welcome

Folks showed off their dancing skills, left, under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion as the Mikey Dee Band, right, provided the perfect music.

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Fireworks lit up the sky over Renziehausen Park Thursday night as a finale to the 65th International Village.

DnB Magnets, above and left, offered opening night Village-goers a glimpse into traditional dances from various regions throughout India.

Lebanese bellydancer Sara DeRoy entertained the crowd and was joined by a drummer using a traditional instrument.

VILLAGE FOR KIDS

     The 16th annual Village for Kids will be Monday, Aug. 11 from 12-3 p.m. at the Lions Band Shell and ballfield in Renziehausen Park. This is a free event. Adult supervision is recommended for children younger than 6.
    Festivities will include food, family activities, games, music, and a Meet and Greet with Stitch. A Prince and Princess will be crowned at 2:30 p.m.; they must be there to win. Each will receive a 20-inch bike and a helmet donated by the McKeesport Trail Commission and presented at International Village Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. 

    Following is the agenda for the day's festivities:

    Noon-3 p.m. - Music at the bandshell, food gallery (hot dogs, chips, cookie, drinks, fruit snacks), nachos and pop for sale by McKeesport Trail Commission, screenings/information/crafts/game tables/foam party, photo booth tent; Pittsburgh Pirate Parate and Amo from the Riverhounds, and surprise visits throughout the day.

    Noon-2 p.m. - Registration table for A Village for Kids and for the Prince and Princess. Winners will receive a boy's 20-inch bike and girl's 20-inch bike and helmets (donated by the McKeesport Trail Commission.) Bikes will be given at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 (Tuesday) at International Village.

    1-2 p.m. (at the stage) - Meet and greet with Stitch (made possible by Nuttall Public Safety Equipment LLC).

    2:30 p.m. (at the stage) - Announcements/Pictures and crowning of the Prince and Princess. 
    The following groups are part of this year's Village for Kids: 
​Mayor Mike Cherepko 

Nuttall Public Safety Equipment LLC 
Goodwill of Southwestern PA 
PA American Water 
UPMC for You Dental 

Auberle - Foster Care 

Human Services Center Mon Valley 

McKeesport Trail Commission (Pavilion Area)
McKeesport Area School District 
McKeesport Police Department 
McKeesport Fire Department 
McKeesport Area Rescue Services 

McKeesport International Village 

See Clear/Mon Valley Arts 
Devereux TCV 

City of McKeesport  
Latterman Family Health Center 

McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center 
Black Women's Policy Center 
Penn State Greater Allegheny 

Miller's Gymnastics 
McKeesport Family Center 

State Senator Nick Pisciottano 
Familylinks 
Carnegie Library of McKeesport 
McKeesport Lions Club 

Fund My Future PGH 

Allegheny County Office of Family & Child Health 

​​Women for a Healthy Environment 

Mon Valley Independent 

UPMC for Kids 

Foundation of Hope's Youth Diversion Program 

​McKeesport Housing Authority

Altrusa International Club of McKeesport

Community College of Allegheny County

East Allegheny Family Center

Homeless Children's Education Fund

PA State Police

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Rep. Dan Goughnour

Rep. John Inglis 

The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center, above, has t-shirts and information about the center and its new addition and exhibits. Folks lined up to get their favorite Greek food, above right, during the second night of the Village. Students attending college or trade schools can apply for one of two Casturo Family Education Awards at the Lion's Club ice tea booth. The awards will be presented Thursday evening; recipients do not have to be present.

McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, left photo, congratulates Village for Kids Prince, George Nelson, and Princess, Kayia Moats. Above, Orkestar Pobeda offered Kolo music for dancing under the Blue Top.

August 13, 2025

The Lajokoniki Polish Dancers, above and right, have performed at the festival every year but two since Old Home Week in 1960.

The Jr. Tamburitzans of Duquesne offered the crowd a variety of traditional songs, accompanied with traditional instruments.

Pravi Rojaki offered a variety of Austrian music and the vocalists took advantage of the dance floor on one number.

The Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion was filled with music by Rick Zebrowski Freestyle, offering folks a variety of music to dance the night away.

Members of FAA Phillipines Dancers entertained the crowd with traditional dances, including the fast and challenging bamboo dance, above.

August 12, 2025

HISTORY
​​

​​     International Village got its start as part of McKeesport’s Old Home Week in 1960, a 10-day event that celebrated the city’s rich history and ethnic diversity.
     The event helped mark the city’s “165 years of Dynamic Progress,” according to a letter from then Mayor Andrew J. Jakomas in an official publication for the occasion. Describing the festival, the publication said it was “an event which will manifest the diverse heritages of the Citizens of McKeesport.”     
     During Old Home Week, Market Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues was closed and transformed into an International Village with 10 decorated booths manned by folks who made McKeesport home after arriving from their homelands. They served traditional food and displayed original handicrafts.
     Not only was there food and handmade items, musical performances were given by each of the nationality groups. Dances were performed in authentic costumes and national songs were sung and played on traditional instruments.
     According to the mayor’s letter, “We anticipate that this colorful event will attract thousands to the International Village and accomplish the purpose of demonstrating the makeup of our citizenry.”
     According to reports, several thousand people visited the Village making it — and the Old Home Week parade — the most popular part of the celebration.
     International Village was only one component of Old Home Week, which started with a beauty queen contest and fireworks on July 1 and concluded with a Soap Box Derby and community religious services in Renziehausen Park on July 10. Various events included a water carnival on the Monongahela River, a tour of the city, McKeesport Boys Club’s Olympics at the White Street playground, a symphony concert at the bandshell in Renziehausen Park, “tavern specialties” with 5-cent beer, an art show, photo displays, baby contest, and a dog show. The chairman was Zoran Popovich.
     Part of the celebration included the streets adorned with flags from all the nations of the world. Ten nationalities were represented in that first International Village — Greek, Polish, Ukrainian, Serbian, Hungarian, Italian, Croatian, Romanian, Irish, and Jewish.
    The popularity of the International Village component prompted the chairman to continue the Village the following year in August at what would become its new home — Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park.

Phil Hurd and his 7-month-old daughter Izzy, above, attend their first Village. Kevin Solecki, right, kicked off the final night of Main Stage entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment from around the world will be presented each day at two locations. Each night there will be entertainment under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion from 5-9 p.m. and several groups performing nightly on the Main Stage beginning at 6 p.m. Fireworks are planned Tuesday night. Entertainment coordinator is Mikey Dee.

TUESDAY
MAIN STAGE

DnB Magnets (Indian Dance) - 6 p.m.
Sara DeRoy (Lebanese Bellydancer) - 6:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremony/Introduction of Elected Officials - 7 p.m.

Grecian Odessey Dancers - 7:30 p.m.
Otets Paiissi Bulgarian Dancers - 8 p.m.

FIREWORKS (weather permitting) 

BLUE TOP

Kolo with Orkestar Pobeda

WEDNESDAY

MAIN STAGE

Pravi Rojaki (Austria) - 6 p.m.
ABC by JoAnn (Hawaiian) - 7 p.m.
Rankin Junior Tamburitzans (Croatian) - 7:30 p.m.

Jr. Tamburitzans of Duquesne - 8 p.m.

BLUE TOP
Mikey Dee Band
 
THURSDAY
MAIN STAGE
Kevin Solecki - 6 p.m.

Pgh Slovakians - 7 p.m.

FAAP Dancers (Phillipines) - 7:30 p.m.
Lajkoniki Polish Dancers - 8 p.m.

BLUE TOP
Polka with Richie Zebrowski Freestyle

65th International Village closes with spectacular fireworks display

     Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park is quiet. The food booths are empty and the music is quiet. After three days, the 65th International Village in McKeesport has come to a close. But the memories and friends that were made will last for many years to come.

