Kielbasi Fest/Heritage Day draws crowd downtown, honoring region’s ethnic heritage
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Members of the Mexico contingent march as part of Shenandoah's Parade of Nations on May 17, 2025.
SHENANDOAH – Pierogies, kielbasi, bleenies, you name it, Kielbasi Fest had it. The annual event packed North Main Street as vendors served up foods and sold crafts honoring our valley’s ethnic heritage.
The annual event, a combination of Kielbasi Fest and Heritage Day — previously separate events bookending the summertime — is organized by Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. and began with the Parade of Nations.
Community members marched in the parade representing either the ethnicities that make up Shenandoah, or community groups within the community. Some countries represented included Poland, Lithuania, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, India, and Slovakia, among others.
The Mexico contingent and their traditional dance were a crowd favorite, as always.
Eric Mika, a DSI founder, served as grand marshal and was recognized at the opening ceremony by Mayor Andrew Szczyglak, Reps. Dane Watro and Tim Twardzik, and County Commissioner Gary Hess.
Mika touted the Center for Education, Business, and the Arts being constructed across the street from DSI’s current offices.
Shaina Graff performed the national anthem to open the event. Additional live music was provided by the Hawk Mountain Highlanders and the Shenandoah All Star Polka Band.
Heritage Day began in 1999 while Kielbasi Fest began in 2008.
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