Revelers enjoy 'last hurrah of summer' at Labor United Celebration
The weather wasn’t the only hot thing at the 2023 Labor United Celebration held Sunday and Monday at Northmoreland Park.
Hot fresh-cut fries were a hit with toddlers Waylon Smith and Jax Wheeler of Parks Township.
The two friends were focused and determined as they shared a large helping of fries, dipping them in ketchup and finishing them off in minutes.
“He loves the fries,” said Waylon’s grandmother Diane Rigatti of Allegheny Township. “He’s missing his ‘binky’ but he has the fries instead.”
Waylon, 2, wasn’t quite big enough to ride the amusement rides, so he focused on his fries.
“It’s a chance to get out and enjoy the last hurrah of the summer, ” Rigatti said.
The two-day festival, celebrating the longstanding tradition of organized labor in Western Pennsylvania, typically draws about 30,000 attendees over both days to the Allegheny Township park.
Sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80s made for fine festival weather to enjoy attractions such as a one-ring circus, giant outdoor flea market, Bingo, rides, food, carnival games and a petting zoo.
On assignment Monday@ the annual Labor United Celebration at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township. @VNDNews @TribLIVE @TribWestmoreCo pic.twitter.com/nPiA2Agq1F
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) September 4, 2023
“Everything is going smoothly, with no issues, and we’re on pace to meet attendance expectations,” said coordinator Chris Panichella of the Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation. “This whole event is for the kids. Parents are loving the $4 all-day ride passes and many families are here both days.”
The celebration is sponsored by Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, Labor United Celebration and the Westmoreland County commissioners.
First-timer Alyse Zylinski of Harrison brought her three young children after reading about the festival in the Trib.
“I thought it would be the perfect Labor Day thing to do, and it’s so affordable,” Zylinski said.
She watched as her two youngsters Casimir, 3, and Paisley, 4, Zylinski jumped high on a trampoline bungee attraction.
“It tickled my belly,” Paisley said of the jumping. “It was good though. I felt like a bird.”
The spuds were the star over at the Arnold Fire Engine Company No. 2 “famous fries” booth.
“We have 2 tons of potatoes here,” said volunteer Chris O’Leath, one of about 30 volunteers manning the booth. “The cheese is the best-selling topping.”
The Arnold fundraiser serves as one of the largest for the VFD and organizers were hoping to raise $10,000 this weekend for the department’s general fund.
Self-proclaimed “Yinzer” engaged couple Joe Edwards and Heather Collar choose to don Yinzer-themed tshirts for fun.
“It’s so Pittsburgh,” said first-timer Collar of Clearfield Township.
Edwards of Leechburg wanted to show his fiancee one of the Alle-Kiski Valley biggest Labor Day festivals.
“We’re here for beer and to represent with our local theme,” Edwards joked.
More than 800 freshly made pizzas were expected to be sold Sunday by volunteers from the Markle Volunteer Fire Department.
“This is one of our biggest fundraisers, since 1982,” captain Matt Johnston said.
Will Rhea, 8, of New Kensington spent a lot of time in the petting zoo.
“I’m a goat whisperer,” Will said while hugging, petting and talking to dozens of goats eager for attention—and food at-the-ready for purchase for feeding.
“Mom, I would like a goat,” Will said. “I like how they jump up.”
Will’s mom, Kate Rhea praised the overall abundance of activities, including the popular stories-high potato sack slide and high-flying swing attractions.
“I’ve been coming here for 14 years. It’s fantastic and affordable,” she said.
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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