     The food and entertainment festival celebrates the rich ethnic history of McKeesport, starting as part of Old Home Week in 1960. Since then the festival has strived to keep those traditions alive for generations to come.

     Master of Ceremonies Patrick Fisher said the 65th festival had a great crowd for the final night. "We had great entertainment and great food. And the weather was good for us this year."

     He said without event Chairman Keith Soles, director Dan Carr and customer relations Tony Ura the Villag would not happen. "There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes with volunteers. Without their hard work International Village would not happen." 

     A mainstay of the Village for 33 years has been the Casturo Family Education Awards, presented the final evening of the festival. Students attending a college, trade or technical school are eligible for the awards, which were presented Thursday night. Receiving a $500 scholarship is Brooke Plunko of West Mifflin who will attend Community College of Allegheny County. Receiving a $250 award is Nicholas Alverson of Plum who will attend Gettysburg College.

Photos and story by Carol Waterloo Frazier

August 14, 2025

The Pittsburgh Slovakians offered energetic dances to a very receptive crowd.

Friendships are made at the Village, just ask Joe Chahine and Tom Rosso, above. The sun set over a new eating area at the festival, right.  

Rankin Jr. Tamburitzans performed Croatian songs and dances.

MENUS

     For many people who attend International Village, the food is the main attraction. This year, 16 nationalities will offer some of their traditional food to this year's festival-goers. 
AUSTRIA

    Funnel Cakes, apple strudel, corn dogs, pretzels, lemonade,

CROATIA

   Sarma (stuffed cabbage), kielbasa with sauerkraut, hot dogs, pierogis, haluski, Croatian potato salad (with oil and vinegar), palacinka (crepe with apricot, raspberry, Nutella or cheese filling), medenjaci (honey cake)
FRANCE

    Fried Vegetables, french fries, funnel cake, lemonade

GERMANY

    Sauerkraut balls, German pretzels, haluska, pierogies, bratwurst, knockwurst, potato pancakes, lemonade

GHANA (African American)

   Dinners (includes 2 side dishes):  

   Southern Fried Wings (4 wings per dinner) - $16

   Barbecue Ribs (3-4 bones per dinner) - $21

   Barbecue Pigs Feet (2 feet per dinner) - $15

   A La Carte:  

   Southern Fried Chicken Wings - 6 for $12

   Barbecue Rib Sandwich (3 bones) - $13

   Half Slab of Barbecue Ribs - $18

   Slab of Barbecue Ribs - $28

   Barbecue Pigs Feet (2 feet) - $10

   Sides Dishes:

   Southern Tenders (collard greens) - $5

   Red Rice - $5

   Hoppin Johns (red beans and rice) - $5

   Bread:

   Corn Bread or White Bread - $2

   Dessert:

   Sweet Potato Pie - $4 slice, $16 whole

GREECE

   Gyros, cheese pies, spinach pies, honey balls, grape leaves, pastitsio, musaka, baklava, finikia, koulourakia, pastry assortment

HAWAII - Menu Will Be Posted When Available 

ITALY 

    Stuffed banana peppers, gnocchi, meat balls, Italian beef, Italian provolone wheel, hot sausage
LEBANON

   Gyro Sandwich, chicken shawarme, falafel sandwich, baked kibbee, stuffed grapeleaves, spinach pie, spinach pie with feta, meat pie, hummous dip, baba gannouj dip, tabbouleh salad, pita bread (5 pieces), baklava, apricot roll, lemonade 

MEXICO

    Tacos (beef, marinated pork, chicken), quesadillas (marinated pork, chicken, beef), churros, street corn on the cob,  aguas frescas  

 PHILIPPINES

    Main:

    Lumianitos (chicken spring roll) - 7 pieces $5

    Lumpiang gulay (vegetable spring roll) - $3

    Empanada de Manila (beef turnover) - $5

    Inihaw na Manok (grilled chicken sticks) - $8

    Pancit Bihon (vegetarian stir fried noodles) - $10

    Adobo Rice Bowl (braised chicken on rice) - $10

    Veggie coconut stew rice bowl - $10

    Kanin (rice) - $3

    Combo: Inihaw na Manok (grilled chicken), Pancit, Lumpianitos (5 pieces) - $20

    Dessert:

