2nd annual Fox Chapel Day set for June 18 at McCahill Park

An opportunity to interact with Fox Chapel police, play games and take a train ride around a park is fast approaching.

The second annual Fox Chapel Day is scheduled for June 18 from 1-5 p.m. at McCahill Park along Hemlock Hollow Road.

Borough police, fire and Foxwall EMS will showcase equipment and vehicles, and representatives will mingle with attendees. STAT MedEvac will bring a helicopter.

Eat ‘n Park’s Smiley and his Cookie Cruiser and the Pittsburgh Penguin’s Iceburgh plan to attend.

Things new this year include the Allegheny County Mounted Patrol, carnival rides and games and trackless train rides around the park.

Admission and parking are free.

The event is presented by the borough and organized by police Sgt. Craig Sorg.

“We did it in September last year after lifting the masks for outdoor events,” he said. “It went very well. We had a good turnout. Weather was great. A lot of residents said they had a great time and would like to see this done every year. That’s why we’re doing it.”

The original plan was to bring it back in September, but the timetable was moved up due to a major renovation project in the park scheduled for July through October.

Sorg has been with the department for 28 years. He said Fox Chapel Day was inspired by a similar event in Mars, Butler County.

“Fox Chapel is a very unique place,” Sorg said. “It’s all residential. We don’t have a business district, so it’s hard for the first responders get to know the residents. I thought it would be a good idea once a year to come out and meet each other, see what we do, talk and get the community together.”

Mayor Walter Scott III commended the police department for making the community event a reality.

“They took it a step beyond and are adding things for kids to do there and decided to make an all-community event out of it,” Scott said. “I think it’s important because this gives people a chance to really meet and talk on a more casual basis. It gives kids a chance to talk with police and not be afraid. I think that’s a good thing.

“I just like seeing our police out doing things like that. It’s my job to sort of oversee the police activities. It gives me a lot of pleasure to see them out meeting and greeting and getting to know the people who live in Fox Chapel.”

The mayor said he believes having first responders from all departments will add to the family experience.

“It gives (the people) a chance to understand and appreciate what they do for the community.”

About 350 people attended the inaugural event. A lot more are expected this year.

Sorg said about six to eight months of planning and scheduling are needed to put everything together.

Other activities include face painting, balloon animals, a deejay and food trucks, such as The Steer and Wheel and Kona Ice. Other food will be provided by Common Pleas Catering of Pittsburgh. Local organizations will have information booths.

Its major sponsor is Dollar Bank. The train will be provided by Triple A Express in North Huntingdon and is sponsored by the District Association.

For more information go to the borough website, fox-chapel.pa.us.