This is the third location for the popular cultural festival, which was to move from its original setting on Merchant Street in Ambridge to the St. Mary’s church parking lot on Park Road due to electrical issues.
Although the event will be held on private property in Harmony, Angus said the chamber will need the commissioners’ backing because they’ll have to pay for police protection to cover security and traffic control, and will need the fire department on standby.
“It’s on private property. The Wright’s are being generous enough to donate their property at no cost to the Nationality Days,” Angus said. “…I think it’s a good thing for the community.”
Angus said traffic is the biggest issue for the popular festival and should be minimal. If the nearby Ambridge Regional allows some parking at their property, this will help keep traffic off the street, he said.
Harmony used to have a fireman’s carnival for the community every year in the township, but Angus said the event ended over time because it didn’t pay off due to insurance and other costs. However, he said the events always did well.
The township realizes this is a milestone year for the event and Angus said he would really hate to see the festival not make its 50th anniversary.
“We’re here to help our neighboring communities,” Angus said. “The churches and that, they look forward to Nationality Days to make money for their church…you hate to take that away from them.”
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