Cynonfardd Eisteddfod
Cynonfardd Eisteddfod
Believed to be the oldest continuous Eisteddfod outside of Wales and the only one of its kind in the United States today, the Cynonfardd Eisteddfod was originally held on March 17, St. Patrick's Day, probably because the coal mines were closed on that day so the Irish miners could celebrate.
Now it is held at the end of April, and the competition is limited to recitations and vocal and instrumental selections. Competitors range in age from under five years old to adults, and the prizes are generally modest—two dollars, for example, for the child under five years who sings the best "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or $50 for the prize-winning senior citizen who sings a Welsh hymn. Literary recitations include selections from the Bible, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and other well-known American authors. All performers in both the poetry and music competitions must memorize their selections.
Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church
668 Main St.
Edwardsville, PA 18704
570-287-4581