McKeesport’s 66th International Village to feature new location, free admission
McKeesport’s annual three-day ethnic food and music festival is set for Aug 18-20.
For the MVI
McKeesport Mayor Thomas Maglicco is excited to expand upon another of the city’s biggest summer traditions: International Village.
“It has always been a great historical event,” Maglicco said.
McKeesport residents have long embraced their ethnic foods and festivals.
“People come from all over the country for International Village,” he said of the 66th annual event scheduled for Aug. 18-20. “After 65 years, we feel that we can grow International Village with more caveats and new attractions.”
Gates open at 3 p.m. each day, with entertainment starting at 6 p.m. and music and dancing until 9 p.m.
Founded in 1960, International Village is one of the longest-running community and folk festivals in the Pittsburgh area and one of the only multi-day events that operate during the week.
Maglicco announced that the annual three-day ethnic food and music festival will remain at Renziehausen Park, but instead of being held at Stephen Barry Field, the event is going to be spread across Jimmy Long and Schettino fields near the Lions Bandshell to focus on the vaunted “Old Home Week” vibe.
Pavilions will be available at a discounted rate for those interested in holding class reunions during the popular event.
The City of McKeesport was awarded a grant that allowed upgrades to be made to Renzie Park’s electrical system, which finally made the move possible.
Improvements to the walkways near the bandshell will help funnel foot traffic into the event near the intersection of Tulip Drive and Eden Park Boulevard, and along Sycamore Drive. Temporary fencing will be set up along Eden Park Boulevard to help contain the activity.
Visitors will be encouraged to park behind Fire Station No. 2, while those with handicapped placards or plates may continue to park near the dek-hockey arena. Shuttles will be available for people with limited mobility.
A donation from U.S. Steel Corp. allowed the city to drop the admission fee. Sponsorships from a number of other organizations have made other improvements a reality, he says.
The Aug. 18 festivities will open with a program on the main stage and close with a fireworks display.
On Aug. 19, a concert featuring Amish Outlaws will take place at Lions Bandshell at the intersection of Eden Park Boulevard and Tulip Drive. The venue is traditionally the home of the city’s free Summer Concert Series, which still has performances scheduled (weather permitting) through Sept. 7.
For those who can’t physically make it, much of the activity is broadcast via Tube City Community Media Inc. on YouTube. Renzie Park’s facilities are funded in part by the Allegheny Regional Asset District, as well as the City of McKeesport.
As is tradition, the annual “A Village for Kids” will precede the event. It is set for noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Renziehausen Park bandshell and ballfield.
