The event will feature a series of 20-minute dance and musical performances by more than a dozen separate nationality groups on two different stages in the building. The entertainment is part of the Cranberry Area Folk & Food Festival, presented by the Cranberry Area Diversity Network under the umbrella of CranFest. A concluding set will feature former Haine School principal and songwriter Dr. Melvin Steals performing several of his original songs including the 1972 gold record composition “Could it be I’m Falling in Love,” popularized by The Spinners.
Cranberry area groups representing cultures as diverse as Japan, China, Peru and Venezuela, as well as several local advocacy organizations, will man information booths throughout the Center. Kiosks representing the cuisine of various South American, East Asian, Eastern European and South Asian nations will also be operating on site. Entrée-size portions will be available for prices set individually by each vendor.
In addition to the Folk & Food Festival, Cranberry at Your Service – a showcase for the services performed by different Township departments, will also be featured as part of CranFest. Public Works, Public Safety, Parks & Recreation, Cranberry Highlands, Communications, Finance, Engineering, Codes, and Customer Service will each have representatives on hand to answer visitors’ questions, along with displays, tools and work demonstrations.
Behind the Municipal Center, an assortment of Township vehicles will assemble for Touch-a-Truck – a hands-on experience with Cranberry’s fleet of specialized mobile equipment. Among the work vehicles expected to be on hand: an aerial fire truck, a 20-ton dump truck, squad cars, an ambulance, a front loader, a golf cart and more.
2017 will be the third year that Cranberry has held its CranFest celebration. Last year’s event attracted more than 2,000 visitors.
There is no admission charge.