11 years ago, St. Mary's Ukrainian festival was first held in the backyard of the parish rectory with the goal of promoting Ukrainian culture to the people of McKees Rocks. As the years progressed, the festival slowly grew, expanding into the parking lot, and eventually Ella Street. Under the initiative of Fr. Timothy Tomson, and a dedicated group of volunteers, the festival has come to grow as one of the largest, most recognized Ukrainian festivals in the greater Pittsburgh area.
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Humble beginnings would be an overstatement when describing St. Mary's Ukrainian festival. Now, with the festival larger than ever, it would be easy to lose sight of goals which most have held in regard so highly. However, these goals still remain of utmost importance, and the festival strives to preserve our Ukrainian Heritage and Traditions and reacquaint Ukrainians with their roots, as well as sharing the Ukrainian culture with the people of the Pittsburgh area. As a gift to the community who has supported for over 100 years, we offer concerts by nationally acclaimed and recognized recording artists free of charge.
The festival offers traditional Ukrainian foods such as pierogies, kobasi, halubtsi, and more to the public.