Despite pandemic, smaller fairs in Export, Irwin, New Kensington decide shows must go on

In a summer of canceled festivals because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials of some smaller events in Export, Irwin and New Kensington decided the shows must go on Saturday.

The Westmoreland Fair slated to begin Thursday, the Arts and Heritage Festival in Hempfield that usually runs in July and Fort Ligonier Days in October have been canceled because of concerns over the coronavirus.

But on Saturday, Export hosted its annual Ethnic Food & Music Festival, Irwin hosted a Hawaiian Food and Craft festival while New Kensington held an Arts, Beats and Treats Festival at AK Valley Park.

Dennis Darbiano of Level Green was surprised at the vehicle and pedestrian traffic in downtown Irwin on Saturday when he arrived to take his large Great White Pyrenees, Chloe, and Newfoundland, Rudy, for their usual Saturday morning stroll around town.

“It was a surprise and great to see,” Darbiano said.

Darbiano with his large dogs continued to draw attention, but he admitted he was not the main attraction like on normal weekend morning walks.

“As soon as we got out of the car, we all could smell the great food cooking,” he said. “We knew something good was going on, and we’re happy to see it.”

Joe and Maria Yezovich of Irwin said it was a relief to enjoy the outdoors with their sons, Lucia, 1, and Rocco, 3, enjoying the sights and tastes as they tagged along in a stroller.

“It’s nice to get out and see everyone enjoying themselves,” Maria Yezovich said. “Irwin’s doing a lot of things, and it’s nice to see.”

Joe Yezovich said during the pandemic, he and his wife regularly have attended the Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s “Thank Goodness It’s Summer” music series on Thursdays at Greensburg Garden and Civic Center.

“That’s been fun, too,” he said.

Meanwhile, Candy Zambo, owner of Candy’s Corner Cafe, at 435 Main St., and her daughter, Sarah Sever, were grilling pineapple chicken, pineapple kielbasi and pineapple shrimp kabobs as part of the Hawaiian-themed event. Waitresses wore hula skirts.

“We’ve been really busy all morning,” Zambo said. “It’s great to see so many people downtown,” Zambo said.

Miles away in Export, the ethnic festival kicked off in the afternoon and was to continue to 9 p.m. with food offerings from restaurants and vendors, drinks, kids activities and games and music.

Jack Tady and the Jack Tady Bears polka band kicked off their music set telling the audience near the fire hall that Saturday’s event was its first summer gig because of cancellations caused by the pandemic.

David and Kitty Gavura of Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood said they were visiting friends in the area and heard there was an ethnic and music festival going on.

“It’s great to get out after being cooped up for so long,” Gavura said. “It’s really nice to get out and walk in the air, see people having fun and enjoying good music.”

Another fan of the ethnic festival, Mary Ann Wade, said she was surprised by the number of festival-goers.

“Most everyone is social distancing, friendly and having a good time, from what I have seen,” she said.

And the beat went on Saturday for the third annual “Arts, Beats & Treats” at the AK Valley Park, the former Alcoa research park along Freeport Road in New Kensington.

Crafters, a few classic cars, an impressive display of Kensington Ware and music greeted visitors on the spacious lawn of the former Alcoa research labs. Fireworks and more were planned later Saturday.

Although there were fewer vendors for the free community celebration – only about a dozen or so — and less people, under 150 before 3:30 p.m., organizers were determined to persevere through the pandemic.

“It was the right thing to do,” said Tristen Kubrick, president of the AK Valley Park.

Jean Novak of Apollo thought so, too, as she escorted her mom, Mary Sciulli, who lives in New Kensington.

“I’ve passed this place, and this is the first time I’ve been here,” she said. “It’s a shame there aren’t more vendors, but this is nice.”