Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. Celebrates Two Outdoor Events On One Great Day
Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. (DSI) is holding their annual Kielbasi Day/Heritage Day event on Saturday March 20, 2023. Main Street in Downtown, Shenandoah will be full of excitement and activity as the community celebrates Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day from 11am – 4pm. The festival opens with the annual Parade of Nations at 10am. Thousands of visitors will travel to Shenandoah for the one-day event. This is a special year for DSI as they celebrate 20 years serving the community.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate DSI’s 20th anniversary serving our community than to host the biggest and best event we can,” said Susan Williams, Executive Director for the nonprofit. The May 20 event will feature all types of vendors that will line the Main Street. Shenandoah hometown legends, Kowalonek’s Kiebasey Shop, Lucky’s Kielbasi Shop and Mrs. T’s Pierogies will attend and have their iconic kielbasey and pierogi favorites on hand. Local businesses and restaurants will also be open to serve the crowd. “Food trucks and vendors from different parts of the country are traveling to Shenandoah providing a wonderful variety of food, beverages and desserts during the day. Arts and crafts vendors will sell their wares.
Pictured above: Vendor Gerri Cole, King Cole Winery, shares her products with DSI president, Karen Kenderdine during the 2022 event
The annual Parade of Nations kicks off the festival at 10:00am led by local high school marching bands. The unique parade celebrates and showcases all the different ethnicities that now call Shenandoah and Schuylkill County, home. “Parade participants wear their country’s colors, decorate floats, and carry flags. First responders, The Color Guard, government officials, area musicians and 2023 Grand Marshal will parade through town. This year, the Shenandoah Youth Athletic Volunteer Leaders have been selected as the Grand Marshall for all their hard work and dedication to youth athletics.
Pictured above, vendor Mike Vernalis, Vernalis Restaurant, has fun with festival mascots during the 2022 event
“Everyone is welcome to represent their country and organization,” explained Annie Taylor, DSI Promotion Committee Chairperson “Everyone is invited to celebrate and honor their heritage. If you aren’t sure what your heritage is and want to be a part of the parade, let us know because after all, America is a proud melting pot and we have a place in the lineup for you,” she added.
After the parade, the festival opens with an introduction and welcome in the Memorial Park next to the Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. office. Musical entertainment, sponsored by Vito Rinaldi Chevrolet is planned throughout the day including polka music led by The Shenandoah All Stars Polka Band and an M&J Big Band tribute to the Dorsey Brothers.
Picture above, members of the Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop team prepare for thousands of customers during the 2022 event.
Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. is a 501©3 nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing Shenandoah and improving the economic landscape of their community. All money raised from this annual fundraiser will help DSI continue its mission. For more information about DSI, The Parade of Nations or how to become a vendor or volunteer during the festival contact Susan Williams, DSI, 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah, PA 17976, 570-462-2060, swilliams@downtownshenandoahinc.com
