Marshall festivities make the grade

Inflatables, virtual reality, fiddles and food helped bring out the crowds to Marshall Township’s Community Day, held on Aug. 24 at Knob Hill Park.

The sunny Saturday featured 45 vendors, as well as plenty of food, drink and dessert for sale at the annual event. The Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department, Northern Regional Police Department and McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority also were on site.

While a bit warm, the township staff said the temperature was better than rain.

“We have been very blessed with good weather every year and this year was no different. It was warm and sunny all day. (The) only complaint was that it was a little too hot at certain times,” said Jessica Drozd, recreation director for Marshall.

Entertainment included the North Allegheny Fiddlers, the Soul Searchers band, a Mad Science show and a petting zoo.

New this year were virtual reality and race car games at the Elias Fry Barn, and a hair tinsel booth. Those and many others were offered to vendors free of charge.

The inflatables, rides and the Euro Bungee were also free and are always popular.

”Our face painter is also another big favorite as well as the caricaturist and balloon artist. They always have long lines the entire time they are there,” said Drozd, who lives in Marshall with her family.

Chad and Amy Spontak of Pine attended with their five children.

“Our favorite part of Community Day is walking around and checking out all the different booths, and hanging out with friends. The kids get so excited to fill up a bag with all the little goodies that they give away,” Amy said.

They especially enjoyed watching the NA Fiddlers.

“We’ve been going for the past few years, and my kids look forward to it now as a fun way to wrap up summer break,” their mother said.

No rest for the weary, as Drozd said she already has started planning next year’s event, which includes the help of the recreation committee, township manager Julie Bastianini, the assistant public works director and township office staff.

“The event is executed the day of by many people,” Drozd said. “The event wouldn’t be able to run without the help of the public works department. They do so much during the event that it wouldn’t be possible without them.”