    Turon (fried banana Wrap) - $3

    Leche Flan - $3

    Biko (rice cake) - $3

    Drinks:

    Melon Juice (canteloupe drink) - $2

    Calamansi Juice with Honey (Filipino lemonade) - $2

​POLAND

    Pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, haluski

SERBIA

Spit roasted lamb, cevapcici sausages, burek, gibanica, assorted pastries
SWEDEN

    Apple dumplings, ice cream, Swedish waffles
TAIWAN

    Chicken shewer, vegetable or shrimp fried rice, egg roll, orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, Korean mochi corndog, lemonade 

VIETNAM

   Chicken-on-a-stick, vegetable or shrimp fried rice, vegetable lo mein, egg roll, lemonade

LION'S ICE CREAM

    Kerber's ice cream, assorted flavors 

Members of ABC Dance by JoAnn entertained the crowd with a variety of Hawiian dances.

Kolo dancers, left, danced the night away under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion. At right, Jacob Horgas, left, and Ethan Ellis make palachinka at the Croatian booth.

OVERVIEW

     An event 65 years ago celebrating the rich ethnic heritage of McKeesport​ has evolved into a three-day festival of food and entertainment that continues to pay tribute to the city's melting pot of traditions.     
   This year's International Village is Aug. 12-14 from 3-9 p.m. at Stephen Barry Field in McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park along Eden Park Boulevard. Admission is $2.
   Traditional ethnic food and entertainment has been a mainstay of the festival since its beginning as part of McKeesport’s Old Home Week in 1960. That tradition continues this year when 16 nationalities will share their heritage with Village-goers.
    Ethnic entertainment will again be featured each day under the Blue Top and on the Main Stage (See Schedule Below). 
   The parking lot adjacent to the Blue Top Pavilion (Gate 4) is handicapped parking ONLY. Free parking is available at designated areas in Renzie Park for the festival. 
     Seating will be available under the Blue Top Pavilion and behind the food booths near Gate 3. Chairs will be set up around the main stage for watching the entertainment.    

Weather cooperated for second night of International Village

     As perfect as the weather was for opening night, last night proved just as nice as folks gathered on Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park in McKeesport for the second night of International Village. The final night of the ethnic food and entertainment festival will feature fireworks at approximately 9 p.m., with plenty of ethnic food and entertainment.Gates open at 3 p.m. and music begins at 5 o'clock under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion.

    There is a $2 admission and free parking is available throughout the park as well as First Free Evangelical Church and the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center. Parking is available at several locations adjacent to the the park for a nominal fee/donation.

    Sixteen nationalities will offer traditional foods and the Main Stage will come alive with songs and dances from around the world. The musical lineup for the Main Stage for Thursday night is:

     6-7 p.m. - Kevin Solecki

     7 p.m. - Pittsburgh Slovakians

     7:30 p.m. - FAAP Phillipines Dancers

     8 p.m. - Lajkoniki Polish Dancers

     Approximately 9 p.m. - Fireworks

     Providing music for relaxing or polka dancing under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion from 5-9 p.m. is Rich Zebrowski.

     Thursday is last chance to register at the Lion's ice tea booth for the Casturo Family Education Award. Two awards - one for $500 and one for $250 - will be given out to students pursing education after high school; students attending a trade school are eligible to apply. Winners will be determined in a drawing at the Main Stage prior to the fireworks. Winners do not have to be present to win.

     The McKeesport K-9 booth is selling t-shirts and sweatshirts; the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center booth has a variety of t-shirts and other items; at the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport booth folks can fill a bag with books for $5; and get information about the upcoming season at McKeesport Little Theater at their booth. There's also a diaper changing area and a prayer booth.

