McKeesport’s Village for Kids to mark 15th year

The city’s youth-oriented event will be held Monday, before the start of International Village.

The 15th annual Village for Kids will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Monday at the bandshell in Renziehausen Park.

The event, which is traditionally held a day before McKeesport’s International Village, features various activities and games for kids, a multitude of booths from local organizations with information for parents and caregivers and opportunities to win prizes.

There will be a photo booth set up for kids to take their creative pictures, along with a face-painting station.

Youngsters will have an opportunity to meet the police pup Chase from “PAW Patrol” and the title character from “Bluey” on the bandshell stage from 1-2 p.m., which will be provided by Nuttall Public Safety Equipment and P.G.H. Party Creations.

Two lucky kids will be chosen as prince and princess at 2:30 p.m. The winners will both receive a bike and helmet — which were donated by the McKeesport Trail Commission — on the main stage during International Village the following night. In order to be crowned as royalty, children must sign up at the registration table between noon and 2 p.m.

The McKeesport Trail Commission will have nachos and pop available for purchase. There will also be a food gallery that includes hot dogs, cookies and other snacks.

Alison Piccolino, director of external affairs for state Sen. Jim Brewster’s office, has helped organize the event since its inception.

“This is our 15th year and all of the organizations that continue to come out every year to make the day so special is what makes it a success and why it continues to grow,” Piccolino said. “While it is an event for the kids, you see the genuine excitement in all ages that day.”

When asked why she has organized Village for Kids throughout the years, Piccolino provided a succinct response: “The kids, of course!”

Brewster is set to retire at the end of this year, but Piccolino expects Village for Kids to continue to be a McKeesport tradition.

“I worked with Sen. Brewster 15 years ago on this event when he was mayor in the City of McKeesport,” she said. “He believed in the Village For Kids then and now. I’m grateful to be part of this event, and I think it will be around for many years to come.”

Village for Kids is free of charge and open to all children and their families.