Labor United celebration is back at Northmoreland Park

The 2021 Labor United Celebration in Northmoreland Park is back.

“It’s a go,” said Brandon Simpson, the county’s parks and recreation director.

Simpson said covid-19 restrictions are not expected to impact the event as they did last year, when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the festival that draws about 12,000 attendees daily.

The annual two-day event kicks off Sunday, Sept. 5, in Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township. It’s held in an expansive field near Pavilions 7 and 8, near the BMX track.

It celebrates the tradition of organized labor in Western Pennsylvania.

Activity pass wristbands will be sold for $4 each, providing unlimited access to carnival rides, a circus, a petting zoo, bounce houses, an obstacles course, a rock climbing wall and more.

“The labor unions were really big in the ’80s, and we still get good support from them now. The county parks wanted to do something for residents and provide a weekend activity,” Simpson said.

It’s sponsored by Labor United Celebration, Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation and the Westmoreland County commissioners.

“It’s for the community to get people out and visiting the parks,” said Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for Westmoreland County Parks.

The festival began in the early 1980s. Today, there are more than 120 vendors scheduled.

Simpson said a circus is always the main attraction, and this year Zerbini Family Circus is scheduled to perform three shows daily, at noon, 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Originating in France, the Zerbini family offers an old-fashioned one-ring circus under the big top.

Other attractions include bingo and an arts-and-crafts marketplace with more than 50 exhibitors.

Among the many food options are funnel cakes, sausage, gyros, chicken and fries.

“Price ranges from $4 to $10, and we try and to provide a wide variety of foods,” Simpson said.

“The funnel cakes are the most popular. We actually bring in two vendors to accommodate the demand for funnel cakes.”

Arnold’s and Markle’s volunteer fire companies will operate food trucks and tents serving ice cream, fresh-cut fries and pizza.

Allegheny Township Supervisor Chairwoman Kathy Starr said she hopes some visitors will take time to explore the township.

“We love to see all the people coming in, and I’m proud of Allegheny Township and Northmoreland Park,” Starr said. “We hope they take time to check out some of our businesses.”

Jones said the event usually costs about $25,000 to host, and money that’s raised goes back into the operating costs for the next year.

Live music from Chuck Blasko & The Vogues is scheduled for 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Other musical acts include Bone Jacked (Southern classic rock) at noon and 1 p.m. Sunday; Thieves (classic rock) at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday; and The Townsmen Plus One (big band) at noon and 1 p.m. Monday.

Pets are not permitted at the festival.

Organizers said festival vendors and booths still are available for $40 each day.

To book a booth, call 724-830-3950.