On August 21, 2021, downtown, Shenandoah will be full of excitement and activity during as the community celebrates Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day from 11am – 5pm. Thousands of visitors will travel to Shenandoah for the one-day event.
“Due to the pandemic restrictions we had to cancel both fundraisers in 2020 and postpone the 2020 Kielbasi Festival that is traditionally held in May,” said Susan Williams, spokesperson for DSI. “Our annual Heritage Day is always held in August so the DSI promotions committee decided to combine the two for one big celebration in 2021,” she said.
The August 21 event will feature all types of vendors that will line the Main Street. Shenandoah legends, Kowalonek’s Kiebasey Shop, Captiol Food Market, Lucky’s Kielbasi Shop and Mrs. T’s Pierogies will attend and have their all-time favorites on hand. Local businesses and restaurants will also be open to serve the crowd. “Food trucks and vendors from different parts of the country are traveling to Shenandoah providing a wonderful variety of food, beverages and desserts during the day. Arts and crafts vendors will also be selling their wares. Visitors will also enjoy musical entertainment throughout the day.
The annual Parade of Nations kicks off the festival at 10:00am led by the Shenandoah Valley High School Band. The unique parade celebrates and showcases all the different ethnicities that now call Shenandoah, home.
“Parade participants wear their country’s colors and carry flags. First responders, The Color Guard, government officials, area musicians and 2021 Grand Marshal will parade through town. Everyone is welcome to represent their country,” explained Williams.
“Everyone is invited to celebrate and honor their heritage.”
After the parade, the festival opens with an introduction and welcome in the Memorial Park next to the Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. office at 116 N. Main Street. Entertainment is planned throughout the day including polka music, folk singers and the M&J Big Band band’s tribute to the Dorsey Brothers.
Information submitted by Downtown Shenandoah Inc.