Mingle on Market hopes to again highlight Leechburg's character, spirit
A seasonal socializing and shopping event is returning to Leechburg.
Mingle on Market, sponsored by the Leechburg Area Community Association, had a successful inaugural year last summer, and organizers are hopeful the event will continue to bring people together to shine a spotlight on the borough.
The community association is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers dedicated to promoting Leechburg as a cultural, retail and service destination.
The first 2023 Mingle event is scheduled for Thursday, June 8, on Market Street. The event is on the second Thursday of each month through Oct. 12.
A farmers market, running the second and fourth Thursdays through that span, will kick off at 4 p.m. June 8 in the parking lot near Fox’s Pizza on Market Street.
“Farmers markets are a great way to increase foot traffic in town and highlight local, handmade or home-grown items,” said co-organizer Kira Karpinski of Anarchy Acres Homestead in Gilpin. “The Mingles are great because they’re a fun way to highlight Leechburg, as well as giving people something to do on an evening.”
Live music featuring Doug Carnahan will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by the Hot Metal Brass Band at 8.
Organizer and Leechburg Councilwoman Doreen Smeal said she initially was hesitant when she pitched the idea for the communitywide event.
“I wasn’t sure how it would go, but that first Mingle was fantastic,” she said. “I looked down Market Street, and the town was filled with people just walking around and taking in all of the downtown. It made me excited to be a part of this. The group of volunteers that make up LACA are amazing and really feel the same way I do.”
Participating vendors booked for the season include Double K Leather Works, Sweet Tooth Baking, Earth’s Heavenly Scents, Ritter’s Farmhouse Bakery, Kasanicky Farm Meats, Aunt Kellie’s Cookies, Steel City Equine and Bead Works and Chazzman Honey.
Market Street will not be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Businesses along Market Street will participate, selling food and offering sidewalk sales.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs to enjoy the live music.
Leechburg Mayor Tony Roppolo said he is happy to see Mingle return for its second season.
“This seasonal monthly event nicely lives up to its name, as evidenced by the friendship and camaraderie you see everywhere,” Roppolo said. “Mingle on Market is a very successful LACA initiative which the community is greatly thankful for. It’s really good to see the community togetherness it effectively generates.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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