Ethnic Days on Main Street

The idea for the first East Vandergrift Ethnic Days Celebration was birthed by the Catholic Youth Organization in the basement of the All Saints Polish Parish. The parish is no longer standing because it was destroyed in a fire. The celebration is now in its 23rd year. Dan Waner, a Co-Chairman for the Ethnic Days committee, has been involved for many years. "I bought my house in East Vandergrift the same year that the Ethnic Days Celebration began". Now Dan, along with many others, keeps the yearly event going by providing quality entertainment for the community. The initial planning begins in January of each year.

The other officers involved are John Uskuraitis (Co-Chairman), Mark Weber (Treasurer), Jerrica Weber (Secretary), Carol Blanchek (Head of the Ethnic Days Booth), Bryan Mumau (Ticket Sales) and various community members. These people are responsible for booking the events, setting up lights, wiring, setting up tables and chairs, and sweeping the streets. Dan explained that each organization is responsible for manning its own booth.

This year's three-day event will be held on June 14th through June 16th. The planned festivities include a great assortment of ethnic foods, games, live entertainment, children's rides, and other fun amusements each day.

Friday , June 14th the fun begins at 5pm and lasts until 11pm. Special guest band Doppler Affect (southern/classic rock) will be performing from 7pm to 11pm. There will also be a band, Trip Show, performing from 10pm to 2am at the Polish National Alliance.

Saturday, June 15th the festivities will be held from 2pm to 11pm. There will be special guest strolling musicians Jumpin John Huchrowski & Dave Dombrowski) making their rounds from 2pm to 6pm. The Nutones polka band will be performing from 7pm to 11pm. ZMW will be performing at the Polish National Alliance from 10pm to 2pm. Two of the members, Mark Weber and Eric Mrasz are East Vandergrift residents.

Sunday, June 16th the event will be held from noon to 11pm. There will be a one man band Chester Jonczak performing from 2:30pm to 5:30pm and Bob Jezewski and the Merrymakers Polka Band from 6:30 to 10:30pm.

There will be a shuttle service from the Vandergrift #1 Fire Department available on Saturday and Sunday. Those planning to attend the Ethnic Days celebration are encouraged to use the shuttle service because of limited parking.

In two years for their 25th Anniversary, they are planning to appoint a Miss Ethnic Days and also have fireworks in addition to regular events.