Bruno Sammartino Park celebrates Neighborhood Day in Ross

When Ross commissioners renamed Sangree Park after longtime township resident Bruno Sammartino (1935-2018), his son Darryl spoke glowingly about the decision.

“My dad’s looking down right now,” he said during the park’s 2021 dedication ceremony, “and I’m sure he’s very, very happy seeing this.”

That observation also might have been applicable for the wrestling legend on Aug. 9, when community members gathered to celebrate Bruno Sammartino Park Neighborhood Day.

One of several such events organized by the township parks and recreation department, Neighborhood Day featured plenty of activities and entertainment for guests, amid the appetizing aroma of barbecued ribs cooked on site by staff members from the nearby Wheelfish bar and grill.

Bringing a variety of friendly critters from the heart of Armstrong County was Country Flair Farm Petting Zoo, with owner Heidi Cole and daughters Allira and Abigail making sure everyone’s visit went smoothly.

Singing and playing guitar on a stage set up near the park’s entrance, Scott Riggle gave an appealing performance of fan favorites through the decades. Not far away was Mike the Balloon Guy, who has been making events memorable since 1996.

At the Allegheny Land Trust table, senior director of marketing and community engagement Lindsay Dill furnished information about the nonprofit’s partnership with Ross to preserve acreage in the township. Ross Commissioner Chris Eyster was on hand to greet residents of his ward, where Bruno Sammartino Park is located, and the office of state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Brighton Heights, provided its usual support of events in her district.

Evergreen Park Neighborhood Day is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at 3430 Evergreen Road, featuring food, games, live music and entertainment. For more information, call 412-931-7041.

More information about Ross Township parks is available at ross.pa.us/Facilities.