Downpour doesn’t dampen spirits for National Pierogy Day
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Chris Dende, VP of Human Resources at Mrs. T's, speaks at the National Pierogy Day flag raising in Shenandoah on Oct. 6, 2023.
SHENANDOAH – There may have been a heavy downpour moving through the Shenandoah Valley at 10am, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those at the annual National Pierogy Day flag raising.
The event — the 15th annual — is held by Shenandoah-based Mrs. T’s Pierogies to commemorate National Pierogy Day on either Oct. 8 or the nearest weekday before it.
About a dozen people came out for the flag raising at borough hall, many of whom huddled under a tent provided by the company.
“It’s amazing that we had any turnout given the rain,” company owner Tom Twardzik said. “It’s a special day to celebrate our heritage, the community, the people who love pierogies, and were a part of it.”
“Here at Mrs. T’s, in the home of Mrs. T’s, where our founder was born and raised, where he had experienced the church picnics, watching the lines selling the first pierogies at the Capitol Market, it’s about family,” Chris Dende, VP of Human Resources, said. “Our mission at Mrs. T’s and about National Pierogy Day is making people smile.”
Dende added that the rain brought attendees closer together.
Twardzik also mentioned that pierogies, being available nationwide, also provide a connection to home for local residents who move away.
National Pierogy Day commemorates the day company founder Ted Twardzik made his first sale in 1952, to Shenandoah’s Capitol Food Store, which was then located downtown.
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