Take a stroll down Washington Road on a Saturday morning and you’re treated to the slice of life that is Mt. Lebanon. Saturday, June 18 had something for everyone.
The Uptown Market is a summertime staple, even on a breezy Saturday morning. “It’s chilly, but it’s been busy,” said Heidi Nagle, who was working at the José Quiroz Farm booth. “We’re here every Saturday.”
The Mt. Lebanon Uptown Market gives farmers in the region the chance to sell what they produce directly to customers in an urban setting.
Doug Derda came “all the way from Dormont to pick up vegetables.” The barbecue aficionado, who runs the Yinz Love BBQ website, made a point of visiting Uncle Jammy’s BBQ booth, where Jamal Etienne-Harrigan sells sauces and seasonings.
“This is kind of my old stomping grounds,” said Etienne-Harrigan, who’s been making wing sauces and seasonings for the last 14 years. He travels to the Uptown Market from the Crafton-Ingram area weekly to sell products with names like “Wanta B. Startin’ Somethin’” and “Smile for Smokey BBQ.”
Travel further down the block and you’ll find business is brisk at the various coffee shops and restaurants. The line was out the door at Uptown Coffee. But baristas weren’t surprised. It’s Saturday morning, after all. “I can’t believe this crowd in here,” one customer said.
This week, an even bigger crowd assembled at Clearview Common for the inaugural Lebo Pride Celebration. Roxana Colaiaco, Questend Avenue, brought her 5-year-old, 3-year-old and 2-month-old daughters to the event “to celebrate equality. It could not be more important for our family. We’re raising our girls that they can love who they want to love or be whoever they want to be,” she said.
The event, celebrating Mt. Lebanon’s LGBTQIA+ community, featured art, music and interactive activities.
Whether you’re new to the area, or a long-time resident, you’re sure to find something of interest on a Saturday stroll through Mt. Lebanon.