Wilkinsburg Celebrates 125 Years

The year 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of Wilkinsburg, which was officially established as a borough on October 5, 1887. This historic event will be commemorated throughout the year with the theme: “Celebrating the Past, Present and Future.”

As part of the celebration, a 125th Community Unity Festival Picnic will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 1 at Hunter Park. 

The free event will include grilled treats, beverages, games, face painting, baseball and live entertainment. The American Wind Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Robert Austin Boudreau, who is doing a world tour, will perform in Pittsburgh and dedicate the concert to Wilkinsburg at Point State Park on Saturday, July 14. 

In October, there will be a three-day celebration beginning on Friday, October 5, with a community reception at Hosanna House from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 6, will begin with a parade in the community, followed by a Gala Event later that evening at the DoubleTree Hotel at the Monroeville Mall. This memorable festivity will conclude on Sunday, October 7, with a community-wide worship and celebration at Wilkinsburg High School.

Mayor John Thompson, who is chairman for the celebration, announced the 125th Anniversary theme as “Celebrating the Past, Present and Future". A celebration committee coordinating the year’s activities includes honorary chairman, A. William Schenck; co-chairperson, Ophelia Coleman; treasurer, John Irwin; secretary, Tracey Evans; events chair, Vicki Cherney; promotion chair, Ralph Yearick; finance chair, Barbara Ervin; and parade chair, Barbara Thompson. 

“I want to encourage all of our residents, businesses and partners to be a part of the celebration,” says Mayor Thompson. “Help sponsor events, join a committee, or just attend and enjoy the activities. These are all ways to show your support for our rich history.”

Donations to support the celebration activities can be made at any Citizens Bank and should be designated as “Wilkinsburg 125thAnniversary Committee.”

All funds raised that exceed event expenses will be used to support youth programs in the borough.

More information about Wilkinsburg’s 125th Anniversary can be found at the websites of Wilkinsburg Borough,www.wilkinsburgpa.gov, and the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, www.wilkinsburgcdc.org.