Aspinwall neighbors host “major” community event at county ball fields

Joanna Studeny of Aspinwall couldn’t stop smiling as she watched her young daughter make new friends at the community ball field.

Four-year-old June Mastrangelo had no qualms about blowing bubbles or jumping into a pile of foam sprayed by Camp Guyasuta volunteers – and not to receive a merit badge or an award for her work.

She and dozens of other kids were just having a little fun Friday at the annual Aspinwall Neighbors Big Night Out celebration at the Aspinwall Recreational Site on Field Avenue.

“She’s been talking about it since last year,” Studeny said. “I think it’s so sweet. It’s exciting for me because they love it so much. It’s fun to see other people in the community and people having businesses and setting up booths.”

One of June’s new friends was 6-year-old Ellie Fitch from Aspinwall. She modelled while June tried to dress her in the latest bubble fashion.

Ellie’s father, Adam Fitch, said the event was a great opportunity for families to do a really fun activity before the start of the school year.

“Everyone is really nice and there are cool things for the kids,” Fitch said. “Families come here and have fun. It’s a great time and a lot of fun for everyone. They meet their friends from daycare or school that they may not have seen in a while because there’s a lot going on in the summer.”

“They get to see some of their friends again and meet new ones. My kids also like the bouncy house, so I let them jump around in it for a while. It’s pretty entertaining. We’ve been here for a few years now.”

Admission was free.

In addition to the bouncy castles, there were games, face painting, photo booths, information booths from various organizations and a neighborhood lounge where adults could sample beverages from local distilleries and breweries.

Local emergency responders had their emergency vehicles available for families to explore. Aspinwall police handed out coloring books and firefighters gave away plastic helmets.

Big Night Out is a summer tradition that dates back more than a decade.

Last year around 1,500 people took part.

A team of volunteers is required to help coordinate all aspects of this three-hour event.

Sarah Shaffer, president of Aspinwall Neighbors, said they usually start planning in January or early February.

“It’s going really well,” Shaffer said. “I think the turnout is great. It looks like people are having fun.”

DJ Coco Bee set the mood shortly before the performance of the Pittsburgh band Paging Doctor Moon.

The layout remained essentially the same as in previous years.

The biggest change has been in the food. Several restaurants offered free samples last year, but they all sold out within the first hour.

This time, businesses like Spice Affair and Cornerstone Restaurant Bar & Catering brought a lot more.

Casa Del Sole donated 30 large pizzas as a fundraiser for Aspinwall Tee Ball. The youth sports association sold the pizza as well as hot dogs, fruit cups and walking tacos at the concession stand.

Tyler Brown recently moved to Aspinwall and became Sous Chef at Cornerstone in March. Big Night Out was his first major community event.

“Cornerstone is doing great,” Brown said. “We have really good food and very fair prices. That’s a big deal, especially in smaller communities. That’s something that’s very nice, especially for the surrounding communities.”

Aspinwall Neighbors volunteers also made cotton candy and handed out free popcorn.

Sponsors included State Farm, Print Tech, UPMC St. Margaret Hospital, The District Association and blink.

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Aspinwall Neighbors also partnered with the community and the Pennsylvania Resources Council to make Big Night Out a zero-waste event. This was the third year of this partnership, which is focused on reducing the amount of trash in landfills and increasing recycling and sustainability.

There were several stations throughout the playing fields with separate containers for garbage, plastic and other items.

Lecture on grants

Big Night Out also served as the de facto launch of a new Aspinwall Neighbors funding program.

The advocacy group partnered with RE/MAX Select Realty to offer residents $1,000 grants for community projects.

Real estate agent Patti McCaffrey said she was able to present Shaffer’s grant idea to owner Ed Rae earlier this year, and he jumped at the chance to help.

“He liked the idea of ​​community involvement and couldn’t wait to sign up and be a part of it,” said McCaffrey, who had an information booth.

“This is the best year ever,” McCaffrey said of the event. “Everyone is smiling and happy and there’s something for everyone. Where else can you get together as a family and experience all of this in one place? It brings all the neighbors and vendors together. It’s a great way to be even more integrated into the community.”

The grant can be applied for online at aspinallneighbors.org.