The inaugural Lower Burrell Community Day event was a hit with residents Saturday at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park.

The event, from 1 p.m. to dusk, benefits the Lower Burrell City Parks.

More than 45 vendors lined the shaded park as attendees enjoyed live music, food trucks, artisans, a bake sale, kids’ entertainment and a chance to mingle and relax.

“We did this to increase community engagement and involvement,” said co-organizer Carley Logan, president of the Lower Burrell Parks Commission.

Co-organizer Debbie Kurtik is hopeful the event will be come an annual summertime day of celebrating all things Lower Burrell.

“We’re hopeful,” Kurtik said.

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Joyce Hanz | TribLive
Lower Burrell Community Day co-organizers Carley Logan (center) and Debbie Kurtik (right) pet a dog available for adoption as Orphans of the Storm president Melissa Schafer looks on Saturday during the inaugural Lower Burrell Community Day at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.

The day was sponsored by Lower Burrell Parks & Recreation.

Live music entertainers included Derek Beattie, Tony Tamarella and The Licks.

Ax throwing was the most exotic activity, and dogs available for adoption were on hand at the Orphans of the Storm booth.

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Joyce Hanz | TribLive
Totaro’s Italian Eatery owner Al Colelli shows off a chicken philly hoagie Saturday during the inaugural Lower Burrell Community Day at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park.

Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com