If you have never attended FontanaFest before, then what are you waiting for?  Mark your calendars now and plan to join me on Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South Side’s Riverfront Park (bottom of 18th Street at the river) for the seventh annual event!  Best of all, it’s free!

I began this event shortly after my election as a way to celebrate our rivers and riverfront parks and to highlight all of the things that children and families can do on and near the rivers, and in our region, as a family.  Attendance has exceeded 1,000 in the past few years and those attending get to enjoy a day full of activities, food, giveaways and appearances. 

Thanks to Pittsburgh Water Limo, FontanaFest will include rides on our three rivers, and you can visit with the PA Fish & Boat Commission to take a canoe out on the Monongahela.  Pittsburgh River Rescue will also be on hand for a dive demonstration and talk about river safety and you can discover other ways you can enjoy our rivers and trails with Riverlife and Friends of the Riverfront.

Each and every participant has an activity geared towards children and there is a lot going on.  The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium will be on hand with a few of their animals to liven up the event, the National Aviary will have a dove release, Healthy Start Pittsburgh returns with an inflatable Moon Bounce and cotton candy machine, and there are plenty of activities at booths by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, the Technology Collaborative, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and more. 

Stop and enjoy a chair massage as you make your way through FontanaFest, get a blood pressure screening and learn about consumer protection resources available to you.

You may even wander upon a mascot or two as they greet attendees and show off in public.  There will also be a DJ and a procession of the Soldiers & Sailors’ Sixth Regiment USCT Drum Corps.  While you are taking it all in, get some food and sign up to win one of several door prizes.

These are just a few highlights of the family-friendly event.  There are dozens of other participants and sponsors and more are being added all of the time. 

Come out and see what these wonderful organizations in our community have to offer.  You can get also get updates by logging onto www.FontanaFest.com, “liking” us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter (@FontanaFest).  I hope to see you there!

Senator Wayne D. Fontana
42nd Senatorial District
www.senatorfontana.com