McCandless Winterfest returns to town hall

If you ever started a sentence with “that would be a good name for a snow plow,” then the fourth annual Town of McCandless Winterfest is for you.

The snow-plow-naming contest will be held for up to 10 trucks at the Dec. 7 event, along with a night of lights, treats, Santa and fireworks.

The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., returning to town hall grounds on Grubbs Road.

“I think Winterfest is so well-attended because it’s a great way for residents and neighbors to connect with one another and enjoy conversations, food and beverage, and, of course, a great fireworks display,” said John Schwend, town manager for McCandless. “Folks who attend love to take photos with our special guests, play games and participate in the touch-a-truck event. too. It’s a great time of year to get everyone into the winter and holiday spirit.”

Many activities will be held inside the public works garage, including Santa visits, free hot chocolate, games, crafts and a train ride for kids, according to Abby Lucostic, parks and recreation director for McCandless. Outdoors will be decorations and a bonfire where guests can make s’mores.

A holiday-themed story time will be held at a seasonally decorated McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, which can be accessed via a trail from the town hall.

Ice sculptures will be created by a professional carver, and children, young and old, may recognize some familiar faces walking around the grounds.

“Anna and Elsa are coming back. They were super popular last year,” said Lucostic, referring to the famous “Frozen” movie characters.

An Igloo Photo booth will provide free images for picture posers.

Food trucks include vegan-friendly Veggie N’at, Hoshi’s Japanese hibachi and Little Nicky’s Italian food. And visitors can grab a warm drink from the Roaming Bean coffee truck or a pastry from Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique.

Guests to Winterfest are asked to bring a canned good or a nonperishable item for the North Hills Community Outreach food pantry. The nonprofit’s “most wanted” items are canned tuna, cereal, olive oil or cooking oil, peanut butter, laundry detergent and dish soap, Lucostic said.

Visit www.townofmccandless.org.