Image by Funky Dung via Flickr

Thanks to the folks at The Cotton Factory for tipping us off to this oh so Pittsburgh event (they are also the founders of the Facebook Group for The Parking Chair).

Stop by the Children’s Museum on Saturday between 10am and 3pm to watch artists decorate Praking chairs and play some musical chairs too.

Pittsburgh Parking Chair Day
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
Saturday, February 20, 2010 10am-3pm

Image by Funky Dung via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

Free family fun from the good fun loving folks at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh!

Fourth Annual Oakland KazooFest
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Kazoos will be provided, but you may BYOK (Bring Your Own Kazoo) if you wish. We’ll practice our standard repertoire then open the program to requests. ANYONE can make music with a kazoo, so . . . “Pucker up and party!” This free program is for all ages. Bring the whole family.

Location: Main Library (Oakland), 4400 Forbes Ave,Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Contact: Children’s Department, 412-622-3122, children@carnegielibrary.org

Please register here – http://www.clpgh.org/events/details.cfm?location=Main%20(Oakland)&event_id=49453

Image via Wikipedia

I am going to see if I qualify for the kids age range because I would like to participate in this activity too. Venture Outdoors has an activity this weekend to help you stay warm outdoors – Campfire building.
Think you can start a campfire with just one match? Prove it! We’re going to break this course down into three sections: collecting your materials, placing your campfire and building it. We’ll cover fire safety and Leave No Trace throughout the class. So leave your fuel canisters at home, and join our experienced leaders for a fun class on the essence of campfire building. (Geared towards ages 8-18.)

Date: January, 17, 2009
Location: Riverview Park
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 non-member / $5.00 member / $5.00 kids / $20.00 family

via wqed.org
I think this might be your last chance to check out the set of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood! I have seen some pieces of the set before but it would be pretty cool to see the whole thing at the WQED studio.
Posted via web from IheartPGH

Image by gadgetgirl via Flickr

On Saturday, September 12 from 3-7PM, Leslie Park swimming pool at 4700 Butler St. in Lawrenceville will thrum with activity-and not a drop of water.  The site will host Accordion Pool Party, an ethnic music and dance festival and quirky spectacle of culture and community pride.  The one-day event is a also a catalyst for a more lasting civic endeavor, Pool Planning Workshops to involve residents in shaping the future of the Leslie Park Pool site.

Accordion Pool Party involves about 20 seasoned Pittsburgh accordionists and 30 costumed folk dancers performing in the empty pool a mix of genres including Cajun, tango, polka, French, Israeli and Balkan music. Special guest Guinea West African Drum and Dance Ensemble will open the program.  The event will be emceed by Michael “Zombo” Devine.

The event will also feature refreshments courtesy of the Estelle S. Campbell Boys and Girls Club (neighbors to Leslie Park Pool), and light fare by Lawrenceville’s eclectic cafés and restaurants.  Several eateries will also host busking accordionists on the day of the event. There is a $5 suggested donation for the event.  Visit  http://www.accordionpoolparty.org/ for more information.

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Saturday,  May 30 is Beyond Bikes Day – a family friendly bicycle celenbration for beginners – I wan’t to make sure to point out that this is beginner friendly – I know we have posted lots of bike information but I am a bike begginner myself and I know that it can be intimidating.  

Beyond Bikes Day is organized by Venture Outdoors and the Major Taylor Cycling Club
The event will be held Saturday, May 30, at the Kingsley Association Community Center at 6435 Frankstown Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. This particular event will encourage biking as a family-friendly activity, as well as showcase some of the bike lanes in Pittsburgh, particularly the bike lane along East Liberty Boulevard. Riders are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets. A limited number of loaner bikes will be available. Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the day, including kids’ bikes and biking gear.
I had seen a reference to the Major Taylor Club before but I didn’t know much about it.  The Pittsburgh Chapter is a project of Pitt’s Center for Minority Health.  
Do you know Major Taylor? 

In the late 1890’s bicycle races drew crowds that filled Madison Square Garden; the biggest draw of all was Marshall W. Major Taylor. Having become the undisputed black champion of America, Taylor overcame racial segregation and intolerance to become the one-mile sprint world champion in 1899, and by the end of 1898 held seven world cycling records! 

Why is this important? 

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Minority Health and Adventure Cycling Association share the goal of encouraging people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, including African Americans, to explore the landscapes and history of America by bicycle. That is why these two organizations are committed to creating an Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. Throughout history black people have used bicycles as a mode of transportation. Both Major Taylor and the Underground Railroad represent the struggle to freedom from slavery and the challenge to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities.  
More info on the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club is availble here.  Also the blogger Pittsburgh Guy has a great post about the Major Taylor Club and their ride to show support for the families of the police officers that will killed in April.