Cranfest 2025 draws locals and visitors to Cranberry Township
CRANBERRY TWP — The third annual Cranfest brought hundreds of people to the Cranberry Municipal Center on Saturday, April 12, exposing them to different cultures through dance, food and fun.
“Last year we kept it a little smaller due to renovations,” said Amy Smith, Cranberry Township Civic Partnerships coordinator. “But, this year we opened it back up, and it’s bigger and better than ever.”
Some new additions to booths at the event included jewelry and fashions from India, as well as a Latino magazine.
Cranberry’s IDEA team — which stands for inclusion, diversity, equity, advisory — helped organize the event.
The group works in partnership with the township to put on these types of events.
“This is definitely our biggest event,” said IDEA leadership team volunteer Colleen Tanner. “This event celebrates world cultures. And we provide education to people who come to have fun, listen to the music and of course, enjoy the food.”
The food was a huge draw, with many partaking while sitting in bleachers at the gym watching performances like a Tae Kwando demonstration by the Provident Charter School and Bollywood dancing by the group Bollywood Dance by S.
“This is our third year, and we love it so much,” said Cranberry resident Sharon Martin. “The food and the entertainment are great.”
“I especially loved the accordion music,” said Bill Calder, also from Cranberry, who accompanied Martin to the event. “It takes me back to a good place when my mom was around. But being introduced to other cultures is really cool, too.”
Food from the Philippines, Greece and India was available.
Cranberry resident Jill Stephenson, along with her family, ordered Greek pastries from their startup Eleni’s Pastries, named after 10-year-old daughter Kaitlyn, who did much of the baking.
“Today’s event is great. It’s fun to see all the different dancers perform and try all the different food options. I think it’s great for Cranberry,” said Stephenson.
Dancer Bianca Regal, a member of the Philippine American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh organization, traveled from Beaver County with her mother, Valma, to perform at the day’s event.
“It’s such an interesting event. I really hope they continue with this. It’s so fun to watch the performers and celebrate the different cultures from around the area,” Valma Regal said.
IDEA and Cranberry Township have a number of events planned for 2025 to celebrate the diversity of the area, which all can be found on the township’s website.
“Our next event is in May. This is the first time we are doing an Asian American and Pacific Islander celebration with some live entertainment,” said Smith.
Cranberry Township is working hard to support the different cultures in and around the area.
“It’s about saying, ‘Hey, we welcome you. We want you in our communities. Help us celebrate,’” said Smith. “And then working with them to make sure we’re celebrating correctly,” said Smith.
More information on Cranfest and upcoming events can be found at www.cranberrytownship.org.
