New and improved 'Boo Festival' draws hundreds to Tarentum

Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the newly revamped “Boo Festival” in Tarentum.

The festival had formerly been just a trick-or-treat event in Riverview Memorial Park, but this year borough officials took it to the next level with a parade, costume contest, hay rides and pumpkin decorating.

“I think it’s going fabulous,” said Councilwoman Carrie Fox. “We have so many kids with awesome costumes.”

Nearly 100 kids participated in the parade and costume contest dressed as mermaids, super heroes, skeletons, animals, princesses and many more.

All activities, except for the food, were free.

Tarentum resident Kelsey Beattie brought her two kids, Mavis, 3, and Echo, 5.

“It’s a nice, festive thing,” she said. “They like showing off their costumes.”

Fox said she is happy with the way the new version of the event turned out. Officials hope to continue it in years to come.

“It’s just fantastic,” Fox said. “I can’t say enough about it.”

Emily Balser is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Emily at 724-226-4680, emilybalser@tribweb.com or via Twitter @emilybalser.