Kendyl Shipos (left), Trsityn Parker (middle), and Cristi Daugherty (right) work on fireworks paintings.Tristyn Parker, center, helps Kendyl Shipos, left, and Cristi Daugherty with their fireworks paintings at the Butler Area Public Library's first Family Night in the Park on Wednesday. The inaugural event was held at South Hills playground on Christie Avenue. Submitted Photo.

Residents of all ages enjoyed the first Family Night in the Park on Wednesday evening.

The Butler Area Public Library event kicked off with snacks, a craft project, games with prizes, a book giveaway and story time for younger attendees.

“It was a great time because the kids got to play with each other and maybe didn’t know each other beforehand, and the parents got to talk to each other as well,” said Lori Hinterliter, library director.

She said 15 to 20 youths and about the same number of adults attended the free event, which was held at the South Hills playground on Christie Avenue.

Positive feedback from those in attendance included grandparents sharing memories of the Neighborhood Night events held in the city’s parks many years ago.

“We were glad to bring back those memories,” Hinterliter said.

She said the library has been considering public outreach opportunities, and Hinterliter’s move to a local neighborhood with a playground spurred the idea.

“I noticed all the families going to the playground, so I though it might be a nice thing to try,” Hinterliter said.

She said Family Night in the Park will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at the Institute Hill Playground, Wednesday, Aug. 3 at South Hills Playground, and Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Institute Hill Playground.

Interested families can participate in one or all of the activities, Hinterliter said.

In the event of a thunderstorm, the event will be postponed.

“If these four go well, we might plan some more for the fall, depending on the weather,” Hinterliter said.