Families, kids and pets enjoy Halloween-themed fall fest in Oakmont

There were kids in costumes, adults in costumes and pets in costumes at a Halloween-themed fall festival Saturday along Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont.

The street was jammed with visitors from around the area who enjoyed a morning parade, food booths, pumpkin decorating, train rides for kids, a DJ and a costume and pet costume contests.

The event was sponsored by the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce.

John and Shannon Watters, a couple from Fox Chapel, enjoying the atmosphere with their dog, Lucy.

“I think Oakmont is the quintessential Pennsylvania town. They’ve got the brick lined streets, all local vendors, kids walking around in costumes, great food. It’s a nice way to spend a fall day,” John said.

“It feels like a step back in time, it’s so safe and family-centric,” Shannon said.

As for the food, there was plenty of everything from barbeque to Italian. And one couldn’t go wrong with what Chey White of St. Paul Baptist Church was serving up, including natural casing smoked kielbasa and homemade mac and cheese.

Up and across the street, Conny Creek Brewing Co. of Allegheny Township was serving a variety of craft beers to wash everything down with.

“People try the beer. It’s good to get the name out there and then the goal is to get them to come back to your main establishment,” owner/brewer Lee Layton said. “We have food there. Our food is excellent and that’s a big draw for people as well - knowing that you have food.”

Layton said the decision to come to the fall festival in Oakmont was a no-brainer.

“It’s well organized and well attended.”