Monday, October 29, 2012

Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages.  Make sure to go over these Trick or Treat tips with your family before you head out door to door on Wednesday.  For more information see Halloween.











Halloween & Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips Infographic

Friday, October 26, 2012

Pittsburgh Charity Tennis Match

Check out this great event held in Pittsburgh for various AIDS charities around the world.  This event included celebrities, sports icons, and a few local favorites.  They event has raised more than 10 million dollars since it's start more than 20 years ago.

Across all levels of sports, athletes play for championships, respect or admiration.

Tuesday at Petersen Events Center, a group of tennis icons, along with some notable friends, played for a cause.

As a part of the Mylan World Team Tennis' Smash Hits, tennis legend Billie Jean King and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Elton John, among others, took to the court as part of an effort to raise money to help combat AIDS.

While the annual event is new to the Pittsburgh area, the match Tuesday marked its 20th anniversary, a span that has seen it raise more than $10.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various 
 AIDS charities, including the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. The match and VIP auction Tuesday raised roughly $1 million, the highest total in the event's history.

The event leaves behind an indelible impact in each city it visits, something that makes it even more rewarding for those involved.
"
We try to go to as many different cities as possible and leave the money that we raised for that night," John said. "It's very important because if people are going to turn out and give money to see us play tennis, then it's only right that some of the money stays in the community."

The event is entering its third decade of existence, but its roots go back much further, particularly with the relationship that exists between King and John.
I
n 1974, King was one of the co-founders of World Team Tennis, a groundbreaking coed professional tennis league. Around the same time, King and John developed a strong friendship that continues today, part of which was based around a shared love of tennis. Even one of John's hit songs, "
 Philadelphia Freedom," was named in honor of the WTT team on which King played.

For the two of them, using tennis as a way to support a cause only made sense.

"I've been a big tennis fan for a long time -- I love to watch it, I love to play it and it gives me a chance to go on court and watch my idols play close up," John said.

There were many idols to watch Tuesday. There was Martina Navratilova, who John dubbed 
"probably the greatest women's tennis player of all time," as well as Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, the husband-and-wife duo that, combined, owns 30 Grand Slam titles.

Additionally, there were former standouts such as Andy Roddick and Mark Knowles, both of whom retired after the recent U.S. Open.

"It's good to see him out and staying connected to the game," Agassi said of Roddick. "It doesn't surprise me. He still shows that he cares."

For King, it was a chance to return to Pittsburgh, a city for which she expressed admiration dating to her days playing against the WTT's short-lived Pittsburgh Triangles.

"I loved it when I played here," King said. "The fans would be great and obnoxious -- I loved it. I like it when they are totally into it. There are great fans here in Pittsburgh."

Even with the atmosphere of goodwill and charity that surrounded the event, there was an irrepressible competitive streak from some players, particularly the event's most prominent participant.

"I don't see the point in doing anything in half measures," John said. "When I was a drug addict, I did as many drugs as possible. I'm competitive -- in my career, in life because I'm driven and want the best and I still want the best."

For those involved, though, tennis still remains the backdrop, especially for John. After spending years not getting involved in fighting AIDS, something for which John expressed great lament, his life changed when he met Ryan White, an Indiana boy who died of the disease.

John became good friends of White and his family, and developed an admiration of White for his perseverance and dignity. For John, White prompted him to act, get involved and become a better person, noting that White has "been my inspiration ever since."

Although he still regrets the years that he spent away from activism and charity, John is thankful that, along with his good friends and idols like King, he is able to make an impact while playing the game he loves in the process.

"I kept asking myself 'Where was I?' I was absent, so I had to make up for lost time," John said. "I'm still ashamed of my actions from before, but I'm trying to make that right now. When you get a second chance in life, don't waste it."


Read more at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Thursday Nights in Downtown

 Thursday nights in downtown can include dinner, movies, and entertainment for an affordable price.  Here is a great Thursday evening plan that won't cost more than 25 dollars a person.  This plan includes a movie, dinner, and a comedy show with drinks.

Once again, we are here to show you that Downtown Pittsburgh doesn’t have to be an expensive place to play. Here’s how TWO people can enjoy an entire evening Downtown every Thursday for around $40 to $50 including parking and tips. That’s just $20-$25 per person, and this gets you A LOT!

If you’re not already Downtown, you can park your car in one of the local garages after 4 pm for only $5.00. The closest to your destinations will be the Theatre Square Garage, the one at 9th Street and Penn Avenue, or the one at 9th Street and Liberty Avenue.

