International Village: Celebrating cultures — and food
The annual three-day festival continues from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport.
Upon entering International Village, the aroma of the many ethnic foods greets visitors like they’re walking into their grandmother’s house right before dinner is served.
The three-day cultural festival in McKeesport has changed quite a bit since it began in 1960 as the 10-day celebration known as Old Home Week, but there’s still no shortage of food. This year’s International Village included 16 ethnic food stands set up on Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park.
As expected, many of this year’s attendees have been going to the event for decades, and they were ready to grab a bite from several of the food vendors.
Faye, 75, of White Oak sat at one of the many picnic tables, munching on a vegetable spring roll as she sipped a cantaloupe juice.
“But this is the one thing that I never dreamed of,” Faye said as she motioned to her plastic cup of cantaloupe juice. “But it’s very refreshing, very light. It’s really good.”
Faye also said she enjoyed the vegetable spring roll. She purchased her food and drink from the Filipino booth.
“I always like to try the new stuff that I’ve never had before,” she said. “This is my different thing this year, because I’ve never seen a Philippines booth here.”
While she likes trying new things, Faye also has a go-to food: the spanakopita from the Greek booth.
While International Village has evolved over the years, the event’s focus is still on the many cultures that have influenced McKeesport.
“There used to be a lot of churches involved, and then the churches have died off,” Faye said. “Like I don’t see an English group here this year… But now we’re getting into Mexican, Vietnamese, Philippines, which is fine. It’s still maintaining the idea that this is international, you know?”
Glenn Flaherty of McKeesport joined his sister Faye at the picnic table. He had just finished a pulled pork sandwich, which he said was “fine.”
Nevertheless, Flaherty and Faye are happy to see the tradition of International Village continue on in McKeesport.
Even Lt. Gov. Austin Davis couldn’t pass up the opportunity to chow down at International INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE •A7 Village. The Mon Valley Independent caught up with the McKeesport native while he and his family were in line for food.
“I don’t think I’ve missed International Village since I was probably that baby’s age,” as he pointed towards a baby in a stroller.
Davis said he planned on getting meatballs, fried vegetables and mentioned chicken on a stick as a favorite dish of his, as he looked around at the lines of people at the various food booths.
“It’s exciting to see so many people out for a positive thing,” he said.
McKeesport residents Jeff and Melissa Fawcett both enjoyed a Polish platter, a combination of pierogies, stuffed cabbage and haluski, as they sat side-by-side at a picnic table. The Fawcetts usually have German or Polish food when they visit International Village.
“Everything’s homemade. Everything’s good,” Jeff Fawcett said about the platter as he took a bite.
They’re also fans of the honey balls from the Greek booth, a festival favorite for many people. Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church operates the food booth, which is one of the busiest vendors at the event.
“They’re usually really good too,” Melissa Fawcett said of the honey balls.
The Fawcetts have been to International Village many times over the course of their 37year marriage and even before then as well. The married couple has been together since they were in high school.
The Fawcetts have a couple tips for people who plan to go to International Village.
“Get down here early, enjoy your food and sit and enjoy it,” Jeff Fawcett said.
“And then walk it off and go buy some more,” Melissa Fawcett added.
The last day of the event is today. Festival hours are from 3 to 9 p.m. today. Admission is $2.
