Built on the Ashes Of Past Shenandoah Anchors,

CEBA Promises Future Economic Growth

Pictured above, compare the CEBA construction progress as of April 2025 to the conceptual design. Bottom left, a bird's eye view of the N. Main Sreet properties after the 2007 fire destroyed Davison's Furniture and Thunder Road Nightclub buildings.



The property on North Main Street, Shenandoah where CEBA is currently being constructed, was formerly the site of the Davison's Furniture Store and Thunder Road Nightclub properties. Unfortunately, both buildings were destroyed by fire back in 2007.

CEBA Is Designed To Spark Economic Growth

DSI purchased the properties and went to work discussing and collaborating with numerous organizations, professionals, and community-minded leaders to determine the best use for this amazing location. Everyone agreed that something special was needed to act as a catalyst to spark economic growth in the region. Several focus groups, meetings, surveys, and one-on-one interviews were held throughout Schuylkill County, the results were unanimous and the needs were clear.

Our community needs a classroom for entrepreneurial programming and higher education. Our community needs a commercial kitchen for home-based businesses and small restaurants to grow and expand. Our community needs an event center for professional meetings, social gatherings, and career fairs. Our community needs co-working spaces for professionals and entrepreneurs to network and find important resources to start or grow their businesses. Our community needs The Center For Education, Business & Arts. And it's already making an impact. Blighted buildings are coming down, new residents are fixing up older homes, new businesses are opening, and people are noticing what is going on in Shenandoah.

Construction Progress On Schedule

The building is now fully framed, and crews from York-based Wagman Construction Inc. are working on building the exterior. “In the last three to four weeks, progress has really ramped up,” said Joe Matthews, Wagman’s project superintendent. "The manpower onsite has increased significantly with the weather getting better. We continue to put the safety of the tradesmen, as well as the local people of this fine town first!! And as always, working with DSI has been wonderful," he added.

DSI board president and treasurer had the opportunity to tour the inside of the CEBA building. "It's finally coming together," she said. "Going inside and seeing how the building is becoming a reality is inspiring and the potential is limitless." She explained that CEBA is split into two phases. The first phase, at $7.8 million, is being supported by local fundraising efforts, as well as state and federal government funding. The second phase, which will include an event space and a healthcare center will be put out for bid soon. DSI has secured at least 90 percent of the funding, which includes a state DCED grant. "We are so thankful for the community's support of our organization and this extra special project where everyone is welcome to learn, grow, and thrive," she said.

DSI welcomes donations for The Center for Education, Business & Arts. Every dollar counts, your dollar counts! Donate at the DSI office at 116 N. Main St. or learn more about the project and visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.

Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. Is Celebrating Two Outdoor Events On One Great Day

Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day Slated May 17, 2025

Pictured above is a scene from the 2024 Kilebasi Festival/Heritage Day where thousands of people from all over the country visited Shenandoah for a day of food, fun, and festivities. Pictured below, The Parade of Nations Sponsor, Explore Schuylkill shines the spotlight on Shenandoah.

Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. (DSI) is holding its annual Kielbasi Day/Heritage Day event on Saturday, March 17, 2025. Main Street in Downtown, Shenandoah will be full of excitement and activity as the community celebrates Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day from 10am – 4pm. The festival opens with the annual Parade of Nations sponsored by Explore Schuylkill at 10 am. Thousands of visitors will travel to Shenandoah for the one-day event.

Three Blocks of Vendors

Shenandoah hometown legends, Kowalonek’s Kiebasey Shop, Lucky’s Kielbasi Shop, and Mrs. T’s Pierogies will attend and have their iconic kielbasy and pierogi favorites on hand. Local businesses and restaurants will also be open to serve the crowd. Food trucks and vendors from different parts of the country are traveling to Shenandoah providing a wonderful variety of food, beverages, and desserts during the day. Arts and crafts vendors will sell their wares.

Parade of Nations Opens the Festival

The annual Parade of Nations sponsored by Explore Schuylkill, kicks off the festival at 10am led by local high school marching bands. The unique parade celebrates and showcases all the different ethnicities that now call Shenandoah and Schuylkill County, home. “Parade participants wear their country’s colors, decorate floats, and carry flags. First responders, The Color Guard, government officials, area musicians, and the 2025 Grand Marshal will parade through town.

“Everyone is welcome to represent their country and organization,” explained Annie Taylor, DSI Promotion Committee Chairperson “Join us, celebrate, and honor your heritage. If you aren’t sure what your heritage is and want to be a part of the parade, let us know because after all, America is a proud melting pot and we have a place in the lineup for you,” she added.

Join Us For Opening Ceremonies In Veterans Memorial Park

After the parade, the festival opens with an introduction and welcome in the Memorial Park next to the Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. office. Musical entertainment, sponsored by The Schuylkill Area Community Foundation and Vito Rinaldi Chevrolet is planned throughout the day including polka music led by The Shenandoah All Stars Polka Band, a Kielbasi Festival tradition.

Get Your Commemorative T-Shirt

A Kielbasi Festival/Heritage Day fun tradition is the commemorative t-shirts that DSI sells during the festival. "Long-time and new festival fans enjoy collecting our t-shirts featuring the Kielbasil folks on the front and a list of sponsors on the back. "A special thanks goes out to our friends at SAM for the major t-shirt sponsorship, and all of our wonderful sponsors," said Mary Luscavage, DSI acting executive director and board secretary. She explained that this annual festival depends on sponsors to plan a successful community event. "Stop by the DSI table right in front of the future CEBA building to purchase the 2025 commemorative t-shirt and say, hi!"

Call DSI @ 570-462-2060 Today For Your Vendor Registration Packet and Secure Your Space.

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