Pink Day breast cancer fundraiser in Leechburg draws thousands with food, fun, bubbles

Pink was the color of the day Saturday in Leechburg, but the finale of the breast cancer fundraiser — a foam party filled with white bubbles — appeared to be a hit.

Omar Holyfield, 8, and his brother Asante, 7, were still dressed in their Kiski Valley Youth Football uniforms when they arrived at Pink Day. But they weren’t letting that stop them from plowing their way through the clouds of foam.

“This is great!” Asante said.

The 12th annual Pink Day festival drew thousands to the borough for a jam-packed day of live music, crafters, food and rides 101 feet in the air on the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company ladder truck.

“My daughter’s grandmother passed from breast cancer, so we come every year to celebrate her,” said Angela Watt of Buffalo Township.

Her daughter, Jasey Lehota, 3, was tickled to receive a dog-shaped balloon from Gibby the Clown, who was with Syria Shriners entertaining the crowds.

“We’re always swamped,” Gibby said. “The kids love the balloons.”

More than 100 vendors filled several blocks of Market Street, hawking handmade wreaths, jewelry, yard décor and more.

Coordinator Sherry Price of Leechburg said that over the years, the event has brought in about $217,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Last year’s Pink Day total brought in about $41,300.

The foundation, based in New York City, has raised more than $1 billion since it was founded in 1993. It is expected to award $63.15 million in grants in 2023-24 to more than 250 scientists from universities and medical institutions around the world as part of its mission to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Throughout the day, lively music filled the streets and people stood alongside the Second Street stage to dance.

Performances included Risen to Save, Ms. Freddye and her Blues Band, Right Turn Clyde, TKO and the Lenny Collini Family Pak.

A free Kids Zone was sponsored by Kiski Valley Community Church.

The scent of fresh-cut fries and homemade cannoli also lingered among the crowd and was enough to draw some to the festival for the first time.

“We wanted to come down and try the food and have some fun,” said Amanda Blystone of Bell Township, while her daughter Miah Walker, 4, struck a pose in the life-size Barbie box.

Heather Zack of Gilpin brought her two daughters, Bella and Nakita, to enjoy the plethora of children’s activities that included inflatables and an animal show.

“I’ve always heard good things about it, but I’ve never made it out,” Zack said. “I wanted to make sure to bring them to enjoy themselves this year.”

New this year were rides up into the sky on the Leechburg VFC ladder truck, which Assistant Chief Jesse Sterlitz said the department offered for free.

“We did it at a back-to-school event, and everyone loved it,” he said. “I mean everyone — the kids and the older people.”

For the 10th year, the Pink Day celebration kicked off with a 5K sponsored by IPG gym. Owner Jim Safranyos said entry fees benefit breast cancer research. Last year’s event raised $800.

There were about 60 participants this year, he said.

“It’s a good way to start the day and support the cause,” he said.