INEVENTS
59TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
For 59 years , International Village has invited the people of McKeesport and surrounding communities to enjoy the sights , sounds and tastes of their heritage during a three-day festival in the heart of Renziehausen Park .
This year ’ s festivities took place Aug . 14-16 on Stephen Barry Field and under the Andrew J . Jakomas Blue-Top Pavilion . Even though portions of the festival had to be canceled due to rain , steady visitors came to pick up their favorite foods . Nearly everyone who walks through the village gates can ’ t help but be tempted by the international delicacies and old-fashioned comfort foods , including hand-carved lamb , fresh-baked cookies , savory Mediterranean pies , hand-stuffed cabbages and pierogis , and hot apple dumplings .
Featured nationalities included African ( Ghana , Kenya ), Austrian , Chinese , Croatian , Egyptian , Filipino , French , Greek , Hawaiian , Hungarian , Irish , Italian , Lebanese , Mexican , Polish , Serbian , Slovak , Swedish , Turkish and Vietnamese .
For many , the draw of International Village extends beyond their taste buds . Longtime attendees are just as mesmerized by the stage performers and their vibrant , traditional garb as young children seeing the shows for the first time . For others , it ’ s about reunions . “ International Village is an opportunity for friends and neighbors to get together and enjoy the food , music , and dances of their cultures ,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said . “ People who have lived in McKeesport their entire lives have a chance to meet with old friends who come back each year just for this time-honored tradition .”
The 60th annual International Village is planned for August 13-15 , 2019 .
MCKEESPORT AREA ❘ FALL 2018 9