Aspinwall's Fall in the Wall attracts hundreds

Hundreds of people packed Aspinwall for the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fall in the Wall celebration Oct. 8.

“The turnout’s incredible this year,” said Adam Redling of Aspinwall, whose daughter, Elliana, 7, received a unicorn balloon animal from Quin McLaughlin, known in entertainment circles as “Q the Clone” of Weird Eric LLC.

“It’s definitely the biggest turnout that there’s ever been,” Redling said. “There was more advertising. Having events like this draws people to the borough more.”

Elliana’s mother, Katie Redling, said she’s noticed a lot more younger families in the borough and believes the town is growing.

The event was held on Brilliant and Commercial avenues. An inflatable fire station and ladder truck were among the newest attractions at the event. Food trucks included Delina’s EthioCafe, Hermes Food Truck and Kona Ice.

Other activities included face painting, airbrush tattoos, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting.

Amora Alexander of Penn Hills was among the many children chasing bubbles from a bubble machine. The 19-month-old was accompanied by her father, Arthur Alexander. The pair wore mouse ears on their heads and had a good time.

“We had friends living in the area, (and) we like this area a lot,” Alexander said. “A lot of activities for adults and also for kids, and fall in general. We want to be out and enjoy the fall, see the foliage. She’s loving it.”

Fairytale Princess Visits owner Courtney Czarniak’s face painting was among the most popular attractions with a line that stretched nearly down the block. Her company also organized visits from Buzz Lightyear and Rapunzel.

Pennley Heyman, 5, of Aspinwall was transformed from a mild-mannered youth to a rainbow butterfly with the strokes of Czarniak’s brush.

“It looks so good,” said Pennley’s mother, Joanna Heyman. “We live in this area and the events are so much fun.”

Heyman’s husband, David, said Fall in the Wall is something they look forward to every year.

“Aspinwall puts on a few events throughout the year for the different seasons,” he said. “It’s nice to get everybody together and to see the local businesses. The kids have a great time. It’s family friendly.”

Aspinwall police gave out T-shirts, badges and other materials to children. Officers wore pink patches for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Borough firefighters handed out plastic junior firefighter hats and had an obstacle course, which Chamber Executive Director Giuseppe Francioni said was the last thing organizers took down because of its popularity.

“They couldn’t get enough,” he said about the activity. “It was orderly chaos where they took their turn. They were all anxious to have a little bit of fun.”

Admission and parking was free. Some nearby businesses set up displays outside for people to browse. People had the opportunity to create their own bouquet of flowers and purchase pumpkins.

Francioni said the key to having a successful event is to take out the politics and focus on the children.

“When you think of all the (stuff) going on in the world, and to get a gathering like that, the focus is totally on the kids,” he said. “The whole community comes together and has a good time. Forget how crazy the economy is. … When it comes to Fall in the Wall, everybody checks the same box 100%.”

More information about chamber activities is available at aspinwallchamber.com.