LITHUANIAN DAYS
Saturday & Sunday
August 17-18 2024
Venue: The Original Home of Lithuanian Days the former Lakewood Park
Catalpa Grove
26 Park Ave
Barnesville, PA 18214
Admission:
$10 for 1 day
$15 for 2 days
Catalpa Grove website: https://catalpagrovepa.com/contact.html
Check out our Facebook page!
www.facebook.com/LithuanianDays/
Directions:
From 81 take exit 131A
- Merge onto Route 54 East toward Hometown
- Catalpa Grove will be located 3 mi on your right across from the Brown Bag Gas Station.
Vendor Information
Food Trucks: $400.
Two Tables: $200.
One Card Table: $100.
All tables and coverings MUST be provided by the vendors.
Limited electricity locations
Electricity may be provided if requested in advance
Use of electricity will cost $25.00
Payment is due by May 1, 2024.
** Fees received after this date are subject to a $35 fee.**
Make Checks payable to Knights of Lithuania Council 144
Contact :
Meredith Corrales
Committee Chair
[email protected]
570-590-5017
Hotel Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
958 Schuylkill Mall Road
Frackville, PA 17931
Phone: 570-874-1700
FAX: 570-874-2799
Noreen O'Boyle, General Manager
Email: [email protected]
MainStay Suites
1252 Morea Rd.
Barnsville, PA 18214
(570) 73-5252
E-mail: [email protected]
County Inn Suites
100 Keystone Blvd. East
Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 544-5201
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
958 Schuylkill Mall Road
Frackville, PA 17931
Phone: 570-874-1700
FAX: 570-874-2799
Noreen O'Boyle, General Manager
Email: [email protected]
MainStay Suites
1252 Morea Rd.
Barnsville, PA 18214
(570) 73-5252
E-mail: [email protected]
County Inn Suites
100 Keystone Blvd. East
Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 544-5201
History of Lithuanian Days
Lithuanian Days (c) 2007
Many of the Lithuanian immigrants settled in the Anthracite coal region of Northeastern Pennsylvania in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were simple, ordinary people from small towns and villages of of Lithuania. The men labored long and hard hours in the coal mines. Their parish became the center of social and religious life and their life philosophy was deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The annual “Lithuanian Days” is a well known memory and ongoing tradition for Lithuanian-Americans living in Pennsylvania. It started in 1914 by the Lithuanian Catholic Priest League. The priests were troubled by problems faced by incoming immigrants such as poor living conditions and the dangerous work environment from the mines. A change needed to occur and they pondered on how they could lift the morale and create a better lifestyle for Eastern European immigrants.
They cultivated the idea of a massive festival that rejoiced in life, family, community, and pride for their native land. Lithuanian Days at Lakeside Park was the first recorded ethnic celebration in the United States. Lithuanian immigrants enjoyed ethnic food, drink, tradition, and song every year. In 1922 Lithuanian Days moved to Lakewood Park. All proceeds from the event went to Lithuanian charities. Thus no matter how difficult life seemed in America, most of the early immigrants idealized supported each other and idealized the splendor of nature and the memory of a simpler life in Lithuania.
The Frackville Council #144 joined the Knights of Lithuania in 1977 with about 25 members. Its first President was Bernice Mikatavage. Over the years Council # 144 grew, to over 130 members! Meetings were held after the Lithuanian Mass with Father Bartkus each month. Throughout the years, Council #144 worked diligently on Lithuanian Affairs. Members wrote letters, sent telegrams, went on demonstrations, and did whatever we could for the Lithuanian cause.
Eventually Council #144 became the primary sponsor for “Lithuanian Days.” At the 1978 “Lithuanian Days” in Lakewood Park our guest was the author, Simas Kidurka. A dinner was held in his honor where he signed his book, For Those Still at Sea. At the Park, we continued to enjoy Lithuanian dancers, ethnic food and the Council Lithuanian Choir. Vendors came with lovely Lithuanian souvenirs, crafts and books. Each year we had one prominent Lithuanian speaker and all profits were donated to Lithuanian Foundations especially Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid, St. Casimir’s Pontifical College in Rome, and Lithuanian Orphan Relief.
Sadly, Lakewood Park closed in 1984. The festival was held in various locations, until thankfully, we were able to continue the Lithuanian Days celebration at the Schuylkill Mall, in Frackville, PA. In fact this year on, August 12th and 13th we are celebrating our 103rd year, making “Lithuanian Days” the longest consecutive ethnic festival in the USA! The festival allows Council #144 to share, spread, and remember Lithuanian heritage. It is a festival of Lithuanian culture, cuisine, song and dance.
They cultivated the idea of a massive festival that rejoiced in life, family, community, and pride for their native land. Lithuanian Days at Lakeside Park was the first recorded ethnic celebration in the United States. Lithuanian immigrants enjoyed ethnic food, drink, tradition, and song every year. In 1922 Lithuanian Days moved to Lakewood Park. All proceeds from the event went to Lithuanian charities. Thus no matter how difficult life seemed in America, most of the early immigrants idealized supported each other and idealized the splendor of nature and the memory of a simpler life in Lithuania.
The Frackville Council #144 joined the Knights of Lithuania in 1977 with about 25 members. Its first President was Bernice Mikatavage. Over the years Council # 144 grew, to over 130 members! Meetings were held after the Lithuanian Mass with Father Bartkus each month. Throughout the years, Council #144 worked diligently on Lithuanian Affairs. Members wrote letters, sent telegrams, went on demonstrations, and did whatever we could for the Lithuanian cause.
Eventually Council #144 became the primary sponsor for “Lithuanian Days.” At the 1978 “Lithuanian Days” in Lakewood Park our guest was the author, Simas Kidurka. A dinner was held in his honor where he signed his book, For Those Still at Sea. At the Park, we continued to enjoy Lithuanian dancers, ethnic food and the Council Lithuanian Choir. Vendors came with lovely Lithuanian souvenirs, crafts and books. Each year we had one prominent Lithuanian speaker and all profits were donated to Lithuanian Foundations especially Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid, St. Casimir’s Pontifical College in Rome, and Lithuanian Orphan Relief.
Sadly, Lakewood Park closed in 1984. The festival was held in various locations, until thankfully, we were able to continue the Lithuanian Days celebration at the Schuylkill Mall, in Frackville, PA. In fact this year on, August 12th and 13th we are celebrating our 103rd year, making “Lithuanian Days” the longest consecutive ethnic festival in the USA! The festival allows Council #144 to share, spread, and remember Lithuanian heritage. It is a festival of Lithuanian culture, cuisine, song and dance.