Light Up the Wall in Aspinwall helps hundreds prepare for the holiday season

People packed the streets of Commercial and Brilliant avenues in Aspinwall to celebrate the borough’s annual Light Up the Wall holiday celebration.

Festivities began with a live nativity musical with second graders from Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy under the direction of teacher Margaret Katocs shortly before 5 p.m. on Nov. 19.

The young carolers sang “Little Drummer Boy,” “Jingle Bells” and other Christmas classics.

Aspinwall Neighbors, a nonprofit community group dedicated to promoting and beautifying the borough, had free hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting at a nearby fire.

“It couldn’t be better,” said Aspinwall resident Jared Ruggieri, who with his daughters Presley, 6, and Harper, 8, were among the marshmallow roasters. “It’s nice the borough puts on these kind of events. They do Fall in the Wall, light up night. It’s really nice activities they do frequently throughout the year.”

Magician and balloon artist Quin McLaughlin, known in entertainment circles as “Q the Clone” of Weird Eric LLC, performed at Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar at the corner of Brilliant Avenue and Freeport Road. He delighted the crowd with some slight of hand using crayons, cards and other objects.

Families visited with Santa Claus inside Aspinwall Council chambers while student volunteers served popcorn and candy outside the borough building.

Peter Sherry, 6, of Aspinwall asked Santa for a remote controlled police monster truck. He said he loves police officers and big trucks. He was accompanied in a photo with Santa by his twin brother, Sal, and sister Maeve, 11.

“I think every year Light Up the Wall gets bigger and better,” said Peter’s mom, Lynne Sherry said. “We’re just excited to be back with all their friends and neighbors. It’s a really close-knit town and it’s fun to see everyone out on the streets again and ready to start celebrating for the holidays. They always do such a great job (with the event).”

Other activities included face painting, a coffee food truck and holiday music from resident DJ Ron Hopkinson.

Hopkinson said he’s been involved with various Aspinwall activities for at least 20 years and loves to bring people joy.

Fireworks from the riverfront closed out the evening’s festivities.

The event was made possible through a partnership with the borough and the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce.