A 145-Year Tradition: Concordia’s Annual Summer Festival Brings Community Together

Nearly 900 guests gathered beneath brilliant blue skies for the 145th Annual Concordia Summer Festival on Sunday, July 26. While the picture-perfect weather set the stage for a memorable afternoon, the celebration marked something far greater – 145 years of faith, fellowship and service that continue to shape Concordia’s ministry today.

Since 1881, what began as a fundraiser supporting Concordia’s orphanage has grown into one of Butler County’s longest-running community traditions. Today, the Summer Festival continues to bring people together for an afternoon of music, fellowship and family fun.

Guests of all ages enjoyed many of the festival’s favorite traditions, including a delicious picnic-inspired menu and live entertainment by the Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band. This year’s festival also featured the largest car cruise in the event’s history, with more than 120 classic cars and tractors drawing enthusiasts from across the region.

The Kids Area once again buzzed with excitement as children enjoyed face painting, crafts, a bounce house, games, caricatures and the ever-popular fishing derby at the pond behind Lund Care Center.

Festivalgoers also had the opportunity to tour retirement living apartments during the Haven I Open House, where Concordia team members were available to answer questions about the worry-free lifestyle our residents enjoy.

The afternoon culminated in a traditional outdoor worship service led by Concordia’s Director of Chaplaincy Services, Rev. Robert Zagore. His message centered on God’s enduring love and the promise that nothing can separate His people from that love – a fitting reflection on the faith that has guided Concordia since its founding.

Behind the scenes, Concordia employees and volunteers worked throughout the day to welcome guests, serve meals, direct activities and help ensure every visitor felt at home. Their generosity and hospitality reflected the same spirit of service that has defined Concordia for nearly a century and a half.

As the day came to a close, Concordia President and CEO Keith Frndak thanked the many employees, volunteers, board members, residents, donors and community supporters whose dedication has sustained Concordia since 1881. He also recognized the more than 70 volunteers who generously gave their time to help make this year’s Summer Festival a success. Looking ahead, Mr. Frndak asked for continued prayers as Concordia’s historic ministry continues to grow and serve even more people in need.

For more information on upcoming Concordia events, visit the Events page on our website – and be sure to check out photos from this year’s Festival below!

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Founded in 1881, Concordia Lutheran Ministries is a faith-based, CARF-accredited Aging Services Network and recipient of the inaugural Pennsylvania Department of Aging Excellence in Quality Care Award. As one of the largest nonprofit senior care providers in the country, the organization serves 50,000 people annually through in-home care and inpatient locations. Concordia offers a lifetime continuum of care that includes adult day services, home health care, hospice, physician and rehabilitation services, memory care, personal care, assisted living, respite care, retirement living, skilled nursing/short-term rehab, spiritual care and medical equipment.