There were many events throughout Schuylkill County, but for kielbasi lovers, Shenandoah was the place to be.On Saturday, Downtown Shenandoah Incorporated hosted their 12th Annual Kielbasi Fest, which was held on Main Street in the borough.
After dealing with rain the past few years, organizers were treated to a day full of sunshine that drew large crowds that packed Main Street from Centre Street to Coal Street.
The event included local and regional vendors that offered crafts, games, and other items.
The Shenandoah All Star Polka Band provided live entertainment.
The three Kielbasi Kings, Capitol Foods, Lucky's, and Kowalonek's brought their best and new products to sell their waiting customers.
Kielbasi fans stood in lines that went the length of a street block waiting to try products like Kielbasy Mac N' Cheese, Kielbasi Pizza, Kielbasy Cheesesteaks, and Kielbasy Bacon Bombs. (NOTE: Spelling is based off who made the item).
The annual kielbasi cook-off was also held which allowed anyone to submit their own recipe and found out if you have the best. The contest drew locals as well as those from as far as Harrisburg to participate.
The rules were to bring their homemade ring of kielbasi to the contest as cold or frozen. Each ring was then cooked at the Downtown Shenandoah Incorporated Office and then each were judged by Mike Stanakis of Capitol Foods, David "Lucky" Lukashunas of Lucky's, and Mark Kowalonek of Kowalonek's.
The cook-off was split into two categories; Fresh and Smoked. Those two categories were then judged on appearance, taste, and texture.
The "Kielbasi Kings" judged 19 total entries with Mary Luscavage, Director of Downtown Shenandoah Inc., announcing the winners.
Under the Smoked Category, James Santai was announced as winner and Richard Bavor took home 2nd.
Under the Fresh Category, Steven Oravitz was announced as the winner with Stanley Bokunewicz taking home second place.
Each winner took home trophy adorned with a pig on it.
Organizers said the 2019 festival was the largest and drew the most crowds they have ever seen with the Kielbasi Kings selling out of most of their products near the end of the event.
Story, Photos, and Video by J. Reed
