Monroeville Public Library celebrates end of summer with FunFest

Monroeville Public Library hosted its fourth annual Library FunFest on Aug. 27. With over 30 local vendors in attendance, there wasn’t a dull moment in the celebration.

Inflatable courses and games were set up in a grass area behind the library. Next to the parking lot, Country Flair Farm set up a petting zoo that featured a medley of different animals including a water buffalo, baby llama and zebu.

“We are very happy to bring a couple new features and activities this year, because it is something that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Alice Rathjen, head of Monroeville Library’s public relations.

Children were able to stop and watch a show performed by Magic by Clint. If guests needed to relax and avoid the sun, they were able to sit at picnic tables set up in the shade or stop by the drum circle set up under the trees.

College athletes Nick Patti and Calijah Kancey greeted children, took pictures and signed autographs.

“I met Alice when I was in Murrysville and she told me about this event and I wanted to come out and support it,” said Patti.

Families in attendance lined up to meet the players and talk with them about their season. Children were especially excited to be able to meet the athletes.

“It’s not always about receiving,” said Kancey. “It’s about giving back, too. When I was a kid, when I met people like this, they were heroes to me. I feel like it has a big impact on the kids. It’s awesome to look back and see where you came from, where you are now and where you were when you were little. It’s just awesome.”

Local vendor tents lined the parking lot. They were asked by the library board to bring crafts or activities for children to do while they visited each stand.

Monroeville Parks and Recreation representatives invited guests to make spin art. Public library volunteers ran tents with ceramic painting and raffle tables. Volunteers from Raising Awareness In Monroeville and Pitcairn handed out free books to children.

Monroeville Historical Society was handing out painting kits while advertising for the Heritage Day Festival, scheduled for Oct. 1. Children enjoyed face painting at a State Farm tent. They were also able to personalize bookmarks at the Monroeville Arts Council stand.

Gateway High School’s robotics club brought two robots to hold demonstrations for onlookers. One creation was put on display and presented as the team’s competition bot. The other machine was active and launched balls into the air for children to catch. Club members explained how the robots were built and the upkeep process.

“We’re out here trying to get kids thinking more about science and technology as a career option,” said Sean McMahon, head coach of the robotics team. “In tech, everybody has a shot at making it.”

The club made an appearance with their robots on the riverwalk outside of the Pirates game on Aug. 28. Members put on a demonstration for a STEM event with other local teams. The team is celebrating its 15- year anniversary of competing this upcoming season.

Other booths included a concession stand run by library volunteers and Nothing Bundt Cake, and the Monroeville Police Department was handing out pamphlets.

“The reason that we host this event is to bring people of all ages in the community together for a celebration,” said Rathjen. “We’ve been able to bring in new businesses and companies that haven’t joined us in the previous years.”

Rathjen touched on how bringing the community together with local businesses introduces residents to resources that they may not have known about, and gives businesses more exposure to their consumers.

Not only does FunFest act as an opportunity for making connections, it’s a family-friendly event to celebrate the end of summer.

“My favorite thing is to watch the kids with the smiles on their faces,” said Rathjen. “Walking around today, you can see that people are excited to be here and having a good time. We hope that the families here today can say, ‘Hey, remember when we used to go to FunFest.’”

For more information about upcoming events at the library, visit monroevillelibrary.org.