International Village brings neighbors together

NO DINNER PLANS TONIGHT? Take the night off for a change, plus there is so much to choose from at McKeesport’s International Village. The 64th annual International Village ethnic festival kicks off today and continues through Thursday night. If you missed our annual full-color, 28-page International Village program, which is jammed full of important information about the event, and of course, a directory of those oh-so-delicious menu items, fear not, copies of the official program will be available at the Village and on our website. The Village will be at McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park from 3 to 9 p.m. today through Thursday. For those not familiar with the event, International Village is a three-day celebration of cultural diversity that was first held in 1960. Area churches, social organizations and other participants gather every year to share their ethnic traditions. Several nations will be represented through food, music and traditional dances, giving festival goers a chance to experience a variety of cultures all in one place. Live, continuous entertainment begins at 6 p.m. each evening of the festival on the main stage in Stephen Barry Field and continues until 9 p.m. In addition to the festivities, community leaders see International Village as a way to showcase Renziehausen Park, which features a fitness trail, a heritage museum and the state’s second-largest rose garden. The festival is more than just a way to have fun. It’s an important fundraiser for the churches, vendors and social organizations that serve up a delicious variety of food at their booths. Admission is only $2, which is a huge bargain for a chance to immerse yourself in culture and enjoy a day of entertainment. Many cultures came together to form the communities in the Mon Valley, and it’s important to remember all that each one has to offer. International Village gives area residents a fun way to do that.