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