Dave “Lucky” Lukashunas Selected as 2024 Shenandoah's Parade of Nations Grand Marshal

Dave, “Lucky” Lukashunas, the owner of Lucky’s Corner Deli and Kielbasi Shop is the 2024 Parade of Nations Grand Marshal. 

Downtown Shenandoah Inc., organizer of the event, made the announcement via their enewsletter last week.

Lucky, a Shenandoah Heights native and local business owner, is considered one of the Kielbasi Kings of Shenandoah.

In 1998, he and his wife, Janet, took a chance and opened a corner deli on Centre Street. Their business flourished, and they outgrew their little deli within ten years. In 2007, they moved the business to a new location on 720 West Centre Street in Shenandoah. Today, Lucky’s Corner Deli & Kielbasi Shop exists in the new 4,000 square foot building. It consists of a drive-thru, shop, and restaurant.

 In addition to owning a business and working at Shenandoah Valley High School, Lucky gives back to his community and throughout the years has volunteered for a variety of clubs and nonprofit organizations including:

• Frackville Masonic Lodge #737
• The Caldwell Consistory (32nd Degree Mason)
• Rajah Shrine of Reading
• Roaring Creek Forest Preserve
• Shenandoah Fish and Game Club
• East End Fish and Game Club
• PA Association of Meat Processors (PAMP)

“Lucky is always there to lend a helping hand,” said Anne Taylor, DSI board of directors. “His behind-the-scenes volunteer activity and contributions to the Shenandoah community have truly made a lasting impact on many,” she added. Lucky explained that he is interested in many things, but likes to get involved with organizations that help kids the most, especially those that support children in need.

The annual Parade of Nations, sponsored by Explore Schuylkill, kicks off the Kielbasi Festival & Heritage Day at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 18. The parade celebrates and showcases all the different ethnicities that now call Shenandoah and Schuylkill County, home. 

Parade participants wear their home country’s colors, decorate floats, and carry flags.

First responders, Shenandoah Valley Band, the Color Guard, government officials, area musicians, and 2024 Grand Marshal will parade through town.