Penn Hills Rotary, #3 North Bessemer VFD to hold Community Carnival & Cookout

The annual Penn Hills Community Carnival and Cookout will have new hosts and a new home this year.

The Penn Hills Rotary and North Bessemer Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 will be hosting the second annual carnival at Turner-Friendship Park.

“The Rotary and fire department are looking forward to hosting this event,” said Tyler Tomasino, president of the rotary. “We are excited for a good turnout and to provide families in Penn Hills with a few nights of fun.”

During its first year, the Rosedale Civic Association and Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department No. 2. held it at 5806 Verona Road in Penn Hills, drawing an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people. The carnival raised $5,000 to help fund a renovation project for the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department Park.

Scheduling conflicts prevented them from being able to host it again, Tomasino said.

All proceeds from the carnival will go to the rotary and fire department. Tomasino said the rotary does programming throughout the year, and the proceeds could help fund more of those opportunities.

“The money stays in the community, so this will be used to benefit the community,” he said.

This year’s carnival will feature a variety of vendors, food, children’s rides and other family activities. There will be charges for the rides, but the carnival is free to attend. An all-day ticket option is available for children.

Penn Hills High School cheerleaders will be providing face paintings and performances. There will also be raffles, including a 50/50 raffle.

Tomasino said he expects a good turnout for the event and hopes to see it continue to grow every year.

John Zacchia, president of the fire department, said both organizations were looking for ways to engage with the community and fundraising opportunities.

He said the fire department does not have an exact idea as to where the funds will go, but some funds may go towards a new engine that will replace one of their existing rescue pumps.

“We are excited to have this opportunity. The objective is to continue to grow this and hold a bigger event every ear,” Zacchia said.