A warm, sunny Sunday afternoon was the perfect backdrop to celebrate the birthday of the Town of McCandless on March 22, the exact date of its founding 175 years ago.
To celebrate the significance of this hallmark anniversary, the town distributed 175 cupcakes, 175 ice cream scoops from Bruster’s Ice Cream, and 175 native species trees raised by Tree Pittsburgh by seed. Trees were only available to residents who preregistered for them.
Volunteers were on hand to help attendees select their tree. Deer fencing and care directions were provided to encourage a successful planting.
Young residents also enjoyed a seed planting station.
Beverly Evanitsky of McCandless signed up for the event with her family, including granddaughter Emilia Evanitsky, 8, also of McCandless.
The grandmother said she couldn’t be happier with the town, commenting on the convenience of nearby shopping, businesses and recreational opportunities, such as the pickleball courts in Devlin Park.
“I’m never bored,” she said.
At council’s March 23 meeting, town Manager John Schwend thanked all of the volunteers and recreation director Abby Lucostic, among others.
McCandless Junior Council member Arjun Puri attended with his family.
“Yesterday’s birthday event was awesome. My parents were very excited to get that tree,” said Puri, during his report at the March 23 meeting.
Other upcoming events to mark the town’s 175th is a Salute to Service at 6 p.m. May 22 in North Park at the corner of Ingomar Road and Babcock Boulevard. The event will include singing the national anthem, an honor guard flag display, a bagpiper performance and more.
Also being held is a McCandless Bday 5K Run/Walk, 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and a Kids Dash beginning at 9 a.m. July 4 at the North Park Boathouse, located on Pearce Mill Road in Allison Park. All fitness levels are welcome.
Registration is now open. The cost for the 5K Run/Walk is $40, plus a signup fee, and $45 on July 2-4, plus a signup fee.
The 1-mile Fun Run/Walk is $30 and increases to $35 from July 2-4. Both include a signup fee.
The Kids Dash is $15, plus a sign-up fee.
The town is partnering with the Appalachian Running Company for 5K training starting in May.
For details about other 175th events and a race registration link, visit townofmccandless.org.