For the past 43 years, the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce has been hosting the Nationality Days Festival, an annual heritage festival that celebrates the region's ethnic pride.
The three-day extravaganza takes place the third weekend in May (this year May 16-17-18, 2008). Over 100 vendors line the heart of the business district to welcome the 40,000 tourists and locals who attend the event each year. The tantalizing aroma of food fills the air as delicacies representing over fifteen cultures are served from 35 food booths. Crafts are here, too - you can shop at approximately 50 crafts booths.
Lively ethnic entertainment is a mainstay of the festival. Some of the region's best ethnic musicians and dancers perform with non-stop entertainment over the three days. For family fun, there are two children's activity areas with games, moon bouncers, pony rides and more that will entertain the young ones. Children can also enter a poster contest, "What Does Nationality Days Mean To Me", sponsored by National City Bank, the Festival's Title Sponsor.
The area's rich historical background is featured with on-going presentations of "Ambridge: A Picture Story" that is shown at th Ambridge Family Theatre. One of Ambridge's original theaters, it dates back to the 1940's , and is one of the few remaining family-owned theaters in the Pittsburgh area. Make sure you visit the "Hall of Nations" - an indoor exhibit area that showcases church and cultural history with demonstrations, maps, costumes, religious icons and handicrafts.
Potatoes, cheese and dough - AKA Pierogie (no matter how you spell it) - is a staple in a town known for the many churches who make and sell the succulent little dumplings throughout the year. The second annual Pierogie Challenge will again take place to see whose "Pierogies Reign Supreme"!
Come visit us at the first - and best - festival of the season, and see first hand what small town living is all about!
