By Nya O’Neal, Mon Valley Independent

The celebration will be held Wednesday, with a rain date of Thursday.

McKeesport will once again celebrate what it means to be a “good neighbor.”

For decades, the city has held its Good Neighbor Day celebration on Fifth Avenue as a kickoff to summer and the city’s many warm-weather events such as the McKeesport Summer Concert Series, Renzie Rib Fest and International Village.

The 60th annual Good Neighbor Day is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. A rain date is slated for Thursday. In the event of storms, go to the City of McKeesport Mayor’s Office Facebook page to check for updates.

The street festival will feature local food and business vendors, community resources, children’s play areas, live music, games and more.

The event brings together the community to celebrate the start of summer and the many attributes of McKeesport.

“Every year, Fifth Avenue is lined with community groups, social service agencies, health care providers, local businesses and food vendors who come out to celebrate the McKeesport community,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “It’s a way for these entities to be ‘good neighbors’ to the people of our community.”

Among the performers this year is the Val Vazquez Jazz Ensemble, featuring local legend Valentino Vazquez on guitar, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, Brian Edwards on drums, Joe DeFazio on keyboard and Elliott Ratliff on trombone.

“We’ve worked with Val’s ensemble for the last few years, and his group never disappoints,” City Administrator Tom Maglicco said. “There’s something about walking down a busy Fifth Avenue — taking in the sound of a live band, smelling barbecue on the grill, and grabbing novelties from the vendors — that signifies the start of summer.”

Children’s lawn

Activities for kids will include inflatable games, bounce house, free play area, petting zoo, carnival games, Reading Ready Pittsburgh, Immigrant Connection, Turtle Greek will provide games, the Family Center will provide sand art, a fish pond and arts/ crafts, Vacation Bible School, Mon River Fleet Lions Club (Freeze Pops, water and chips).

Nya O’Neal is a student at Howard University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Nya is interning with the Mon Valley Independent.