Pep rally-themed market draws rival high school cheer squads, mascots of Pittsburgh teams

The Block Northway pepped up its weekly farmers market Sept. 18 by inviting some boisterous guests.

Normally, the market is a quiet place to shop for local produce, visit with vendors and grab a bite to eat from a food truck.

Not on this evening. The echoes of high school cheerleaders could be heard throughout the shopping center.

The North Allegheny varsity cheerleaders were the first to appear. Their coach said they were honored to be invited back.

“We did this last year, and it was nice. We are happy to be doing it again,” said Kaylee Kenz, head varsity cheer coach.

Kenz said it’s important for the cheerleading squad to get out in the community.

“I think it’s just better for them to get some exposure outside of the school and outside of the regular stuff we do,” Kenz said.

The teens were cheering on the concrete at the entrance, but the unforgiving surface didn’t discourage them.

Kylie Sao, Gionna Fuerst and Mallory Kim raised Gabby Roos high above their heads during one of the cheers and returned her perfectly on her feet.

As the North Allegheny girls were cheering, a special guest made an appearance.

Steely McBeam, the mascot for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ran out of the building waving a Terrible Towel and dancing.

When asked whether the Steelers were going to win on Sunday, Steely responded in true mascot fashion with his giant head shaking up and down to signal yes. Steely was right, as the Black and Gold trounced the New England Patriots, 21-14.

The day’s Pittsburgh Pep Rally theme was a celebration of the city’s sports teams, and Steely wasn’t the only mascot present.

The Washington Wild Thing and Pirate Parrot turned up to represent the city’s baseball culture.

After a two-hour appearance, the Tigers cleared the floor for one of their rivals, and the North Hills varsity cheerleaders began their performance.

“This is really important to us and the girls. It just means a lot to be invited out here and perform for our fans out in the community,” said Angelina Lazzara, North Hills’ varsity cheer coach.

As the North Hills cheerleaders cheered, visitors floated from table to table exploring the vendors’ homemade options.

The market offers fresh produce and a variety of vendors selling handmade items.

Each week, Jodikinos Farms brings in a large load of produce sourced from its farm and greenhouses in Clinton, Beaver County.

“Jodikinos is a fifth-generation 250-acre farm with 12 greenhouses,” said DJ Jodikinos, one of the owners.

Jodikinos spoke briefly about the recent drought.

“The lack of rain has been rough, but we’ve just been doing our best to irrigate,” he said.

The farmers market, produced in partnership with I Made It! Market, operates on Thursdays from June to September.

Its last day for the season will be Sept. 25, featuring a Coffee With a Cop theme. Visitors will be able to meet officers from the Ross Police Department.