Final night of International Village rained out

Heavy rainfall created safety concerns at Renziehausen Park.

The last day of International Village in McKeesport was canceled Thursday afternoon after severe rain pummeled the region and resulted in flood warnings across the Mon Valley.

The three-day festival was being held at Renziehausen Park, but following steady downpours Thursday morning, the City of McKeesport’s mayor’s office posted to Facebook that the last day would be called off.

“Relentless rain throughout the day is making it impossible to open today’s International Village,” the post said. “While we are disappointed by these conditions, your safety is our top priority.”

City officials were concerned about standing water around the vendors’ tents.

“As the old adage goes, ‘Water and electricity doesn’t mix,’” the post read. “We have our regrets about this decision, but we consider this year’s festival to be a huge success. We will keep you informed of further details. Thank you all for coming. And we look forward to seeing you again next year.”

According to Mikey Dee, entertainment coordinator for the festival, all entertainment was canceled for Thursday. He added that performers knew there was a possibility of weather concerns when they were scheduled for the event.

Several vendors finished their festival sales from their own facilities.

The Croatian stand for the Rankin Jr. Tamburitzans served food at 236 Fourth Ave., Rankin. The Ghana booth served at Christ Temple AME Church at 937 Rose St., McKeesport, and the Keesport Area Shared Ministry Beulah Park Campus were selling food from the Sweden booth at its church at 1615 Grandview Ave., McKeesport. St John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church sold frozen pierogies and homemade baked goods at its church.

Thursday’s rain caused other issues, as units in Elizabeth Township responded to a tree and wires down in the 400 block of Broadlawn Drive.

First Energy was notified and Broadlawn Drive was closed between Ridge Road and Lincoln Hall Road.

The rain subsided by lunch time, and a flash flood warning expired that had been posted for multiple counties including Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland.

McKeesport was on the list of possible flooding locations.

According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, more than half of flooding deaths occur in vehicles. They asked the public to report any incidents that happened Thursday.