Monroeville outlines All‑American Weekend events as foundation seeks $750,000 in seed funding

Paul West, director of Monroeville Recreation and Parks, told the council on March 3 that Recreation Park programming is “off and running,” with 13 concert series performances booked and sponsorships agreed with UPMC for major events.

West said the department has also scheduled an acoustic guitar series every other Wednesday, after‑school and evening programming with close coordination with the library and the senior center, and partnerships with local churches and the fire department. He summarized the holiday weekend schedule as a VIP "legacy lift" ceremony July 3, a July 4 parade beginning at Miracle Mile and concluding at the mall, a fireworks display at the mall at 9:30 p.m., and a themed 5K run/walk and community day at Community Park. “We have booked all of our concert series performers,” West said, noting contracts were pending.

MK, who said staff are working with the Monroeville Foundation on a rebrand and fundraising campaign, described two publications tied to the All‑American Weekend and said the foundation is targeting $750,000 to seed longer‑term economic development and community grants. “We’re looking at funding $750,000,” MK said, adding the sum would be seed money to attract larger projects and support local nonprofits.

Felicia Thomas, who identified herself as “a proud citizen” and as part of the Monroeville Foundation, said foundation volunteers are soliciting local business sponsorships and asked councilors to refer businesses to foundation contacts. “There’s a lot of people whose hands are involved in a good way and I’m one of them,” Thomas said.

Councilors and staff discussed logistics and capacity: the parade organizers, public works and police will provide traffic and safety support, and parks staff will manage permits and site operations. Councilors warned the combined schedule — a baseball tournament, community day and anniversary activities — will push staff capacities. West and other organizers said they will continue outreach for sponsorships and volunteer support and that additional details and invitations will be distributed as the events are finalized.

The council did not vote on event funding at the March 3 citizens night; items tied to event funding and related grants were listed on the draft agenda for the March 10 meeting for formal action. The parks activity guide and summer program registration dates were also announced during the meeting.