Peduto, Fitzgerald, city kids welcome 'Sesame Street's' Elmo

Elmo from “Sesame Street” dropped by the Carnegie Science Center Friday to the delight of kids from the Training Wheels Child Care Center.

“Elmo,” they shouted in unison when Angelica Miller, one of the science center’s early childhood educators, introduced the popular puppet to children from the Manchester preschool.

Elmo and other “Sesame Street” characters are in Pittsburgh this weekend as part of Sesame Workshop’s nationwide city tour marking the show’s 50th anniversary. Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with the show. “Sesame Street” is hosting a free family festival and show on Saturday at Schenley Park. Only those with ticketed time slots will be admitted.

“As someone who is younger than 50 I grew up on Sesame Street and it is one of the most amazing experiences as a child,” said Jason Brown, the science center’s interim director.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald were on hand to welcome the organization with official proclamations. Both described personal experiences with the show and noted that Pittsburgh has had a longstanding relationship with WQED, one of the original public TV stations that aired the show.

“I can tell you as the father of eight children the highlight of the year was when “Sesame Street” came to Pittsburgh,” Fitzgerald said. “Elmo was our favorite, I will tell you.”

Peduto said he grew up watching “Sesame Street.”

“I can actually remember that first year of “Sesame Street” and its impact that it had,” the mayor said. “This is a special day in Pittsburgh. The Elmo - not the fake Elmo - the Elmo is here, right now.”

The PNC Foundation is sponsoring the nationwide tour through its Grow Up Greater initiative.