross section of the borough -- public officials, business people and residents of all ages.

Forty volunteers have been gathering for several months to organize the 18th annual festival, set for Sept. 4-6. Council President Bob Kollar said the door is open to anyone who would like to join in the planning. The next planning session will be held at 7 p.m. July 30 in the municipal building.

But Mr. Kollar and Leigh White, executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corp., who is serving as festival chairwoman, said more volunteers are always needed, both for planning and for working the festival in three- to four-hour shifts.

Some of the changes for this year include adding a variety of music, such as country and rock 'n' roll, to the traditional blues bands that have attracted crowds. Twenty-five bands will perform on two stages.

Boosted by a $10,000 donation from Adventist Community Services, a variety of amusements will be offered for children and youth. Melissa Standish is handling children's activities. In honor of the watchman's tower -- a longtime symbol of Carnegie's railroad heritage that is to be dedicated this summer -- a children's train will be part of the event.

"There is an emphasis on children and youth that was not there in the past," said Councilwoman Dorothy Kelly.

Festival organizers are looking for arts and crafts exhibitors, too, who would like to sell their wares at the event. Food vendors will be in a food court area.

Planners haven't forgotten local businesses, particularly restaurants and bars. To provide these businesses with a chance to attract the large crowds that typically attend the festival, this year's event will close an hour earlier on Friday and Saturday nights, allowing time for festival-goers who aren't ready to go home to patronize the restaurants and clubs, some of which are considering offering entertainment.

Hours for the festival are 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 4 and noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 and 6. For information, visit www.carnegieartsandheritage.com. To contact Mrs. White at the Carnegie Community Development Corp., call 412-279-5456.