The Autumn Moon Festival has been a yearly event since 1999, when the South Pittsburgh Development Corporation, along with the Chamber of Commerce, started the fall classic. The weekend event features a variety of events, good food, and a great chance to get out and enjoy a day with friends and neighbors.

The 2000 festival was the second helping of what is now a highly anticipated event. The fest was held September 8-10 and was a rousing success. Hundreds of Brookliners gathered on Brookline Boulevard over the weekend to browse amongst the assorted booths. Judging from the positive turnout and the reaction of the local citizenry, the fledgling annual festival may become the event of the year for a long time to come.

The party kicked off Friday night with an Oldies Dance at the International Banquet Hall. DJ Joey Lewis kept the crowd dancing to the sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Many interesting personalities were on hand and the only negative comment yielded was that the lights were turned off too soon. Everyone had a great time.

With Brookline Boulevard capped from Stebbins Ave to Flatbush and fine weather from above, Saturday's activities featured crafts, games, prizes, roaming artists, ethnic dancing, live music and lots of good food.

Opening ceremonies kicked off at 11:00am and the assembled crowd saw a distinguished lineup of "Brookline Stars," hosted by our one and only District Justice Charles McLaughlin.

The speakers included Olympic Gold Medalist and Cleveland Rockers WNBA star Suzy McConnell-Serio, National Wheel-Chair Weightlifting champion Patsy Mitchell, Pirate great Bobby Del Greco, retired traffic policeman Vince Cianca, Jazz pianist Bobby Negri, DJ Tony Mowod, Senator Jack Wagner, Mayor Tom Murphy, County Councilman Wayne Fontana, Retired Police Chief Theresa Rocco and City Councilman Michael Diven.

Suzy spoke of her days growing up and training on the streets of Brookline and the encouragement she received from her neighbors and friends. Patsy talked of the trials she has overcome with her disability and the support she received from her home town during her rise to the weight-lifting title. Senator Wagner urged Brookliner's to work together and strive to keep Brookline's business district, the "heart of our community", strong.

Mayor Murphy discussed the city's ongoing commitment to improving the Brookline area, including a $5.2 million plan to resurface Brookline Boulevard. Councilman Diven spoke of growing up in Brookline and the tight-knit community spirit that makes it such a special place.

And then there was Vince, the nationally renowned traffic policeman who dazzled crowds with his colorful direction of motorists in downtown Pittsburgh. There may never again be so artful a character as Officer Cianca, and the sight of him in his old uniform and white gloves conjured up a flood of amusing and delightful images from Sixth and Smithfield.

Also seated amongst the distinguished guests was Brookline's jeweler and elder statesman Jim Mongelli, long-time owner of Brookline Jewelry. Mr. Mongelli was presented with a framed recognition award by Mayor Murphy and the Brookline Chamber of Commerce for his half-century of service to the community.

A few of our special guests and some BAMF volunteers gather for a quick snapshot.

After the opening ceremonies had completed, the stage was prepared for the live entertainment, showcasing bands like The Stickers, The Classiques and local rockers Doc Roc and the Interns, featuring Brookline's own Mark and Jake Zucco.

There were also choral groups, dance troops and a high school band over the course of the two-day show. A walking magician, a juggler, spin art, face painters, and a giant air-bag (moonwalk) were on hand to keep the kids adrenaline flowing. A dunking booth was erected Sunday and attracted a lot of attention.

Sunday's lineup was highlighted by the classic car exhibition. The boulevard was lined with vintage cars from the past several decades. It was quite a scene, and many oldtimers must have felt a twinge of reminiscence as every model must have been a commonplace site on Brookline Boulevard at one time or another over the long history of our community.

The Brookline Chamber of Commerce hopes everyone had a blast at the 2000 Autumn Moon Festival. This year's event was bigger and better than the first, and it is our hope that things will be even better in 2001. Mark your calendars because the Autumn Moon Festival looks to be here to stay.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped in organizing, setting up, cleaning, monitoring and working hard to make our festival a success. The neighborhood of Brookline and the City of Pittsburgh are better places because of your dedication and devotion.

The 2000 Brookline Autumn Moon Festival was sponsored by the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, Brookline Neighborhood Planning (now SPDC), the City of Pittsburgh and Fayette Bank.

Prior to the festival, local schools (West Liberty Academy, Pioneer Education Center, Seton Center and Brookline Elementary) were asked to participate in the first ever "Autumn Moon Festival" poster contest. There were over 100 entries in three categories (grades 0-2, 3-5, 6-8).

The winners were:
1st Place - Ryan Bergener, Andrea Chiodo, Amanda Huminski.
2nd Place - Stephanie Banini, Alexis Joseph, Ashley DelMastro.
3rd Place - Chelsea Serefine, Barbara Lee Edwards, Sana Robinson.
Honorable Mention - Andrew Guttman

Below are links to photos from the 2000 festival.
Click on images for larger photos.

<Photo Page 1> <> <Photo Page 2> <> <Photo Page 3> <> <Photo Page 4>

<Photos from the 1999 Autumn Moon Festival (Classic Cars)>

* Photos provided by Jan Beiler and Clint Burton *