Belle Vernon cancels Kennywood picnic

By Taylor Brown

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The community picnic tradition at Kennywood won’t be revived this year for residents of the Belle Vernon area.

The park was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, marking the first time in more than a century that the community couldn’t hold the picnic. 

Kennywood Day for residents of Belle Vernon, Fayette City, North Belle Vernon, Washington Township and Webster has been organized by area fire departments for the previous 104 years.

While Kennywood is open this year, organizers worry that park restrictions would make it too difficult for some residents to attend. 

Belle Vernon fire Chief Rich Saxberg said the decision was not made lightly.

“We are one of the oldest community picnics there,” he said. “We know this is a tradition in our communities. It’s a shame.”

Saxberg said the Belle Vernon Area Community Day committee had several conversations with park officials about hours of operation and attractions before making the decision.

“During those discussions, Kennywood representatives were not able to guarantee park hours or that all of the attractions would be open on July 13,” Saxberg said. “Typically, the park hours are much longer into the evening, allowing parents, grandparents and family members to come after work and have a reasonable amount of time to enjoy the park.

“We can’t make people pay $30 for a ticket and only have enough time to be there to eat a sandwich. No one wants to travel to Kennywood just to sit and eat lunch and then have to leave.”

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