PLYMOUTH – The 20th annual Kielbasa Festival, which begins today and continues through Saturday, is not only a celebration of two decades of this legendary event, but also a celebration of Plymouth’s past, according to Alexis Eroh, president of Plymouth Alive.

“There will be plenty of traditional Polish food to celebrate our heritage, but the must-have polka bands will also be playing on the main stage and in the parade,” Eroh said. “The festival would not be possible without the support of the dedicated volunteer group at Plymouth Alive. All of our members have worked tirelessly to plan this event since last year, bringing their ideas and creativity to each meeting and working together on how we can improve and evolve.”

Eroh said Plymouth Alive’s board of directors – John Z. Thomas, Janet Dixon and Adam Morehart – have been with her every step of the way and helped solve problems.

“We are a fun group that loves this town, and we hope others see that dedication in the festival,” Eroh said. “Last May, we took a group trip to the Shenandoah Kielbasa Festival to network with the organizers, vendors and businesses. Since January, our members have visited every kielbasa maker within a two-hour radius to introduce ourselves and invite them to the festival. We called this effort ‘Operation Fresh Links.'”

Eroh said the efforts surrounding the festival extend beyond the more than 25 members of the committee to the entire community, with the entire City Council, Mayor Frank Coughlin, the police department, the building department and all three fire departments providing invaluable support in the lead-up to the festival.

“Each of these groups has done their best to help us put on a great festival and they have all told me they will support us and help in any way they can,” Eroh said. “It will be a safe event with all of the police departments scheduled for the weekend. We can’t thank them enough for making the event and parade safe. All three fire departments will be present at the festival. Plymouth Fire Company No. 1 is operating a first aid station centrally located next to the Dollar General.”

Eroh said all the vendors have scheduled their dates for the festival and are excited about it, and that the organizers are happy to have them here.

“After the deadline, new vendors kept joining, so we now have 100!” said Eroh. “We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that we have good weather and that all vendors have a successful year.”

Eroh said the bands would present well-known classics and, if requested, some new musicians.

“Put on your cowboy hat on Friday night,” said Eroh. “We’ve had a lot of requests for country bands over the past few years, so Lost at the Rodeo will be the headliner Friday night from 9-11 p.m., following Eddie Day & TNT. Saturday night will feature two returning crowd favorites, Shaken at 6:30 p.m. (an Eddie Money tribute band) and The Lance Thomas Band. We’re excited about all of our entertainment this weekend.”

As always, Eroh said, the Plymouth Alive crew will be standing next to the bandshell downtown selling raffle tickets and T-shirts to raise money for local causes. Shirts are $15 for XS-XL and $20 for 2XL and 3XL.

“Stop by and say hello,” Eroh said. “We hope everyone can enjoy the food and festivities with their friends and families as we move forward into the next 20 years!”

Eroh said the annual Kielbasa Festival is the highlight of Plymouth Borough every summer. The festival begins Friday, Aug. 9, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 10. There will be 100 vendors, great food, great entertainment, a parade, a kielbasa contest and the Mr. and Mrs. Kielbasa first anniversary celebration.

“Plymouth Alive is ready to welcome kielbasa lovers to town,” said Eroh. “This will be an unforgettable festival.”

She added: “The 100 traders are a testament to the popularity of this festival and the support of the community.”

Eroh said that the Kielbasa Festival Plymouth offers two days each August to showcase its heritage, history and hospitality.

“It’s the busiest weekend of the year for many bars and businesses on Main Street,” Eroh said. “Our fire departments, churches and community organizations take advantage of the crowds to promote their fundraisers.”

Eroh said the festival allows families to get out in August, enjoy Main Street, eat good food, listen to live music and spend some quality time together.

“For Plymouth Alive, the Kielbasa Festival is an opportunity to raise as much money as possible to support our community organizations throughout the year,” she said.

“The festival lasts just two short days in August but has a lasting impact on the Borough of Plymouth that continues all year round,” added Eroh.