A jam-packed Labor Day festival returns to Northmoreland Park, celebrating the traditions and heritage related to organized labor in Western Pennsylvania.
The annual two-day 2023 Labor United Celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday and runs through Labor Day. The event typically draws more than 20,000 attendees to pavilion grounds 7 and 8, located next to the BMX track in Allegheny Township.
The popular all-day $4 activity wrist pass provides access to unlimited carnival rides, the Zerbini Family Circus, petting zoo and more.
Exotic animal shows will be presented by Exotic Edventures at 12:30, 2 and 4 p.m.
More than 100 vendors are scheduled to participate during the event that takes place rain or shine.
Allegheny Township Supervisor James Morabito attended last year’s celebration and said he chatted with attendees from up to 50 miles away.
“This is a fantastic event for Allegheny Township and all of Westmoreland County,” Morabito said. “The event grows every year, and it’s fantastic to see the reuniting of friends and families that haven’t seen each other in years — they all come together for this event.”
Musical acts include The Fabulous Gem Tones, The Townsmen Plus One, Part Time Cowboys, and Luke Weltz.
Bingo will be offered under a tent at Pavilion 8 and a super-sized flea market will take place next to an arts & crafts marketplace.
The celebration is sponsored by Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, Labor United Celebration and the Westmoreland County commissioners.
Last year, rain resulted in lower attendance, according to Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for Westmoreland County Parks.
Jones estimated attendance was down by about 8,000 people, which provided many youngsters with shorter wait times for rides.
This weekend, the weather forecast appears to be cooperating, with dry, sunny conditions expected and daytime temperatures in the 80s.
The Arnold #2 French Fry Booth, will sell fresh cut fries with a variety of toppings that include vinegar, cheese, ketchup, gravy and more.
The biggest annual fundraiser for the fire company, volunteers expect to cook more than 4,000 pounds of spuds.
