Holiday event at Allegheny RiverTrail Park includes music, vendors, 'joy'

Allegheny RiverTrail Park will be filled with joy this holiday season.

A pair of 7.5-foot signs that spell “joy” were manufactured by students from the Fox Chapel Area School District and will be unveiled during the park’s Shiver on the River event from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 17.

“In this time of separation, outdoor events and public art are experiences that we can all share,” park founder Susan Crookston said.

“These signs really brighten up the park and are perfect for holiday pictures.”

Shiver on the River is pegged as a family-friendly gathering that will feature live music, a festive vendor market, a holiday display on loan from the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and food and drinks for purchase.

There might even be a snow-making machine if the weather cooperates, Crookston said.

“We hope it will feel like a European holiday market,” Crookston said. “We’re excited to bring some more color and joy into Pittsburgh’s gray winter season.”

Parents will be able to listen to music, relax with a glass of wine and purchase last-minute presents while the kids enjoy the holiday displays at the park.

Tickets cost $5 a person or $10 per family. They can be purchased at alleghenyrivertrailpark.org/shiver-by-the-river/.

District technology teacher Joe Gass designed the signs with help from students Eric Baker, Manic McKaveney, Peyton Shema and Cullen Sunday.

“We’re just happy to be able to bring joy to so many, by way of technical knowledge and practical application,” Gass said.

Nanci Goldberg, owner of Sharpsburg art studio Ketchup City Creative, along with district parents Cassie Conti and Kayla Portis, facilitated the sign painting.

“The outdoors bring joy all year long,” Goldberg said. “I think it saved our sanity during the pandemic, the ability to be outdoors and be joyful.

“This joy sign represents how fortunate we are to have so many amazing outdoor spaces like ARP.”

District students Elizabeth Crookston, Charles and Caleb Portis, and Audrey, Claire, Luca and Mae Conti assisted with the painting project.

“We had a nice time,” Caleb Portis said. “I would encourage anyone interested to join these projects.”

Founded in 2011, Allegheny RiverTrail Park features a playground sculpture, sled-riding hill, off-leash dog park, public fishing dock, walking trails and native gardens.

It sits along River Avenue, just off Freeport Road.

To volunteer at Shiver on the River, email info@alleghenyrivertrailpark.org.