The first thing to do, now that you’re in the Penn-Liberty Historic District, is to head straight to the Harris Theater. On Thursdays, you can catch a movie for just 5 bucks for KQV-AM’s  5:30 Thursday. Think of it as a special “after-work matinee”.

If you didn’t have time to grab a bite before the movie, by now you’re probably famished! Well, you’re in luck, because at the corner of 9th Street and Liberty Avenue, you’ll find Sammy’s. Sammy’s is famous for their Corned Beef Special. The sandwich is HUGE: a beyond-healthy portion of corned beef topped with the traditional Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and cole slaw on rye, served with a pickle, for $5.99.

When you’re done eating, stroll on over to the Cabaret at Theater Square for their Pittsburgh Improv Jam! For only $3.00 you can enjoy improv comics from all over the ‘Burgh, or even participate if you dare! Late night happy hour begins at 9:00 at The Backstage Bar with $2.50 craft brews and $3.50 select wines, so grab a drink before you head in to have a seat. The comedy show starts at 9:30.

The complete total for your hours-long excursion? $40 to $50 for two people, including parking, movie, food, live comedy, a couple adult beverages, and tips! Enjoy!

Better yet, don’t worry about driving or parking – take the bus! There’s more routes than we can mention that put you right in the heart of the Cultural District.  Use Port Authority’s Trip Planner to get a quick, customized route. Getting there couldn’t be easier! 

For more information check out Living Pittsburgh.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Famous Haunted Houses In Pittsburgh

Scarehouse has been receiving tons of attention the past few years.  However, there are many haunted houses in Pittsburgh that will be sure to send you running scared.  From creepy santa's and cannibals to zombies and murder there is something that will make everyone scream.

Creepo is not a clown you want hosting your son's 7th birthday party. The disgruntled ex-entertainer, who resides in The ScareHouse attraction in Etna, is out for blood.

This year, Creepo will don a red Santa hat and warn children, "I know if you've been bad or good, but I'll kill you anyway."

While it's barely October, the Halloween season has long been under way for owners and managers of haunted house attractions. Many spend the entire year preparing for October, when it's finally time to 
put their terrors to the test.

When patrons walk through Creepo's Christmas in 3-D, The ScareHouse's newest theme, they can experience "a little bit of twisted humor," said Scott Simmons, creative director and one of three owners, who also include his wife and father.

The new section of The ScareHouse will be strung with Christmas lights, best viewed through 3-D glasses for a "trippy, surreal spin." This is where Creepo abides, seething over the premature holiday decorations.

Inspiration for this seasonal syncretism came when Mr. Simmons went shopping this month and had to walk past Christmas decorations to reach the Halloween section.

"We thought, you know, this is a little annoying to us because Halloween is our time," Mr. Simmons said.

There is a fine line between humor and fear at The ScareHouse. Whether it's a clown dressed as Santa, a bunny carrying an ax or a living doll who giggles and flirts with patrons, the goal is to combine creepy with cute to defy expectations.

This confusion of the psyche lowers one's guard, which translates into a higher level of fear, said Mr. Simmons.

In addition to the new Creepo's Christmas section, changes have been made to the two other attractions, The Forsaken and Pittsburgh Zombies -- the latter of which will be "much darker, scarier and with many more zombies," Mr. Simmons said.

At Terror Town in the Strip District, the fright factor involves a few monsters but also real spirits said to be hovering in every corner. Preparing to open for its second year, the all-indoor basement-level attraction is "one of the most paranormal-active locations in Pennsylvania," said manager Chris Firman.

"You'll be walking through one portion and it's a normal temperature, and you turn a corner and it's freezing cold," Mr. Firman said of the unusual activity in the building, which was constructed in 1921 and used by Standard American Cable.

The 35-minute tour of post-apocalyptic Terror Town -- which sank underground and became inhabited by cannibals and other bloodcurdling creatures -- includes a walk through an abandoned bus, a funeral home and the kitchen of a family who wants to feed visitors severed appendages and entrails.

While the owners of many haunted houses have an affinity for the gruesome and gory, Castle Blood owner Ricky Dick takes a different approach. The Gothic theatrical attraction in Westmoreland County is suitable for children and adults alike.

"The 'blood' in Castle Blood doesn't mean carnage; it means that we're owned by vampires," Mr. Dick said. "Vampires don't need chain saws, they don't need Michael Myers and they don't need killer clowns."

Formerly based in Beallsville, then Bentleyville, the 20th anniversary of Castle Blood will be celebrated in a new location in Monessen this year.

