Carrie Casey of Fox Chapel watched as her grandson, Brooks Murray, climbed to the top of a mountainous wall at McCahill Park.
Brooks of Steamboat Springs, Colo., was one of few 4-year-olds to attempt the climb let alone complete it during the sixth annual Fox Chapel Day on June 13.
He was not the only family member to travel to Fox Chapel to visit Casey.
Her son, Connor Leemhuis, 25, of Philadelphia also made the trek.
“I absolutely love seeing all the children,” Casey said. “It’s fabulous. It’s a great event. I think everybody with kids should do it.”
Leemhuis, a 2018 Shady Side Academy graduate, said it was great being at the event with the family.
“It’s wonderful to come back and see family,” Leemhuis said. “I really miss Pittsburgh. I think it’s one of the best cities, very livable. This is the first time I’ve been to this event. It’s been really fun.”
They were among multiple families enjoying a June afternoon in the borough.
Bill and Alisha Schweiger enjoyed food while their granddaughter, Adelina, 7, of Aspinwall, played games.
“She had T-ball in Aspinwall and wanted to come here afterward,” Bill Schweiger said. “We call this the zip-line park because there’s a zip-line right there.”
Adelina said her T-ball game and climbing the wall were the best parts of her day.
The event was presented by the Fox Chapel Police Department in collaboration with the borough. The climbing wall and the inflatable games and bounce houses at Fox Chapel were provided by The Rock Church Kiski Valley.
Fox Chapel firefighters gave out plastic junior firefighter helmets and fire safety information and helped families explore one of their fire trucks.
Foxwall EMS brought an ambulance and had CPR mannequins to demonstrate lifesaving techniques.
Other activities included pony rides, a petting zoo, trackless train, face painting, spin art, inflatables and informational booths from local organizations such as the Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy, Fox Chapel Park Commission, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Zone 28, WesBanco, Dollar Bank and Animal Protectors.
Multiple borough officials volunteered to help out.
Councilman Brad Harrison assisted with the inflatables and the Fox Chapel Newcomers Club booth selling Girl Scout cookies.
He said it was good to see everyone doing their part to ensure guests had a great experience.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Harrison said. “Kids are having a blast, adults as well. People of all ages are having a great time, and the food’s been awesome, too. I got a really good egg roll. It’s been growing every year, which is really cool.”
New attractions included a wood-carving demonstration by Rannels Rustics and performances by the Woodland Creatures Band.
Police Sgt. Craig Sorg said he starts making calls to vendors and live entertainment in January.
He thanked borough secretary Shawn Marie Peterson for her help in coordinating everything.
“I think everything turned out real well,” Sorg said. “All the vendors came. The vendors did a great job and brought a lot to the event. We had a great turnout, and, obviously, the weather couldn’t have been any better. You’ve got council and the mayor (helping out).”