The 2022 Labor United Celebration is returning to Northmoreland Park.
The annual two-day festival celebrates the history and tradition of organized labor in Western Pennsylvania.
The event kicks off Sunday, Sept. 4 in Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township and runs through Labor Day.
This year, there are no covid restrictions, and it’s back to normal, said Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for Westmoreland County Parks.
The event, which usually draws more than 20,000 attendees, is held on the grounds of pavilions 7 and 8, next to the BMX track.
“Last year was really well attended. It came back after covid, and the weather was hot and beautiful,” Jones said.
Parking and admission are free.
Activity wristbands are $4 each and provide access to unlimited carnival rides, obstacle courses, a climbing wall, the circus and petting zoo.
The event is sponsored by Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, Westmoreland County commissioners and Labor United Celebration.
Pets are not permitted.
More than 17 food vendors are scheduled, and food prices range from $5 to $13.
Classic carnival fare will include deep-fried Oreos, walking tacos, soft pretzels, funnel cakes, gyros, chicken, sausage and fries.
The funnel cakes are still the big seller, Jones said.
“We have to book two vendors to handle the demand for funnel cakes,” she said.
A new animal show, Exotic Edventures, will offer three educational animal-themed shows daily at 12:30, 2 and 4 p.m., featuring rescued exotic animals.
Jones said the event costs about $25,000 to host, and the money that is raised goes back into the operating costs for the next year’s celebration.
More than 120 vendors are booked. There will be a giant flea market, bingo, and an arts and crafts marketplace.
The Zerbini Family Circus returns with three performances daily: noon, 3:30 and 5 p.m. The circus offers a traditional one-ring circus under the big top.
Allegheny Township Supervisor James Morabito said he is happy to see the event back to normal after the pandemic.
“It gives great opportunities for families to come together and enjoy this celebration. It also helps the fire departments that are able to participate for fundraising,” Morabito said. “It’s a huge event for all of them and the other vendors, too. Once again, they’re giving back to our community.”
Markle and Arnold No. 2 volunteer fire companies will operate food trucks and tents selling food.
The Fabulous Gemtones will provide live music at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Other musical acts include Bone Jacked (Southern classic rock) at noon and 1 p.m. Sunday; Big Trouble (party rock cover band) at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday; and the Townsmen Plus One (big band/variety) at noon and 1 p.m. Monday.
The event is rain or shine.