City planners approached Mr. Dick and asked if he would move Castle Blood to Monessen to promote business and the town's revitalization efforts. He agreed, seeing the benefit of an all-indoor location that would enable Castle Blood to stay open on select dates year-round.

Plans are already in the mix for a spooky Christmas affair and a "terrifyingly bloody" Valentine's Day event.

Castle Blood is set up like a game for Halloween, and this year patrons will need to appease a phantom to reach the exit safely. "Phoenix Rising" will involve transformation, rebirth and resurrection of vampires -- a fitting theme for an anniversary celebration in a new location.

"After 19 years, a fresh start is good for the 20th," Mr. Dick said.

For more information see the Post Gazette.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Halloween Family Events


Check out these creep-tastic events happening this weekend in Pittsburgh.  There is the Bakery SCARE! at Bakery Square, and the Creepy Harvest Party in Millvale.  These events include Halloween activities and food.  There is something there for every member of your family.



Event: Bakery SCARE!
Location:
Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206.
Date:
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Time:
2pm until 5pm
Cost:
Free to attend
Description:
Enjoy this FREE Halloween party at Bakery Square, featuring live music by the Boogie Hustlers, I Made It! Market Halloween Market, the 3rd annual Running of the Wieners, costume contests for adults, children and pets (win up to $200 in prizes!), kids crafts, Yuengling beer & cocktails ($5 donation for drink bracelet). Parking is also free in the BkSq garage. Visit their Facebook page for more info.




Event: Creepy Harvest Party
Location:
Millvale Riverfront Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Date:
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Time:
5pm until 7pm
Cost:
$3 per child (adults are free with child)
Description:
Enjoy this family event (parents must be present) for kids ages 12 and under. The $3 cost includes a hot dog, apple cider, an apple and a pumpkin per child. There will be pumpkin painting, a creepy story walk, a crazy train, scarecrow stuffing, face painting and much more! Costumes are encouraged, and apples, pumpkins and gourds will be available for purchase. Please visit Millvale’s website for additional information and to purchase tickets online.



For more information see Living Pittsburgh.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Concerts, Festivals, and Free Tours This Weekend

A day out in Pittsburgh with the family can be expensive for anyone.  Here are some great events throughout the week that you can do with your family for free.

There are more free admission days this weekend than you can shake a stick at! For kids, adults, and everyone in between, there’s no excuse not to do something fabulously fun and FREE this weekend!  RADical Days is a thank you to the public for its support of our regional assets, such libraries, parks, museums, cultural organizations, regional facilities and municipal services, through the RAD sales tax.

 Saturday, October 13

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Sketch Crawl
Free Tours of WQED – FM 89.3
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
South Park Hay Day
Pittsburgh Opera Brown Bag Concert

For more information see Living Pittsburgh.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Hay Day Festival

Do you need something to do with your family this weekend?  The annual Hay Day Festival will be held in South Park this weekend from 12pm-4pm.  There are tons of activities for your children including hay rides and petting zoos.  Check out the schedule below for complete events!

Boy on Haystack Hay Days 2012!
Fall Fun Festivals
for the whole Family

(Rain or shine!)
Haystack
  Hartwood Acres
Amphitheater
September 29

11 am - 4 pm
  South Park
Fairgrounds
October 13
Noon - 4 pm
All activities are FREE to the public.
Kids of all ages can enjoy all-day, Fall fun activities
Hay Day Activities
11 am - 4 pm 
Hay Rides
Face Painting
Balloon Art
Magician
Pumpkin Patch & Painting
Corn Maze
Bouncy Castle
Trackless Train
Noon - 4 pm
11:30 am - 3 pm 
Petting Zoo
Noon - 3 pm
Noon - 3 pm
Spooky Caricatures
Puppet Show
Noon - 3 pm
1:30 - 3 pm
Pony Rides
1:30 - 3 pm

Contact Special Events at 412-350-5928.
For more information see Allegheny County.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Free Family Events in Pittsburgh

Everyone loves exploring the attractions in Pittsburgh, but doing this everyday can get expensive.  What if you could explore your favorite Pittsburgh landmarks for free? This week there are some great ways to experience the city for free.  Check out the list below and start planning out your week.


Friday, October 5
Free Tours of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Free Admission to the Pittsburgh Glass Center
Pittsburgh Glass Center/ Pittsburgh Filmmakers/ Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Present: Snap!
Pittsburgh Filmmakers: Ann Arbor Film Festival
Saturday, October 6
Free Admission to Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Free Admission to the Bulgarian-Macedonian National Education & Cultural Center
Free Admission to the August Wilson Center
Free Admission to the Outdoor Classroom at Boyce Mayview Park
Pittsburgh Filmmakers: Ann Arbor Film Festival
Sunday, October 7, 2012

Free Admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo/PPG Aquarium

For more information see Living Pittsburgh.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Haunted House Guide

It is October, which means it is time to practice your scream and tour some haunted houses.  Here is a list of the best haunted houses in the Pittsburgh area with all the information you need.


