‘Village for Kids’ Celebrates 12th Year

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
August 03, 2021
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Participants in the 2019 “A Village for Kids” enjoy a game at Renziehausen Park. Along with the return of McKeesport International Village, the kids’ theme event is also returning on Aug. 9. (Submitted photo courtesy State Sen. Jim Brewster)

An outpouring of support from community groups and the partnership with International Village has made it possible for A Village For Kids to continue on Monday (Aug. 9) for the 12th year.

Both it and International Village were among McKeesport events canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“This event began as a celebration of International Village’s 50th anniversary and we’re still here,” said chair Alison Piccolino, who has been involved with the planning since the first year.

“We are partners with International Village and, after speaking with their committee and they were going with their amazing event, I got the go-ahead for Village for Kids,” she said.

The event is scheduled, rain or shine, at the Renzie Park Band Shell from noon to 4 p.m. A prince and princess will be crowned at 3 p.m., with winners receiving bikes and helmets onstage at International Village on Tuesday, Aug. 10, during opening ceremonies that begin at 8 p.m.

“Because of the McKeesport Trail Commission, which provides the bicycles, and the McKeesport Police Department (helmets), our prince and princess get to take home a bike and helmet,” she said.

When she reached out to the organizations, businesses, and people that have participated in the past, they immediately responded positively, Piccolino said.

In addition to the usual information tables, crafts, games, a free lunch for each child in attendance, and other activities, Piccolino said there will be free Covid vaccines available for children ages 12 and up and adults, thanks to the Allegheny County Health Department.

“That’s another example of partnership,” she said. “The Allegheny County Health Department came to me with the idea and it was a no-brainer. They have been fantastic in making the coordination go smoothly and will be not only at the event (at the Lions Pavilion), but again on Aug. 30 at the same time and location to do vaccines.”

Piccolino credited Human Services Center Corp., McKeesport Hospital Foundation, Auberle, and Mon Yough Community Services for sponsoring the free lunch.

Attendees also will be treated to a meet-and-greet with LOL Doll and a Minion courtesy of P.G.H. Party Creations. Piccolino said the company always donates character visits, which are a hit for a good photo opportunity for the kids.

McKeesport Kiwanis will make drinks and nachos with cheese available for purchase during the day.

Piccolino said she’s looking forward to the laughter of the participants and seeing everyone come together outdoors in a positive and safe manner to enjoy a day where a kid can be a kid.

“I always take a moment and just look around at the event and hope that everyone is having a good time. I also see so many people that help make it all possible,” she said. “It takes a lot of work, but when the event begins and you see the happy faces and excitement, it just makes it all worth it.”

While Piccolino chairs the event, she said there are so many people involved who form an unofficial committee.

“There are many organizations that help make it possible,” she said. “Mayor Michael Cherepko has continued the tradition of this event prior to the city’s International Village (Aug. 10, 11, and 12 this year), and we’re very thankful for that.

“I will be forever grateful to Sen. Jim Brewster for supporting this event and me, back as mayor and then senator, in making sure we bring this exciting day to the kids of our communities,” she said. “International Village and the City of McKeesport always make sure the place looks fantastic, that we have tables and chairs, electricity and everything we need for us to run smoothly.

“Last and definitely not least, “ Piccolino said, “is all of our amazing organizations from the McKeesport Healthier Communities PartnerSHIP and beyond that bring all the fun. So when you think about it, we’re all kind of the committee. I just coordinate all of the wonderful pieces together.”

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com.

Organizations scheduled to participate in 12th A Village For Kids include:

• Nuttall Public Safety Equipment LLC
• LaRosa Youth Club
• Fund My Future PGH
• Cash For Kids
• Altrusa International of McKeesport
• Mon Valley Independent
• Goodwill of Southwestern PA
• Pennsylvania American Water Co.
• UPMC for You Dental
• Human Services Center Corp.
• McKeesport Hospital Foundation
• PGH Party Creations
• McKeesport Area School District
• McKeesport Police Department
• McKeesport Fire Department
• McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service
• State Sen. Jim Brewster
• McKeesport/White Oak Kiwanis
• TCV Community Services
• Latterman Family Health Center
• Allegheny County Health Department — Dental Program
• Faith Lutheran Church (White Oak)
• Penn State Greater Allegheny
• YouthCAST Leadership Network
• McKeesport Area Shared Ministry United Methodist Church — Christy Park Celebrity Kids Kitchen
• Women for a Healthy Environment
• McKeesport Family Center
• State Rep. Austin Davis
• FamilyLinks
• McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center
• Allegheny County Health Department
• Carnegie Library of McKeesport
• Auberle
• Auberle SNAP® Program
• PurePenn
• Pennsylvania State Police
• St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Versailles Twp.

Originally published August 03, 2021.

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