Light Up the Wall in Aspinwall draws huge holiday crowd
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An illuminating holiday tradition drew hundreds of people tiny Aspinwall on Dec. 7.
The annual Light Up the Wall is one of the largest events organized by the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce and presented in partnership with the borough.
Freezing temperatures did not stop dozens of families across the Fox Chapel area and beyond from showing up.
“It was cold, but it was an enchanting evening,” said Giuseppe Francioni, the chamber’s executive director.
Police Chief David Nemec made sure Santa Claus arrived safely at the borough building along Commercial Avenue.
The jolly one took photos with families inside council chambers.
Mayor Joe Noro served hot chocolate next to borough Manager Melissa Lang O’Malley, who handed out cups of marshmallows and bags of popcorn.
They were among several borough officials and staffers who volunteered at the event.
“It’s beautiful,” Noro said. “A lot of kids, a lot of families. It’s really nice. It brings people out. A lot of smiling faces.”
Noro commended Francioni and the chamber for helping to make Aspinwall a great place to live and visit.
“It’s fantastic,” the mayor said. “It makes everything worthwhile, having the businesses and the borough (come together).”
The Fox Chapel Area High School choir shared some holiday songs and cheerleaders from the Fox Chapel Area Little Foxes and Foxettes performed a few routines.
Francioni said having more kids involved in the festivities was something new and the best part of the night.
“I was definitely taken back by all the youth performances (and) they were great,” he said.
Senay and Bener Ozen of Cheswick said they saw the event on Facebook and wanted to bring their children to celebrate the season.
“Everyone is really friendly,” Senay Ozen said.
They saw Santa and other characters, got their faces painted and enjoyed other activities.
“We love all the kids’ things,” Bener Ozen said.
Artist Quin McLaughlin of Weird Eric and the Party Animals crafted balloon animals and objects for dozens of children before performing a magic act.
Mackenzie Novacic, 6, of Indiana Township received a pink and purple unicorn she named Cotton Candy.
A fireworks display closed out the festive celebration.
Pittsburgh rockers Right Turn Clyde performed Christmas classics along Brilliant Avenue.
Sculpture Ken Surdick, 75, of Allison Park carved an elf and a candy cane out of two blocks of ice while Baffling Bob performed some sleight-of-hand magic for a nearby crowd.
Many borough businesses stayed open later and offered special deals. Some provided free sweets and drinks.
Francioni encouraged folks to keep the energy and spirit of Light Up the Wall all year long.
“Whether it’s Christmas or you get a new car, or you got a new job, keep the excitement in your life,” he said. “Try to be a kid your entire life. This is an opportunity for adults that may have lost their magic.
“The problem with this world is people are all grown up, and they’re all curmudgeons. Don’t take yourself too seriously.”