Baby goats, classic cars show up for Leechburg fire department's 'Fun' event

It was all about the kids, classic cars, motorcycles and more for Fun on Wheels Day on Saturday that was sponsored by Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company.

Many volunteer fire departments canceled events during the covid-19 pandemic. To make up for lost time, Leechburg firefighters presented an event that wasn’t a major fundraiser but a community get-together.

The 10-hour extravaganza featured a flurry of events.

“We wanted to give back to the community and see them back out,” said Melissa Aller, a fire department trustee who organized the events. The event was more community outreach than a fundraiser, said Brian Scott, fire company president.

Leechburg firefighters said they wanted to give the community some things they would like to do — like pet baby goats and eat free hot dogs, cotton candy and Kona shaved ice. And, of course, touch a fire truck.

Adults got a classic car show, bike night and live music throughout the afternoon and into the evening

Specialty items turning the heads of children and adults alike were strawberry pretzels and other gourmet cupcakes served up by Rittner’s Farmhouse Bakery.

Lyla Atwood, 3, of Leechburg, tentatively held a cup of food for a small herd of young goats. She became their instant friend and asked her father Mike Atwood to help.

“She wanted to come here to see the ponies and feed the goats,” Atwood said. “It’s nice to keep the hometown thriving,” he said of the festivities.

Shirley Otwell of Leechburg brought her great-grandson ,Sylas Ward, 18 months years old, and family early Saturday.

“We came to see the animals and the fire trucks,” she said. “It’s early and it’s a beautiful day,” Otwell said, “Plus, we want to support our fire department.”

Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” and Chuck Berry’s “Johnny Be Good” serenaded the crowd as they perused rows of classic Chevys, Corvettes and many more.

Rich Hill of Monroeville brought his classic 1971 Chevrolet truck to his camp in Schenley, Gilpin Township, then to the fire company car show on Saturday.

“I love looking at all of the cars and trucks and hearing them,” he said.

Bob Sweitzer of Bethel and Barb Snyder of Jefferson Township attend car shows with Sweitzer’s classic Corvette throughout the region.

“We enjoy looking at the cars … and the people,” Snyder said.

The Leechburg fire company’s next big public event will be their annual carnival running from Sept. 20-24.