International Village: ‘Pride,’ ‘joy’ as festival closes
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
As McKeesport’s International Village came to a close Thursday night, planning committee members wished there had been less rain for the festival’s 60th anniversary celebration.
The three-day celebration of ethnic music, dance and food continued despite the wet weather. However, heavy downpours kept crowds to a minimum at times during the festival’s opening night and then the city was forced to “play it by ear” Thursday afternoon due to rolling thunder in the skies and a severe thunderstorm warning that was issued just as the festival’s gates opened.
At 3:30 p.m., the sky opened up, leaving Stephen Barry Field where the main stage and food mall were located, a mucky, puddle-filled mess.
Within 30 minutes, the sun was shining and crowds of people were making their way through the gates with umbrellas and ponchos in hand.
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