Schuylkill County's rich cultural diversity will be on display through music, dance and food Saturday at the Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville.
Celebrate Us ⦠Celebrate Schuylkill will be held from noon to 6 p.m. in the gardens and mansion at 1440 Mahantongo St. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Sponsored by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, the annual event showcases traditions from the many ethnicities that make up the county's population. Lucille Fala-Brennan, one of the event's organizers, said it is important to show the variety of ethnic and heritage groups that came when the county started and are currently here.
"It makes Schuylkill County look terrific, welcoming of a different color or ethnic group," she said.
A new addition this year is a performance and food from the Philippine-American Group of Schuylkill County. The group formed about three years ago to bring Filipinos in the area together and teach values and traditions to the children.
The highlight of the event is the performances scheduled throughout the day. The performers begin at noon and receive 30 minutes of stage time. Fifteen minute breaks are scheduled between performances. The lineup includes:
- "The Italian Crooner" Rick Lorady - sings songs from the 1940s, '50s and '60s in the style of Dean Martin
- McCormick Irish Dancers - New Philadelphia-based group that promotes Irish culture
- D'Lite Side, Fala-Brennan and David Marchiett - a nightclub act that performs contemporary music
- Rhinelanders - Based in Berks County, the German band has been performing in and around Berks and Schuylkill counties for more than 45 years
- Lester Hirsh and Kathleen Radspinner - global music including Hebraic music and Irish and Spanish styles. Hirsh lived in Shenandoah for 22 years.
- Filipino Dancers - in connection with the Philippine-American Group of Schuylkill County, the group performs native folk dances to show their culture
- Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble - A blend of traditional and contemporary Ukrainian dance and music that educates and entertains the audience.
In addition to the music and dances, Fala-Brennan said the event features food, jewelry making and exhibits. Along with the Filipino food vendor will be Sidewalk Chill with its chili hot dog cart.
Exhibits will be in the mansion and include Polish heritage, Ukrainian eggs, Schuylkill County mining and railroad and beer memorabilia from Dale Freudenberger of the Tamaqua Historical Society.
Fala-Brennan has been involved with Celebrate Us ⦠Celebrate Schuylkill for four years and served as assistant to SCCA Executive Director Sandy Coyle for the last two years. She said the event has expanded over the years, including this year with the Filipino representation. She believes the addition of different groups can only benefit the event's mission.
"It might encourage more to come and experience what we are trying to create there," Fala-Brennan said.
She said the event is good for families, especially to show children the different cultures in the area. She said she sees curiosity and delight in children's faces during the dances.
"It's just a wonderful experience for people to see and enjoy," Fala-Brennan said.
For more information, call SCCA at 570-622-2788.