The Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival, a cornerstone of Luzerne County’s Main Street, is coming back this weekend for its 22nd year. More than 100 food and craft vendors will take part, offering a mix of live entertainment and showcasing local traditions. Alexis Eroh, head of Plymouth Alive, called the event the town’s standout celebration. For many, it’s an annual highlight.
Competition and Tradition
At the heart of the festival is the kielbasa competition, where returning champions Joe's Smokehouse for best smoked kielbasa and Tarnowski's Kielbasa for best fresh will try to defend their titles. On Saturday at 11 a.m., the Main Street parade will kick off with a patriotic theme linked to the America250 celebration, drawing crowds in a show of local pride.
This year’s festival introduces the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, a novelty for many, along with two new kielbasa vendors: Leonard's Kielbasa Market and Schiel's Family Market. Eroh, who also serves as a vice president on Plymouth Borough Council, emphasized the event’s variety. She noted that beyond sausages, there will be everything from Polish classics to pizza, ice cream, and Mexican cuisine.
Community and Fundraising
Plymouth Alive works closely with about 30 volunteers, beginning months in advance to scout vendors and book entertainers. The festival is a labor of love for Eroh and her team, who see it as a way to foster connection and community pride. Funds raised from the festival directly support local youth sports, library initiatives, and emergency services.
T-shirt sales and vendor fees are crucial for supporting these community projects. “Every dollar stays in Plymouth,” Eroh said. Rain is expected, but that hasn’t stopped families from making the event a summer priority. People plan their schedules to attend, eager to try their favorite sausages and enjoy the festivities.
The festival begins Friday at noon with an opening ceremony. The Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell will host performances, starting with the John Stevens Polka Band at 1:30 p.m. and featuring Eddie Day & TNT later in the day. Saturday’s lineup includes bands at both the band shell and the Wyoming Valley West Seat and Eat entertainment zone.
Free parking is offered at the high school and in lots behind the Sue Gryziec Memorial Band Shell. Highlights of the weekend include Blue Moxie performing at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and The Sweet Sauce closing the Seat and Eat zone at 7 p.m.
The kielbasa competition will be judged by a panel including Mayor Frank Coughlin, Bill O’Boyle, Terry Womelsdorf, and over a dozen other notable community leaders. Vendors like Starbella Mushrooms, Marcy’s Treasures, and Nectar of the Vine will also be among the food and craft booths. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be stationed at Plymouth Fire Co. #1 on Friday afternoon only.
For Eroh, the festival is more than just food and music — it’s a cherished tradition that unites the town. “Everyone wants to make sure that they're getting their favorite kielbasa.”
With a mix of returning favorites and exciting new additions, the festival promises to be a weekend filled with flavor, fun, and community spirit.