As the sun dipped behind the trees at Hartwood Acres Park, guests gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating the 12,000 acres of Allegheny County Parks that connect us all. Surrounded by the beauty of the Caren Glotfelty Meadow, guests enjoyed an evening of country music, conversation and connection, all while supporting a shared vision for the future of Allegheny County’s parks.

Beneath the white canopy tents at Hartwood Acres, energy filled the evening as we celebrated the many things that brought us together — a shared love for our parks, a commitment to protecting these special places and the belief that, together, we can create lasting change. Guests toasted the nearly $400,000 raised through Twilight Picnic for the Parks this year and reflected on the incredible impact this community has made. Over the past nine years, Twilight Picnic has raised more than $3.87 million to support projects that improve, conserve and restore Allegheny County’s nine parks.

The evening was also a celebration of milestones made possible through the generosity of our supporters. Glasses clinked as we recognized the largest grant in the Parks Foundation’s history, a remarkable $10.6 million investment in the future of Settlers Cabin Park through restoration, reclamation and trail connection work. Guests heard stories of the ecological work happening throughout our parks, from the blooming meadows surrounding us at Hartwood Acres to the mature forest just up the hillside, recently recognized as the first site in Allegheny County inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network.

And throughout the evening, stories were shared of history preserved, like the North Park Observation Tower, trees planted and the countless special places across all nine parks that brought every guest together beneath the canopy.

An Inspired Evening Together

Every detail of Twilight Picnic reflected the spirit of the parks we work to protect. Nancy Byrnes Events transformed the meadow into contemporary country elegance, playing on the soft tones of western chic, while surrounded by the golden and green landscape that makes Hartwood Acres such a special place. Under the canopy tents, guests dined on elevated picnic fare by big Burrito Catering while a vibrant light show cascaded off the white ceilings and reflected on cowboy hats decorated around the space.

Jon Bindley and The Steel Cowboys energized the crowd with the beautiful sounds of country and honky tonk music that had guests dancing and swinging on the grass dance floor. Others gathered around to enjoy conversation, delicious desserts and enjoy the lively energy in the air.

Guests enjoyed brief remarks from Sally McCrady from PNC and our Board of Directors, sharing about the importance of our region’s green spaces to their mission and the quality of life for their employees. Allegheny County Council President Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis shared words on the importance of parks for our well-being and for our region’s importance. We heard from newly appointed Parks Director, Melissa Swedish, who inspired us with her passion for our partnership and the impact we make together. And lastly, Executive Director Joey-Linn Ulrich and Board Chair Mike Tomera spoke to the Parks Foundation’s work, impact and passion to continue embracing projects that serve all of our region’s diverse residents.

The evening offered opportunities to slow down, enjoy the moment and appreciate the natural spaces that make Allegheny County such a wonderful place to call home. Whether sharing a conversation beneath the summer breeze, enjoying live music or taking in the beauty of the park at sunset, guests experienced firsthand why these places are worth protecting.

Thanks to Our Supporters

We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Twilight Picnic for the Parks possible. We would especially like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, PNC; our Lead Sponsors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and UPMC Health Plan; our Supporting Sponsor, United States Steel Corporation; and our Supernova, Moonstruck, Stargazer and Parks Fan Sponsors. Additionally, thank you to our event leadership. We are deeply grateful to our Event Chairs Maris & Robert Dauer, Sally & Will McCrady, and Shelly & Dan Onorato; Honorary Event Chair County Executive Sara Innamorato; and our Host Committee Co-Chairs Laura Bunting-Williams & Joe Williams, Jane Charlton & Robert Otte and Jessica Stoecklein DeFelice.

We would also like to thank Allegheny County, Allegheny County Parks and Nancy Byrnes Events for all their help and coordination in planning and organizing the event; Jon Bindley and The Steel Cowboys, big Burrito Catering, Thommy Conroy, John Altdorfer and Lauren Smith Photography and so many others who contributed to the amazing atmosphere at Twilight Picnic for the Parks. Lastly, we want to thank all our guests, volunteers, donors and staff who helped to make Twilight Picnic for the Parks the special event that it was.

✨ Together, we are creating a brighter, healthier and more vibrant future for Allegheny County’s parks. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening of natural beauty, community and impact. Please consider making a donation in support of Twilight Picnic for the Parks to be a part of this incredible event. Our next Twilight Picnic for the Parks will take place August 21, 2027.