Aspinwall's inaugural Big Night Out draws a crowd, community support

Dancing, glass blowing, musical and martial arts demonstrations complimented balloon creations and food and drink vendors for a multifaceted celebration in Aspinwall.

The inaugural Big Night Out, presented by advocacy group Aspinwall Neighbors, drew more than 1,500 people to the ball fields Aug. 11.

Nonprofits and community organizations had informational booths. Aspinwall and Sharpsburg fire departments, as well as Foxwall EMS, brought vehicles for children to explore.

“It’s just the community coming together having a good time,” said Sarah Shaffer, president of Aspinwall Neighbors. “Everyone coming out to be with their neighbors and just enjoy themselves. The weather’s been perfect. It’s been a great night. Our restaurants ran out of food faster than any other year. This is the most people we’ve ever had. We crushed everybody there were just so many people.”

For many years, the group hosted a similar event called National Night Out. With a cover charge of $5 and up, the event had served as a fundraiser for local police and emergency services.

Admission was free this year thanks in large part to many sponsors, including Chad Gregorini of State Farm in Aspinwall, Rick Baker of PrintTech and UPMC St. Margaret.

Planning for Big Night Out began in January. More than 30 people volunteered to make the event happen.

“We couldn’t do this without the community volunteering their time, our board members, our Neighbors,” Shaffer said. “Everyone who did even a small part of this, none of it would be possible without that group. We’re an entirely volunteer-run organization.”

Aspinwall police raffled off dozens of prizes for children. Officers also supplied badge stickers, bags with coloring books and bike safety literature.

“It worked out great,” police Chief Dave Nemec said. “We’ve had the kids coming up, parents coming up. We get to interact with both …. It’s a great event that there’s so many people out, so many families out, new faces, new kids.”

Nemec said there were no issues throughout the day and everyone was in good spirits.

People from the Riverfront Theater Company shared their musical talents. Students and instructors from Young Brothers Tae Kwon-Do performed demonstrations. They also taught a few punching and kicking techniques.

Dancers from Sharpsburg-based Art in Motion got some folks moving in front of the stage.

“You think about performing in front of lots of people, that can be definitely be intimidating,” said lead instructor Simon Phillips, of Pittsburgh. “It’s a lot more fun and relaxing for us to invite people in.

“We like to invite the community (to dance). It doesn’t matter what you look like, whatever your condition may be. You can join in. It really takes the edge off for us to dance with people instead of dancing for people.”

There were several recycling and trash stations throughout the grounds. It was part of a partnership with Pittsburgh Resource Council for the gathering to be a Zero Waste Event, with sponsors and participants encouraged to use recyclable and compostable materials.

There was an adult beverage area called The Neighborhood Lounge. Distilleries and breweries showcased some of their specialty drinks with volunteers checking IDs at the gate.

Pittsburgh Glass Center instructors Beyvan Schantz and Leana Quade demonstrated how they can manipulate glass into goblets and other objects.

They brought a mobile furnace, which heated up materials to about 2,000 degrees, and used steel and wooden tools.

Quade also had fun showing onlookers how far and thin heated glass could be stretched before it breaks.

People who want to get involved in the next Big Night Out, or learn more about its presenters, can go to aspinwallneighbors.org.