A Pittsburgh area restaurant staple is ready to have a rockin' summer as it celebrates a special anniversary.
Eat'n Park kicked off the 60th anniversary festivities Friday with a celebration at its Waterfront location in Homestead. The young - and the young at heart - partied with Smiley, the company's cookie mascot, played games and decorated their own special Smiley cookie.
Nashville recording artist Sarah Marince, the voice of the "rock" version of Eat'n Park's famous "Place for Smiles" jingle, entertained the crowd with a special performance. She also helped Team Smiley members hand out prizes during the Eat'n Park trivia challenge.
The Moon Township native said she was excited when Eat'n Park contacted her to record the jingle and star in the "Eat'n Park Rocks!" commercials.
"I grew up around here, and after any school event, everyone would go to Eat'n Park," she said. "It's really cool - there's been so much recognition from the commercial. I can't thank Eat'n Park enough for the opportunity."
Marince said her favorite part of her "Eat'n Park Rocks!" appearances is entertaining children, who she said are some of her biggest fans. But the job also has another perk.
"I've had so many Smiley cookies," she said with a laugh. "I'll decorate them with my friends' names, send them a picture and usually end up eating it myself."
The singer wasn't the only one who enjoyed the cookie decorating event. Six-year-old Amber Porco, of West Mifflin, said that activity was one of her favorite parts of the evening.
She said she was surprised about the icing used in the decorating.
"It was in a bag," Amber said. "Some were two colors mixed."
Amber was joined by her parents, Mike and Lori Porco, and her 8-year-old sister Marisa. The family said they knew Smiley would be at the Waterfront location but was pleasantly surprised to find the party in the parking lot.
Marisa said the family visits Eat'n Park frequently and that she always looks forward to the trip.
"I like the food and the cookies," she said.
By KELLY FENNESSY
Daily News Staff Writer
