Day belongs to children at McKeesport’s Village for Kids

The annual event, held before the start of International Village, is in its 15th year.

Children’s laughter and excitement permeated throughout Renziehausen Park on a breezy Monday afternoon.

Hundreds of families visited the 15th annual Village for Kids in McKeesport, which featured a mix of games, activities, food and more than 30 booths from local organizations.

Each year, Alison Piccolino, director of external affairs for state Sen. Jim Brewster’s office, organizes the youth event, which serves as a precursor to International Village.

“We have over 30 organizations here this year, and without all of you, none of it would be possible,” Piccolino said as she addressed the crowd.

Mayor Michael Cherepko asked the crowd to give a round of applause for Brewster’s staff and Piccolino, whom he said “takes care of everything from top to bottom” involving Village for Kids.

“We talk about working together for a better McKeesport. And when you talk about 30-odd groups and organizations, I think that truly exemplifies just what that means when we talk about working together,” Cherepko said.

Kids lined up with their families to meet the cartoon pups Chase from “PAW Patrol” and Bluey on stage at the Lions Bandshell.

“There was kind of an enormous line this year for our characters,” Piccolino said. “We want to thank P.G.H. Party Creations for making Bluey possible, and also to Nuttall Public Safety Equipment, LLC for bringing our man Chase here this year.”

Carnegie Library of McKeesport was one of the many organizations that set up a booth at Village for Kids.

“It’s a great place to network and meet the new families,” said Mary Rose Bendel, the library’s adult program and outreach coordinator. “Sometimes we miss the younger ones, and we can get them to come in and become a part of our patronage.”

Carol Johnson, who was born and raised in McKeesport but now resides in Clairton, brought her three grandchildren to Village for Kids. Her grandkids partook in many of the day’s activities, including the ring toss set up at the Goodwill booth.

Carol Johnson, who is married to Pastor Rev. Terry Johnson, will help out at the Christ Temple AME Church’s African American/Ghanan booth during International Village.

“So we’ve been cleaning chicken wings and pre-cooking the ribs. Then we’ll barbecue them and put them out on the grill, so we’re busy,” Carol Johnson said.

The day’s festivities were capped off with the crowning of prince and princess. To be eligible, children were instructed to sign up at the registration table. About 200 submissions were

collected for the contest.

Khloe Byrd, 9, grinned from ear to ear after she was crowned as princess. She came to the event with her mother, Courtney Brown, and her siblings.

“I was so surprised! I’m so happy for her,” Brown said. “I’m glad that we actually stayed. It’s a blessing.”

The prince and princess will both receive a bicycle and helmet on the main stage during International Village at 7 p.m. today.

Byrd can’t wait to try out her new bike.

“She loves to ride bikes,” Brown said.

Byrd was chosen as princess after the first two girls announced as winners didn’t go to the stage after Piccolino called for them over the sound system.

“Third time’s a charm, huh?” Brown said as she looked at Byrd.

Brandon Hoover was selected as the prince.