Out & About: The Westmoreland's Block Party offers summer fun

Shirley McMarlin
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 12:01 a.m. | Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 12:01 a.m.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Lara Haase of Garfield, who performs as “Boogie” with Pittsburgh Circus Arts Collaborative, at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Paul Garcia and Laura Wright of Springfield, Va., with their daughters, Madi and Emma Garcia; Rob and Kim Wright of Leesburg, Va.; and museum CFO Suzanne Wright, with her husband, John, at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Beatriz Rossi and Hayden Fowler of Greensburg at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Blues guitarist Tim Woods (left) performs with his namesake band at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department fireman Clyde Snyder and Sgt. Christian Lake with the department’s 1949 Seagrave fire engine at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Renee and John Leszczynski with Greg Zambano, all of Greensburg, at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Scott and Natalie Williams of Greensburg at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Patti and Edward Almaro of Amarillo, Texas, with Lorranine and Joe Poletini of Irwin at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Tom Balya of Greensburg and Rose Marie Muzika of Friendship at the Block Party for “Block Party,” on July 29 at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.

When researching the phenomenon of block parties for The Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s current exhibit of that name, chief curator Jeremiah William McCarthy learned that they originated in New York City during World War I as people pooled resources to give soldiers a send-off to war.

Block parties spread around the country, as communities came together to celebrate special occasions — including the crazy, lazy, hazy days of summer.

The Greensburg museum got into the act on July 29, hosting The Block Party for “Block Party” on its terrace.

If guests arrived hungry, there was Indian food from Divya’s House of Spice in Penn Township and sandwiches and wraps from Yumzio Bistro in Greensburg.

If they were thirsty, libations were available.

If they were craving something cool and sweet, they could stop by the sundae bar hosted by Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream of Pittsburgh.

For fun, there was a print-making activity, face painting, balloon art and the museum’s signature art scavenger hunt in the galleries.

Guitarist Tim Woods and his namesake band provided a bluesy soundtrack.

Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department’s 1949 Seagrave fire engine was in the parking lot, with information on the antique vehicle available from. Sgt. Christian Lake and fireman Clyde Snyder.

Seen: Bob and Pat Thompson, Jon and Nina Lewis, Barbara Ferrier, Roxie Sumner, Leo Porterfield, Doreen Blandino, Suzanne English, Scott and Natalie Williams, Joe and Lorraine Poletini, Edward and Pattie Almaro, Keith and RoseAnn Orr, John and Renee Leszczynksi, Greg Zambano, Tom Balya and Rose Marie Muzika, Beatriz Rossi and Hayden Fowler, The Westmoreland’s CFO Suzanne Wright and her husband, John, and their relatives visiting from Virginia: Rob and Kim Wright and Paul Garcia and Laura Wright with their daughters, Madi and Emma Garcia.