Brentwood is 'Taking it to the Streets' for last time in 2019

Brentwood Borough is once again “Taking it to the Streets” on Sept. 28 for a night of fall fun.

The “Autumn Splendor” event will close down a portion of Brownsville Road near Brentwood Towne Square from 6 to 10 p.m. for an evening of craft beer, ax-throwing, food trucks, games and live music.

“It’s about bringing the community out, giving them something to do as a community with good food and music and games — and now beer,” borough Manager George Zboyovsky said.

The manager said he always wanted to bring an event to Brentwood that mirrors festivals held on Walnut Street in Shadyside.

When Brentwood stadium’s renovation was completed a couple of years ago, with the work of borough recreation director Jim Attanucci, the borough launched a stadium concert series that featured groups like Tres Lads.

The manager knew an added draw would be including breweries at the event.

While borough council in recent years has revised its rules to allow alcohol to be served at events in Brentwood Civic Center and the borough’s community room, bringing alcohol into the stadium is a no-go, Zboyovsky said.

“I said, ‘Let’s have it on the street,” he said.

The model for the event would be the Fourth of July and bringing the community out and together for a celebration, like Brentwood is known for across the South Hills on Independence Day.

“Taking it to the Streets” kicked off in June 2018 with a comedian, DJ, photo booth and food trucks.

The second event in 2018 added a brewery and, while it was held in October, there still were long lines for the event, Zboyovsky said. Each event has a different theme and some have been held further up Brownsville Road by the borough building. There were two events held earlier this year.

Sept. 28 will mark the third and final “Taking it to the Streets” event of 2019. The evening will include craft beer by Spoonwood Brewing Co. and Mindful Brewing Co.

Acoustic country-rock performer David Stout will entertain, along with a DJ. Food trucks will include Miso Hungry, Hot Buz and Cilantro & Ajo.

The Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce also will hold its annual chili cookoff during the event.

For $5, people can buy a ticket to test all of the chili and vote on a winner, who will receive bragging rights and a trophy for having the best chili in the area.

With the success of this year’s events, Brentwood leaders plan to select dates for the 2020 “Taking it to the Streets” by the end of this year.

“People are looking for something to do. With 1,000 channels on cable, there’s still nothing to watch. So, why not come out and do something in the community?” Zboyovsky said.