A Tradition of Celebrating Milestones
For generations, the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival has celebrated its history and milestones
through its annual festival brochures. These historic covers provide a glimpse into the festival’s evolution
and document the anniversary celebrations recognized throughout the years.
From “Celebrating Our 10th Year” in 1996, to
“Our 20th Year” in 2006, “Our 25th Year” in 2011, and
“30 Years of Memories” in 2016, these celebrations reflect the festival’s
longstanding tradition of honoring its heritage and history.
In 2026, we proudly continue that tradition as we celebrate 40 years
of the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival.
(click photo to enlarge)
through its annual festival brochures. These historic covers provide a glimpse into the festival’s evolution
and document the anniversary celebrations recognized throughout the years.
From “Celebrating Our 10th Year” in 1996, to
“Our 20th Year” in 2006, “Our 25th Year” in 2011, and
“30 Years of Memories” in 2016, these celebrations reflect the festival’s
longstanding tradition of honoring its heritage and history.
In 2026, we proudly continue that tradition as we celebrate 40 years
of the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival.
(click photo to enlarge)
5th Anniversary 1991
10th Anniversary 1996 / 15th Anniversary 2001
.
20th Anniversary 2006 & 25th Anniversary 2011
30th Anniversary 2016
35th Anniversary held 2022
40th Anniversary 2026
Celebrating 40 Years of Glass,
Culture & Community
2026 marks the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the
Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival!
The Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival has been a cherished tradition in our community for four decades, bringing residents and visitors together each year to celebrate Mt. Pleasant’s rich heritage, ethnic traditions, and historic connection to the glass industry.
The festival was created and established in 1986, with the first festival held the following year. From its beginning, the festival was created to celebrate the community’s ethnic diversity, honor Mt. Pleasant’s industrial and cultural heritage, and provide local charitable organizations with an annual opportunity for fundraising.
The Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival is a beloved three-day celebration held annually on the last weekend of September in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. The festival brings together the community and visitors from near and far to celebrate our rich ethnic traditions, cultural heritage, and the glass industry that helped shape our town.The festival’s anniversary celebrations have traditionally been recognized in
years ending in 1 and 6, making 2026 a special milestone as we celebrate
40 years of the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival tradition.
The name “Glass” in the festival’s title reflects the important role the glass industry played in Mt. Pleasant’s history. The abundance of coal, coke, and a skilled labor force in the region helped attract glass manufacturers to the area. Today, glass remains at the heart of the festival, with glass-blowing and glass-cutting demonstrations and displays serving as one of its main attractions. Visitors can also enjoy a glass auction and have special or antique glass pieces evaluated by knowledgeable appraisers.
The “Ethnic” in the festival’s name celebrates the many cultures and traditions that make Mt. Pleasant unique. Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of ethnic foods,
including Mexican, Greek, Italian, and Polish specialties.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a major regional celebration featuring something for everyone. Fireworks, carnival rides, dance performances, and musical entertainment—from polka and jazz to country and western—fill the weekend.
Strolling musicians add to the festive atmosphere throughout the day, while past
festivals have also featured wrestlers, stunt performers, and other special attractions.
A highlight of the weekend is the festival parade, featuring marching bands,
military units, floats, and community organizations coming together to
celebrate the spirit and heritage of Mt. Pleasant.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a major regional celebration featuring
live musical entertainment, dance performances, carnival rides, fireworks,
strolling musicians, arts and crafts, family activities, and a parade featuring
bands, military units, floats, and community organizations.
The 1999 festival attracted approximately 50,000 visitors, demonstrating the festival’s longstanding popularity and its ability to draw people from throughout the region.
Today, the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival continues the tradition established nearly four decades ago—bringing people together to celebrate our glass heritage, our ethnic traditions, our community, and the people who make Mt. Pleasant special.
As we celebrate 40 years in 2026, we honor the founders, volunteers, organizations, businesses, performers, vendors, and generations of festival-goers who have helped
make the Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival a treasured tradition.
40 Years. One Tradition. Our Heritage. Our Community.
Welcome to Mt. Pleasant - It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.
In Loving Memory of Jerry & Jeff
They started it all!
