Annual Cranfest a blast despite construction
CRANBERRY TWP — While the seventh annual Cranfest on Saturday was limited to the gymnasium only at the municipal center instead of spilling into the building’s hallways and common area, the spirit of celebrating diversity was not diminished.
Because the entire north side of the municipal center is under construction, organizers and township officials decided to hold a scaled-back version of the festival instead of canceling for 2024.
“Interconnectedness and experience makes a huge difference in how we perceive things,” said Carlen Blackstone of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advisory (IDEA) Leadership Team, which coordinates Cranfest. “Relationship building is the key to understanding diverse communities.”
The walls of the large gym were lined with booths that sold Thai, Greek, Indian, Lebanese and Caribbean foods or shared cultural information, like the Phillipine-American Performing Arts booth.
A stage hosted eight diverse acts or demonstrations in 20-minute intervals, including the Pittsburgh Samba Group of Allison Park.
Three dancers in spangled leotards donned huge feather headdresses or a cape with multicolored lights as they demonstrated Brazilian samba for the hooting and clapping crowd.
For their final dance, the women invited more than a dozen people to the stage, including small children, teenagers and adults, to dance along with them.
“I was really nervous and happy,” said Scarlett Sinichak, 8, of Cranberry Township, said of dancing onstage with the sequined samba dancers.
The Ehrman Crest Elementary School second grader said she was having fun at Cranfest.
“I learned about other cultures,” Scarlett said.
Her friend, Laney Hazen, also 8, said she felt happy dancing on the stage to the booming music, and enjoyed Cranfest overall.
“I learned about things people do every day that are different from what I do every day,” Laney said.
Cynthia Jackson, one of the Samba dancers, said the group’s performance on Saturday marked their second Cranfest.
“There is never a shortage of people who want to dance with us,” she said.
Jackson praised the diversity theme of Cranfest.
“It’s absolutely fabulous, because most of us are not exposed to other cultures,” she said. “This is a way to see things you don’t see in everyday life.”
Ken and Pam Brown, of Cranberry Township, attended their first Cranfest on Saturday.
“I love it,” Pam said. “We’re going to be back.”
Ken appreciated the diversity of both food and people, as those of all skin colors, garb and appearance attended Cranfest.
“We are a growing community, so we welcome all people, races and ages,” he said.
Sandhya Bolisetti, of Cranberry Township, wore a long, bright yellow salwar kameez dress with red mesh flowers and red silk pants underneath.
“It is one of the traditional outfits of India,” she explained.
She said a friend on the IDEA Leadership Team who helped coordinate Cranfest invited her to come along.
“I love it,” Bolisetti said. “I get to see all the cultures and get to taste the food. I think food brings people together.”
She indulged in shawarma and Thai food on Saturday.
Bolisetti applauded the IDEA Leadership Team and the township for moving forward with Cranfest in the face of the large construction project at the municipal building.
“It’s a great way to introduce each culture,” she said.
Cranberry Township manager Dan Santoro said Cranfest is an essential event each year.
“It’s very important to demonstrate that Cranberry Township is a welcoming community,” he said. “We welcome folks from all backgrounds and cultures and places.”
Santoro was thrilled at the turnout of about 400 people, given the smaller venue this year.
“I’m looking at full tables and bleachers,” he said. “People love this event.”
On a personal level, Santoro said he would not discriminate when it came to the delicious food available at the booths.
“I’m going to have a little bit of everything,” he said.
Pilar Rodriguez, of Cranberry Township, was reminded that Cranfest was being held on Saturday when she brought her children to the library at the municipal center.
Rodriguez summed up the thoughts of all parents who brought their children to Cranfest as well as those who coordinated the event.
“I hope they take away the diversity and richness of our community,” she said.
