This weekend, Plymouth’s Main Street will come alive with the sights and sounds of the 22nd annual Kielbasa Festival. With over 100 booths featuring local foods and crafts, along with live performances, the event celebrates the area’s rich cultural roots and community spirit.
“It’s the one event that Plymouth’s really known for, so it’s kind of become our identity,” said Alexis Eroh, president of Plymouth Alive. “We’re very proud of it.”
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Scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, the festival promises returning favorites such as the Main Street parade, themed patriotically for America250, and the much-anticipated kielbasa competition.
Defending their titles this year are Joe’s Smokehouse for best smoked kielbasa and Tarnowski’s Kielbasa for best fresh kielbasa. “We’re excited to see if they’re going to be defending their championship, or if we’re going to have a new winner,” Eroh stated.
New attractions include the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and two new kielbasa vendors: Leonard’s Kielbasa Market and Schiel’s Family Market. While kielbasa is the highlight, the festival offers a variety of other culinary options, from traditional Polish dishes to Mexican cuisine and pizza, alongside an array of desserts and beverages.
“We have everything from the traditional Polish food to Mexican food and pizza, a lot of ice cream and dessert vendors this year, some really good drink vendors,” Eroh said. “There’s really a wide variety of food. It’s not just kielbasa.”
‘No one wants to miss it’
Months of preparation go into the festival, starting with vendor and entertainer arrangements. As the event approaches, weekly meetings ensure everything is in place, with about 30 volunteers facilitating the event.
“It’s really a whole weekend of a lot of work for us,” Eroh mentioned. “We do it because we love it. We love this town.”
Proceeds from the festival, generated through T-shirt sales and vendor fees, aid local youth sports, library programs, and emergency services.
“Every dollar that’s raised goes right back into Plymouth to make it a better community,” Eroh emphasized.
Despite a forecast of rain, Eroh remains hopeful for a successful turnout. The festival is a cherished occasion that brings the community together. “No one wants to miss it,” Eroh said. “Everyone wants to make sure that they’re getting their favorite kielbasa.”
Entertainment and schedule
The festivities kick off at noon Friday, with the Main Street parade starting at 11 a.m. Saturday. The kielbasa competition takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the American Legion on Center Avenue.
Entertainment venues include the area in front of the Wyoming Valley West High School and the Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell, both equipped with tables and seating.
Attendees can enjoy free parking at the high school and in lots behind the band shell. For a detailed vendor guide, click here.
Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival
Live Entertainment ScheduleFriday, Aug. 7
Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell
1:30 p.m. – John Stevens Polka Band
4 p.m. – The Lance Thomas Band
6:30 p.m. – Eddie Day & TNT
9 p.m. – Tori V & the KarmaWyoming Valley West Seat and Eat Entertainment Zone
4 p.m. – Bret Alexander
7 p.m. – Non-Stop MusicSaturday, Aug. 8
Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell
1:30 p.m. – Triple Fret
4 p.m. – Stanky’s Coalminers
6:30 p.m. – Blue Moxie
9 p.m. – Hangin’ with F.O.G.Wyoming Valley West Seat and Eat Entertainment Zone
4 p.m. – Ian & Nigel
7 p.m. – The Sweet Sauce
