The annual Shenandoah Kielbasi Festival, featuring the homemade, non-commercial, kielbasi-making contest, is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16 on the blocks of North Main Street, sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc.

Last year's event, throughout the day, drew an estimated 7,000 locals and visitors, according to organizers.This year's fest will again feature the community's so-called Big Three Kielbasi Kings - commercial kielbasi makers Mark Kowalonek of Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, Mike Stanakis of the Capitol Food Store and Dave Lukashunas of Lucky's Deli, all of whom will have abundant samples of their products. Ateeco Inc., manufacturer of Mrs. T's Pierogies, Shenandoah, will also be on hand offering its products.There will be myriad other vendors and crafters, said organizers.Private kielbasi makers, most often using family recipes handed down for generations, will compete to win the "PIG Trophy," according to the DSI website at

www.downtownshenandoah.com.Other attractions will include Polish pottery, Matrushka dolls, straw ornaments and various Eastern European crafts. The Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band will perform, a wide variety of food will be available and there will be games and crafts for the kids.Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill County Historical Fire Society Museum at 105 S. Jardin St. are open for the festival and attract many visitors who come from throughout Schuylkill County and well beyond.For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060. Mary Luscavage is the DSI manager. The DSI headquarters is at 116 N. Main St.