There was an event in downtown Latrobe on Saturday afternoon on each block from Depot Street to Chestnut Street.
A magic show in front of the Adam’s Memorial Library, an afternoon ballet performance at the corner Main and Ligonier and a reptile show in the town square were all part of the city’s annual Mr. Rogers Family Days festival.
Planners for the festival’s 10th anniversary grand finale went all out for the event meant inspire community and remind people to give their neighbor a friendly “hello.”
Michael Tusay, executive director of the Latrobe Art Center, said a special addition to the festival this year were passport books. People were able to document the day by filling out puzzles and inserting photos within the book.
The art center is one of the main organizers, which also includes Greater Latrobe Parks and Recreation, the town’s chamber of commerce and the McFeely Rogers Foundation.
“The businesses are receiving well-more business today,” Tusay said. “We’re hoping that the attendees of the festivals certainly patronize the local businesses.
“But really, this being a free family-friendly festival, it’s all about spreading that kindness and the legacy of friends.”
The weeklong festival was hosted along Ligonier Street.
It’s held on the first full week of June each year and free to attend. Tusay said the festival is filled with family-friendly activities meant to celebrate the life and legacy of Latrobe native, Fred Rogers.
Rogers, was a Presbyterian minister, author and television personality who dedicated over 50 years to pioneering children’s programming. He created, hosted, and wrote for the preschool show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which ran from 1968 to 2001. Rogers died in 2003 and remains widely recognized and celebrated for his work.
“I look at this event as a little bit of a reset,” Tusay said “Despite all the hustle and bustle and craziness going on, it’s just taking a step back and remembering Fred and what he stood for, and everything he taught us through his television show.”
Local organizations and businesses participated by either setting up booths to sell their wares or acting as a stop along the Daniel Tiger storybook walk. Children were also able to meet the cat himself inside the art center. The animated series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” is a direct continuation of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
Ronda Goetz, third generation owner of Rose Style Shoppe in downtown Latrobe, had her shop act as one of the stops on the storybook walk. She said her favorite part of the festival every year is the people. She said that, while she sees an increase in business each year during Family Days, her interactions with the attendees are what excites her the most.
“What’s rewarding is I got to talk to people today from different parts of the country,” Goetz said. “You never know who you’re going to meet.”
She’s made connections with people from California, Virginia and other parts of the country because of the festival.
The Style Shoppe has been in downtown Latrobe since 1932. Goetz has worked there most of her life and tries to be involved in most community events. She’s a member of the Family Days committee.
Children of all ages enjoyed hayrides, carriage rides, an inflatable obstacle course, pony rides, a rock-climbing wall, balloon animals and other activities. Fi Terhorst, 4, of Latrobe, spent the afternoon riding ponies and, her favorite activity, getting her face painted like a butterfly.
Her mother, Lisa Terhorst, said they’ve come to the festival for the past three years.
“There’s always something new,” she said.
She was there with her longtime friend Victoria Townsend, of Latrobe.
Townsend brought along her 5-year-old daughter. She said they come to the festival every year for the past five years, and seeing her neighbors work together to put on such an event embodies the spirit of Mister Rogers’ work..
“It’s a community festival put on by people who love the community,” Townsend said. “It’s good to have a sense of community, and it makes sure we’re living by Mister Rogers’ principles.”
Tusay said the dates of next year’s festival have already been decided for June 7 through 12.