This is the 50th year for Nationality Days, can you believe it!?
Fifty years of delicious food, ethnic entertainment and fun! I remember my parents taking my brother and I when we were younger, back in the early 80s. It was always a blast.
In high school, our foods teacher actually took us on a field trip there (Mrs. Witowich – If you are reading, that was the best field trip! Thanks for being so awesome!!).
My favorite when I was a kid was the baklava. OK, ok. It’s reveal-a-secret time – My favorite is still the baklava. Something about that honey and flakey crust…. Yum!
I head to the festival every year specifically for that, and end up leaving with 10lbs of other delicious goodies.
This Year at Nationality Days
This year there are a few changes to the festival that you should know about! Merchant Street was having some infrastructure issues and the venue needed to be moved for the year.
The new spot is on Duss Avenue, just blocks from where it always was held. This spot actually sounds like a fantastic fit for the event! There will be plenty of parking and even a few covered areas in case it might rain.
Hey, it’s Western PA in May. It might even snow.
The Vital Info
First, let’s talk vitals. The event runs this weekend, May 15-17. Times are Friday 12pm-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday from 12pm-6pm.
It is located in the old Wright Automotive lot at 2516 Duss Avenue in Ambridge.
There is free parking for the event on location, and additional parking at the Ambridge Regional Industrial Park with free shuttle service available both Friday and Saturday evenings if needed.
There is an indoor space that will house Bingo and some crafter booths, as well as two outdoor tent areas for seating.
On to the Good Stuff
Ok, now, the good stuff! The schedule is packed this year with more entertainment, for kids and adults both, than in years past.
It’s a good mix for everyone in the family, with things like pony rides and ethnic dancers. There is a bean bag toss, face painting, and more for the kiddos, and then for the adults, there is a beer garden if you’d like to enjoy a cold draft and Bingo indoors if you want to test your luck.
There are crafters in booths selling all sorts of handmade goods and hands-on activities for everyone, like quill and parchment paper writing brought to you by the good folks at Old Economy Village.
Also new this year is a hot dog eating contest! A HOT DOG EATING CONTEST! This is going to be a blast! If you feel up to the culinary challenge, be sure to preregister for the event at the Ambridge Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or by calling the chamber directly at 724-266-3040.
More Great Intel
On Saturday morning at 11am, before the booths open, there will be a special ceremony to celebrate Armed Forces Day. This is a very special event, and you don’t want to miss it. A perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to those that have served or who are currently serving our country!
Following the ceremony, WMBA Radio will be broadcasting live until 3pm with a price wheel and fun giveaways.
Also on tap throughout the weekend is a huge raffle. Many local businesses have generously donated their goods and services for the raffle, so be sure you buy your tickets and choose the prizes you would like to win.
Remember, these raffles are all about strategy! Are you a “All the tickets in one basket” type of person, or are you a “One ticket in each” type?? Either way, I hope you win something awesome!
…and the Food!
Let’s all not forget about the food, too. While you are strolling and enjoying the dancers and music, you can be noshing on the ethnic treats that you remember from Nationality Days past!
Stuffed cabbage, halushki, or pierogies? Or maybe you are more into a Greek plate of gyros, spinach pie and grape leaves? What about leaving some room for BBQ? Shaved ice?? KETTLE CORN?
Ok, It might be because I am really pregnant right now, and anything food related gets me super excited, but this food talk has my mouth watering! First stop though has to be the baklava. It’s tradition! From there though, anything is free game!
Let’s recap: We have got free parking, free admission, an awesome lineup of entertainment, the chance to win some cool local gear, and enough food to keep you smiling for a week. What more could you ask for?!!
I’m sure I will see you there at some point. If you see me pregnant waddling to the baklava booth for a fifth time, just help clear a path. I would really appreciate it.
