Fall in the Wall brings folks to Aspinwall for annual autumn festival

Pumpkin painting, pony rides and a plethora of activities and foods to pick from were all part of the Fall in the Wall festival in the heart of Aspinwall.

Dozens of families from the borough and nearby communities participated in the autumn celebration Oct. 7.

It was a first for Sarah Hendrix of Indiana Township. She brought her children, Lily, 3, and Ivo, 2, at the behest of some friends in search of a family-friendly time.

“A friend told us we should come because it was going to be really fun for kids,” Hendrix said. “We’re having a great time.”

Deejay Doug Kochmanski of Aspinwall provided the tunes while most of the action took place along Commercial Avenue and Alley A.

The pumpkin-painting tables were popular — with young artists and their parents using every inch of space to craft their colorful masterpieces.

Ben Wolfe of Fox Chapel and his family enjoyed the experience. His children rode ponies and played in the bouncy houses.

“It’s impressive,” Wolfe said. “Very well planned and executed, great for families.”

The line for pony rides from Sharpsburg-based Pittsburgh Pony Encounters stretched around the block by the food trucks and the Frank’s Sausage grill.

Chef Brandon Gardner served hot and sweet sausage sandwiches with peppers. Other vendors included Delina’s EthioCafe, Smashed ’n Fried, Kona Ice and Syrian Aroma.

The event was presented by the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce.

Giuseppe Francioni, the chamber’s executive director, thanked the volunteers for their help in making it a success, as well as a bright shining star.

“The recipe for a great event includes one main ingredient: the sun,” Francioni said. “Aspinwall’s Fall in the Wall had it. This year, the streets were filled with the sounds of children running, laughing and playing. No child should’ve had trouble sleeping that night.”