The Scarehouse
Etna, PA
(412) 781-5885
Open: Sept. 21-Nov. 3
Hours: Friday and Saturday 7 p.m.-midnight; Sunday-Thursday 7-10 p.m. Closed Mondays. See website for specific dates and times.
Price: Week days $14.99 / Sundays $16.99 / Fridays and Saturdays $19.99
Website 


Hundred Acres Manor
Bethel Park, PA
(412) 851-4286
Open: Weekends starting Sept. 14- Nov. 3
Also open on select weekdays.  See website for specific dates and times.
Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays - 7-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays - 7-11:30 p.m.
Price: General Admission: $18 / Scare Saver V.I.P. Admission (Online Only): $20 /  V.I.P. Admission: $25 / Super V.I.P. Admission: $35
Website

Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood Park
West Mifflin, PA
(412) 461-0500
Open: Friday and Saturday nights Sept. 28-Oct. 27 plus Sunday, Oct. 7
Hours: Friday and Saturday - 7 p.m.-1 a.m.; Oct. 7- 7-11 p.m.
Price: $28.99 (online and at the gate)
Website

The West Deer Nightmare
West Deer Township, PA
(412) 298-2892
Open: Oct. 12 through Oct.  30 on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Also open on select weekdays.  See website for specific dates.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7-11 p.m., Sundays and weekdays 7-10 p.m.
Price: $10
Website

BEAVER COUNTY:


Freddy’s Haunts
Aliquippa, PA
(724) 378-4073 or (724)-378-3429
Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 21 through Oct. 28.
Hours: 7-10:30 p.m.
Price: $10 /  Season pass: $25
Website

BUTLER COUNTY:

Cheeseman’s Fright Farm
Portersville, PA
(724)-368-3233
Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 21 through Oct. 28. Also open Thursday, Oct. 18 and 25.
Hours: Dusk to 10 p.m.
Price: General Admisson: $15/ Group Reservations (20 or more): $12/ Group "No Wait" (20 or more): $20
Website

Allen’s Haunted Hayrides            
Smock, PA
(724)-677-2589
Open: Oct. 5 through  Oct. 31
Hours: Fridays and  Saturdays 7:30–10 p.m., Sundays 7:30–9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31 7:30-9 p.m.
Price: General Admisson: $12/ Group Advance Order (50 or more): $11
Website

FAYETTE COUNTY:

Haunted Hills Estate
Uniontown, PA
(724)-984-5914
Open: Sept. 23 – Oct. 28
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7–11 p.m.; Sundays and select Thursdays 7–10 p.m.
Price: Fridays and Saturdays: $15 for one adventure, $20 for two adventures and $25 for all three adventures. Sundays and Thursdays $14 for one adventure, $18 for two adventures and $22 for all three adventures.
Website

SOMERSET COUNTY:


Huston’s Haunted Hollow
Rockwood, PA
(814)-926-3133
Open: Sep. 28 – Oct. 27 Fridays and Saturdays
Hours: 6:30–11 p.m.
Price: $15 / $13 for children 10 and under
Website

WASHINGTON COUNTY:


Demon House
Carrol Township, PA
(724)-483-3580
Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Sep. 21 through Nov. 3
Also open Thursday, Oct. 25 and Wednesday, Oct. 31. See site for times.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m.-midnight; Sundays 7-10 p.m.
Price: General Admisson: $17 / R.I.P. Pass: $25
Website

WESTMORELAND COUNTY:


Castle Blood
Bealsville, PA
724-314-3563
Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 29 through Oct. 31 Also open Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7–11 p.m.; Sundays 7-9 p.m.
Price: General Admisson: $15 / Sunday No-Scare Matinee Shows: $7.50 / Nightmare Pass: $25
Website

Lonesome Valley Farms Haunted Hayride and Corn Maze Greensburg, PA
(724)-423-4290
Open: Sept. 28- Oct. 28
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7–10 p.m.; Sundays 7-9 p.m.
Price: Valley of Terror Haunted Hayride with Trail: $15 / Slotter Farm House and Barn: $12/Both Attractions: $20 / Get Lost Corn Maze: $8 / The Country Hay Ride: $7

For more information see WPXI.
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