The cultural diversity of Schuylkill County was on display during the "Celebrate Us ... Celebrate Schuylkill" festival hosted by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts at the Yuengling Mansion on Saturday.
"We have a lot of diversity here in the county and want to teach the youngsters about their heritage," Lucille Fala-Brennan, co-owner of J&L Productions and SCCA committee member, said Saturday. "It also helps bring people together."
The festival featured live music, dancers, theater, art exhibits, food and other vendors. Dancing acts included the Scottish Dancers, Irish Step Dancers, Janosik Polish Folk Dancers and the Church of Broken Pieces. Musical acts included Brennan and David Marchettie, Dave McSurdy singing Native American songs, Paula Holoviak and the Kaska Folk Ensemble, Lester Hirsh and Kathleen Radspinner and World Music and Rick "Dino" Lorady and special guest "Buffy." Schuylkill County Idol winner Maura Gownley also performed with Cody Wiley and Mykaihla Sternick as special guests.
"It's nice to bring back the memories and learn about other cultures," Fala-Brennan said. "It's important to let people know that they aren't the only show in town. There's so much talent in Schuylkill County it is unbelievable."
Dressed in full miner gear, Bob Vybrenner, Tamaqua, was at the event for the first time as he represented Eckley Miners Village, a living history museum near Freeland.
"We do this for the kids," Vybrenner said. "They have to know about their heritage."
In addition to everyone enjoying themselves, he said everyone was also learning.
"It was a great cross-cultural program," he said. "Education is what its really about and I would like to do again next year. It was a good day."
Peter Cieslukowski, Shenandoah, also an SCCA committee member, had some of his artwork on display inside the Yuengling Mansion. The display included his "Legends of Poland" piece and a tribute to St. George's Church, Shenandoah.
"This area is very rich in culture," he said. "This needs to stay alive."
On Oct. 4, the SCCA will host "The Struggles Down Below," a presentation about how the early immigrants found their voice in the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania. Gary Martin, business manager and former president of the Pennsylvania United Steelworkers Union, will be a guest speaker. Internationally acclaimed singer Jay Smar will provide entertainment. For more information about the SCCA and its events, visit www.sccarts.com. Anyone looking to perform or a for place to feature their art can also call the SCCA at 570-622-2788.