McKeesport celebrates the season at second annual Fall Festival

The event featured a bonfire, food and a performance by the high school’s marching band.

McKeesport hosted its second annual Fall Festival Thursday evening, celebrating the arrival of autumn and providing the community with a place to get together.

With a large bonfire at the center of all of it, local residents gathered to enjoy vendors, food and a surprise performance by the McKeesport Area High School marching band. City Administrator Thomas Maglicco said the event brings back memories for some residents.

“Back years ago, they used to do that in the fall, like they had a kickoff bonfire for the kids in the school district,” Maglicco said. “So it’s something Jennifer Vertullo and some folks from the school got together and kicked this off.”

The festival had several vendors, games and a caricature artist who had a long line throughout the event. Also popular was a s’mores stand manned by McKeesport police officers RJ Roche and Dave Bertoty.

The festival also provided an opportunity for school booster clubs to raise some funds.

One of those was the McKeesport Area High School Marching Band Booster Club. Mannie Handley, president of the club, and other members sold T-shirts, nachos and beverages at the event.

The high school golf team was also there, offering lemonade with boba.

After the band finished its performance, director Noah Crawford encouraged people to help out their boosters.

“Our boosters are actually running the tent over there, and so we figured we might as well come over and show some community pride, and get the band playing in front of some other people,” Crawford said. “We’re glad to be a part of a community that’s so receptive to and encouraging of the students who are in the marching band.”

Another vendor was Lumen Resin and Crafts, owned by Jenna Moranelli. She frequently goes to similar events to promote and sell items from her business.

“The festival, it feels great,” Moranelli said. “I feel like the presence is amazing, and I love that there’s not just vendors, but there’s also the high schools in the area coming to perform. I feel like it’s a great thing to have, and I feel like it’s needed.”

Moranelli sells fidgets, earrings, keychains, coasters and a lot more.

Annalisa Haughwout, a volunteer with the McKeesport Garden Club, manned the club’s booth, which had multiple items for sale. Haughwout said they’re always looking for new volunteers.

They work every Wednesday from April through the end of November, starting at 9 a.m. each day. They’re located at 1400 Pinoak Drive and can be reached at mckgclub@ gmail.com.

McKeesport resident Shon Hernandez enjoyed the festival with his granddaughters, Remi and Khloe, and said it was a great time for them. Hernandez got a caricature done with one of his granddaughters.

“This is a great thing to have for the community, because it brings people out to enjoy the day, and sometimes people come in and they see people they haven’t seen in a while,” Hernandez said. “So I think it’s nice that the city has this for the community. I think they should keep it going.”

Maglicco said they hope to continue the event and keep inviting vendors.

“We would like to add a little more, maybe attract some more people, some more activities, try to get the word out, to bring more people in,” Maglicco said. “It’s a nice crowd. Everybody’s smiling and happy. Kids are running around and having a good time.”