Winter lantern festival to launch Fox Chapel's new parks conservancy

A winter lantern festival in Fox Chapel first delayed by rain is rescheduled for sundown Friday.

The event will launch the borough’s new parks conservancy by installing a sea of flickering lanterns across the field at McCahill Park along Squaw Run Road.

From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., people can enjoy the scene from the car or wander through the field so long as masks are worn and social distancing is followed.

The cost is $25 to sponsor a lantern, and they can be purchased at facebook.com/foxchapelparksconservancy.

“Some winter rain delayed us, but Friday is shaping up to be a perfect day for the lantern installation,” said Mandy Steele, councilperson and Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy co-founder.

Mayor Alex Scott and parks commission chairman Wes Posvar also are founding members of the conservancy.

The conservancy’s mission is to support the 345-acre park system that stretches across the borough and includes the new 17-acre Hardie Valley Park, along with Trillium Trail, spectacular in the spring with its concentration of white wildflowers.

The fund will allow for possible upgrades and expansions in future years, Scott said.

Steele said more people have been using borough parks and trails during the pandemic, spurring a passion to keep them at their peak.

The conservancy plans to host a lantern-themed event during each season this year, bringing people into the abundant green spaces.

”The community has really supported this event in a big way, and the field is going to be beautiful,” Steele said.