For almost two decades, thousands of visitors have entered the gates of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) for its famous Open House – a free, daylong environmental festival that teaches, entertains and informs guests of all ages.

Unfortunately, the pandemic will prevent an in-person event this year, but ALCOSAN isn’t going to let that stop us from hosting a virtual Open House on Saturday, Sept. 12, beginning at 9 a.m. 

Hosted on ALCOSAN’s website – Alcosan.org – the virtual Open House will feature many familiar events, such as Mad Buggy Scientist and Science Rocks, along with a new puppet show, virtual lab and plant tours, and much, much more.

“Open House is our signature event where we see repeat visitors and new participants year after year, taking part in a day of fun and learning,” said Arletta Scott Williams, ALCOSAN’s executive director. “We knew that having an in-person event would be nearly impossible but didn’t want to miss the chance to ‘host’ our friends.”

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Open House will be on a featured section of ALCOSAN’s website, and along with the above-mentioned activities, many of the partners that usually are on-site have submitted videos related to their specific organizations.

“I’m so pleased that we will still be able to host our Open House, despite the pandemic,” said Williams. “It is important for ALCOSAN to engage our communities and tell the story of the work the Authority does every day in treating wastewater, an essential service for everyone, but even more so during Covid-19. We’ve been here during the pandemic, making sure that the Authority continues to provide that service.”

ALCOSAN’s virtual Open House will be available throughout the weekend.