Snowballs fly at Brackenridge Memorial Park as part of inaugural community event

When Brackenridge mother Angel Matthews heard Friday’s weather report of freezing temperatures and several inches of snow, she didn’t think about staying inside.

Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to fulfill a dream her children had of something big.

Something that could bring the community together on just such an occasion.

What took place late Friday afternoon at Brackenridge Memorial Park was, as Matthews’ Facebook event page called it, the “Biggest Snowball Fight Everrrrr!”

“It was my girls’ idea,” Matthews said. “They came up with this idea a couple years ago. It’s always either been too cold or we haven’t had enough snow. … Late last night (Thursday) I sent out an invite on Facebook and created a group and shared it to the neighborhood groups.”

There were some ground rules for the snowball battle, such as no aiming for the face, and the pavilion was a safe zone.

Matthews’ daughters, Macie, 12, and Serenity, 11, were very excited with how it turned out.

“I think it’s a dream come true,” Macie said. “I love the snow.”

Nearly 60 people braved the elements for the inaugural battle.

“I’m glad that we could bring the community together,” Serenity said. “I didn’t know that this many people would come. I’m shocked.”

Their younger brother, Deangelo, 6, was a bit too cold to speak. He nodded his head when asked if he was having a good time and liked to throw snow.

Children from nearby communities joined in the fun.

Elizabeth Krebs, 11, of Leechburg used to live in Brackenridge. She said it was great reconnecting with friends, and connecting with some throws.

Brycen Brucker, 10, of Tarentum used a plastic snowball maker to help make the most of the fluffy white ammunition.

Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser also got in on the action.

“We usually have a good time in Brackenridge,” Fraser said. “I think in the past year or so we’ve really come to a new understanding of who we are as a community and how much that means to us. It’s great to see us continue (with that).”

The snowball battle began around 5:15 p.m. and lasted a little less than an hour.

Angel Matthews said next time they plan on bringing coffee and hot chocolate.

“I think it’s going to be a yearly tradition,” she said.

Inaugural community snowball fight in Brackenridge Memorial Park kicks off pic.twitter.com/VGWUh4j1KQ

— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) January 20, 2024