The annual Jewish Food Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania, will be held Sunday, July 2, through Tuesday, July 4, at PNC Field, home of the Scranton/WB RailRiders, the NY Yankees Triple-A affiliate.
Organized by Chabad in northeastern Pennsylvania, the free-admission event features kosher food concessions, kids’ zone, vendors and free live performances, and will be located outside the main entrance of the RailRiders ballpark in Scranton, less than two hours from northern New Jersey.
Concessions accept cash, credit and debit cards, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. The menu features an assortment of traditional “Jewish favorites” such as corned beef on rye, stuffed cabbage, potato knishes and more. Lovers of Israeli food will enjoy falafel and shawarma made fresh on site as well as the popular “schnitzel” sandwich served on a Kaiser roll with pesto dressing—a huge hit! An American-style grill offers 100 percent all-beef hot dogs, BBQ ribs, Moroccan burgers and more, while a dessert station with warm chocolate babka, apple-strudel and funnel-cakes will complement the celebration of Jewish food.
On Tuesday, July 4, the RailRiders will be taking on the Toronto Blue Jays’ affiliate Buffalo Bisons. The game begins at 7:05 p.m., followed by a fireworks show.
The stadium sits nestled at the foot of Montage Mountain just off Interstate 81 and has attracted thousands since its complete redesign in 2013. Originally built in 1989, the multi-purpose stadium underwent a $40 million renovation that completely reinvented the park. The upper deck was removed while the concourse and stands were redesigned to offer patrons a variety of family-friendly seating options from which to choose, such as tiered picnic areas and lawn seating—all of which are just feet from the action on the field.
Sunday, July 2, Tali Yess, an up-and-coming Jewish singer, songwriter and musician who has wowed Jewish music lovers young and old alike, will perform. Tali’s music is strongly influenced by his father, Moshe Yess, a”h, as well as artists like Abie Rotenberg and Destiny. His style and repertoire are vast and unique, spanning generations of both Jewish and American music.
On Tuesday, July 4, enjoy a high-energy concert by “Simply Tsfat,” live from Israel. Their authentic klezmer and Chasidic music uplifts their audience, bringing a breath of fresh air from their home town—the mystical city of Tsfat.
Outside the stadium, the area has lots to offer locals and visitors alike. Shoppes at Montage, an outdoor mall overlooking the ballpark, promises shopping heaven with over 50 retailers. Drive up the road and you’ll find Montage Mountain Ski Resort and Waterpark with year-round outdoor recreation including a 3,000-foot zip line and an 8K run scheduled for Sunday, July 2.
Want to tour the area but don’t want to leave the park? Climb aboard an authentic 1932 trolley for a 50-minute scenic trip through the countryside and into the City of Scranton. The trolley leaves directly from the Jewish Food Fest daily at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited; kids three and under are free.
For more information or to purchase advance discounted packages, please visit www.JewishFoodFest.comor call 570-587-3300.
(All food sold at the Jewish Food Fest is prepared under the supervision of Chabad of NEPA. Meat and poultry products are OU/CHK certified.)
By Chaim Davidson
