Memories of International Village featured

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

McKeesport’s International Village may have been canceled this year, but that isn’t stopping the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center from celebrating the ethnic cultures that inspire the annual festival.

Through September, the center will show off an exhibit featuring dance costumes, decorations, photos, programs, signage, history and memorabilia from past Village celebrations.

International Village — one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest ethnic food, dance and music festivals —  is typically held each August at Renziehausen Park, but Mayor Michael Cherepko announced June 27 that the festival was canceled for 2020 as a result of caution, concerns and restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Circumstances beyond our control have influenced the decision to cancel,” Cherepko said in June. “There is no International Village without the vendors, and the vast majority of our vendors have made the difficult decision not to participate. We respect their concerns, and we are hopeful that we will move past this pandemic and host a beautiful Village in 2021.”

It’s the first time since its creation in 1960 that International Village has been canceled.

Village for Kids, which serves as the precursor event for International Village, is also canceled for 2020. It is sponsored by Sen. Jim Brewster and his staff and typically includes children’s activities, food, games, musical performances, the crowning of the Village prince and princess and an informational fair for parents.

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