The streets of Shenandoah came alive Saturday with the sights, sounds, and flavors of tradition during the annual Heritage Day, Parade of Nations, and Kielbasi Fest, hosted by Downtown Shenandoah Inc. (DSI).
The day began with the Parade of Nations, a celebration of the borough's diverse cultural roots. Families and friends proudly marched through town waving flags representing their countries of origin, including Bulgaria, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, and India.
Leading the parade as Grand Marshal was Eric Mika, a Shenandoah native and the founder and past president of DSI. Mika was honored for his instrumental role in the formation of the organization and his longtime dedication to revitalizing the borough.
Following the parade, a recognition ceremony took place at Anthony P. D’Amato American Legion Park, where Mika received accolades from Mayor Andrew Szczyglak, the Schuylkill County Commissioners, State Representatives Dane Watro and Tim Twardzik, and a special proclamation from State Senator David Argall.
As the afternoon unfolded, the celebration moved to Main Street, where local vendors and organizations offered food, crafts, and cultural displays. Among the most popular attractions were the kielbasi stands — with long lines forming at both Lucky's Corner Deli & Kielbasi Shop and the legendary Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, as festivalgoers waited for their fix of the locally beloved “kilbo.”
Adding to the hometown flavor, Rescue Hook and Ladder kept the fryers going, serving up their bleenies.
The celebration brought together people of all backgrounds, proving that diversity is one of the community’s greatest strengths.
