Aspinwall's Fall in the Wall celebrates the changing seasons

A celebration of the changing seasons is expected to draw many families to Aspinwall this month.

Fall in the Wall takes over the town on Oct. 11.

Presented by Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival features pumpkin and face painting, pony rides, balloon artists, music, magicians, arts and crafts, food trucks and more.

Executive Director Giuseppe Francioni said he’s in the process of finalizing preparations and confirming vendors’ participation.

“You’ve got to do this well out in advance,” he said Oct 1. “We’re doing confirmation on all participants and making sure all our ducks are in a row. If we get good weather, everyone’s going to come out of the woodwork.”

Admission and parking are free.

Eastern Avenue from Freeport Road to First Avenue, as well as Commercial Avenue and Alley A, will be closed for the event.

Pony rides will take place along Alley A. Pumpkin painting is planned in the Farmers National Bank lot.

There will be information booths and games from a variety of nonprofits and other organizations.

Last year’s major attraction, the Barnyard Petting Zoo, is expected to return.

The borough got a new popcorn machine to help minimize snack lines.

Borough police and firefighters, as well as first responders for neighboring communities, are expected to attend.

Mayor Joe Noro said he is looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces as well as some new ones.

“Fall in the Wall brings out the best in our community,” Noro said. “It’s a wonderful family event that brings a happy and smiling crowd to the heart of Aspinwall Borough. This is my family’s favorite event of the fall.”

Family is the driving force for Francioni, who said his toughest critics are his grandchildren, Vance, 5, and Via, 6.

“This is actually a real joy to me,” Francioni said about organizing Fall in the Wall. “It’s like a labor of love. I’ve got family to impress.”

He encouraged parents to forget about life for a while and participate in as many activities as they can with their kids.

You’ve got prices going up everywhere. Everyone’s worried about the tariffs and the economy. This is a day to say, ‘Forget all that,’ ” he said. “Embrace your kids and enjoy the experience that they are experiencing. When your kid sits down to paint a pumpkin, how about you go at it and paint a pumpkin as well. We’re not going to let you in the bouncy house, but we will let you paint a pumpkin with your kid.”

Pumpkins are available while supplies last.