Photos and story by Carol Waterloo Frazier     

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International Village offers crowd an abundance of food, entertainment

   The sites and sounds of McKeesport's rich ethnic heritage came to life for the 65th year with the first day of International Village on Tuesday. The food and entertainment festival continues Wednesday and Thursday from 3-9 p.m. on Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park.

   There is a $2 donation for admission and free parking is available throughout the park; paid/donation parking is available at locations adjacent to the festival grounds.

   Many Village-goers wait for their annual opportunity to travel the culinary world. There are 16 nationalities represented, offering fare like stuffed cabbage, pierogis, potato pancakes, Hoppin Johns, baklava, spinach pies, baked kibbee, inihaw na manok (grilled chicken sticks), gibanica, vegetable lo mein, and apple dumplings. The Lion's Club offers a variety of ice cream. 

     The key to sampling - and enjoying - the offerings is to come early to beat the lines, find a spot at the many picnic tables on the festival grounds and under the Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion, and take your time to savor your international fare. Several booths offer lemonade and there is a stand selling bottles of water and soda. The Lion's Club is selling ice tea, as well as brooms and bags.

     While enjoying their food, the opening night crowd was treated to entertainment from India, Lebanon, Greece and Bulgaria. For those who not only enjoy listening the music and watching the traditional dances, there was Kolo dancing under the Blue Top Pavilion and many folks took advantage of the spacious dance area to show off their dancing skills. Fireworks were postponed until Thursday night due to technical issues. 

     The entertainment schedule for Wednesday on the Main Stage is:

     6-7 p.m. - Pravi Rojaki (Austria)

     7 p.m. - ABC Dance by JoAnn (Hawaiian)

     7:30 p.m. - Rankin Jr. Tamburitzans (Croatian)

     8 p.m. - Junior Tamburitzans of Duquesne

     The Mikey Dee Band will provide the entertainment from 5-9 p.m. under the Blue Top.

    During the introduction of local, county and state officials, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko welcomed the crowd. "It's an honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 65th annual International Village. It is a committee of volunteers that puts this together and without them this event does not take place."

​     He praised the work of Alison Piccolino for her work implementing Village for Kids 16 years ago. "We have two exceptional kids to represent Village for Kids for 2025," she said before introducing the Prince and Princess crowned at Monday's event. 

     This year's Prince is George Nelson of West Mifflin and the Princess is Kayia Moats of McKeesport. They each received a bicycle and helment donated by the McKeesport Trail Commission.

   There are a variety of other booths adjacent to the Blue Top Pavilion including McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center (selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, memorial bricks and other items), McKeesport Police, McKeesport K-9 (selling t-shirts and sweatshirts), a prayer booth, McKeesport Little Theater, Strifflers Funeral Home, Auberle Foster Care, Carnegie Library of McKeesport (fill a bag with books for $5) and Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce. There is a diaper changing area hosted by McKeesport Alliance Church.

     A Village tradition are the Casturo Family Education Awards. Each year, two students attending college or trade school receive either a $500 or $250 award to help with their education expenses. Winners do not have to be present to win; awards are made Thursday evening in a random drawing. Applications are available at Lion's Club booth.

     Reflecting on the first day of the Village, master of ceremonies for the evening Patrick Fisher said, "It was a beautiful first night to kick off the 65th International Village. The weather was great, the food was great and the entertainment was great. We have two more days for folks to come out and have some wonderful ethnic food and see wonderful entertainment. And we will have our fireworks on the final night of the Village."

     Photos and story by Carol Waterloo Frazier

INTERNATIONAL

VILLAGE 2025
This site will offer information about the annual ethnic food and entertainment festival Aug. 12-14 at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport. Stories and photos will be posted of the event. If you have memories of International Village, send them to mvhappenings@gmail.com for possible posting on the site. 

FIREWORKS RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY NIGHT

Otets Paissii Bulgarian Dancers, above and below, performed a variety of traditional songs and dances.

The Grecian Odyssey Dancers, above, provided Village-goers with an energetic trip to several popular Greek islands.

The Serbian booth was popular with the first-night crowd of the 65th International Village.