Editorial

                In less than three weeks, the local celebration of the birth of our great nation will once again fill the grove of the New Goshenhoppen Church park.  We are fortunate to have the leadership of a group of area churches guiding the festivities scheduled for Saturday, July 3.

                The Community Bible Fellowship, Upper Perkiomen Community Church, Hope Valley Community Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sumneytown, Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, St. Mark’s Church, St Paul’s Evangelical Church, St. Philip Neri Church, New Goshenhoppen Church, Palm Schwenkfelder Church, Peace Mennonite, Pennsburg UCC and Finland Mennonite have united to once again help the community celebrate.

                The group solicited area businesses for help in offsetting the expenses of providing a day full of family entertainment, topped off by a quality fireworks show, by donating to the event.  But donations from all are welcomed.

                There is no entrance fee into the park and parking is free.  There will be a donation box in the parking area with all donations going to The Open Line to help support their work in the community.  The profit from this celebration is an investment in the community.  Last year about $2,100 was donated to The Open Line from the Freedom Fest.

                The events on July 3 will begin at 10 a.m. with the annual Fireman’s Water Battle competition, and will end at 9:30 p.m. with the fireworks show.  In between there will be music, puppet shows, pony rides, a baby show and much, much more – including a concert by the Red Hill Band from 7 to 9 p.m.  A full schedule will be posted in this newspaper on July 1.

                We are now coming down to the wire and the event organizers are still about $1,500 short of their goal with 16 days to close the gap.  If you haven’t already done so, take a moment to send a check to the Freedom Fest, 501 Graber Alley, Red Hill, Pa.  18076.  A list of all of the contributors will appear in the July 1 edition of the Town and Country.

                While many municipalities are struggling with a decision on whether to hold their annual celebration or not, we are fortunate to have an independent group of churches who will make sure that the Upper Perkiomen Valley area will not go without a proper celebration.

                        This is another great opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day in the area and contribute to the good of the community at the same time.

                Send in your contribution today, any amount will do, and be a part of this annual event.

                The first day of summer is less than two weeks away, but the annual festivities of the warm weather have already started.

                As many of us continue to struggle in these difficult economic times, some vacation plans will be put on hold and others will be outright cancelled.  But that doesn’t mean you and your family can’t have fun this year.

                Some of the “most-looked-forward-to” events in our region are those of the annual fire company carnivals.  These local fund-raising festivals are not only reasonable alternatives to traveling miles for similar entertainment, but they help to raise funds for lifesaving equipment and services for the entire community.

                Several of the carnivals offer specialty foods and discounted ride prices on special nights.  Many offer fine musical entertainment for those who just want to get out and enjoy the sounds that come from an outdoor bandstand.  And, of course, there are the games.

                There will be plenty of carnival fun in our four-county corner of the Commonwealth.  Take a look below and plan to go and enjoy great food, music and fun!

                In Bucks County, the Milford Township Fire Company runs through this Saturday night on the grounds of the Milford Township municipal building on Krammes Road, off Route 663, and just outside of Spinnerstown.

                Back in Montgomery County, the Red Hill Fire Company carnival is scheduled for June 23, 24, 25 and 26 will be held on the grounds of the fire company between Fifth and Sixth streets in Red Hill.  In Lehigh County the Lower Milford Fire Company will hold their carnival on June 23, 24, 25 and 26 at their firehouse on Limeport Pike in Limeport.

                Over to Montgomery County again, the East Greenville Fire Company will hold its annual event on July 7, 8, 9 and 10 at their headquarters at Fourth and Washington streets in East Greenville.  Jumping back over to Bucks County, Trumbauersville Fire Company offers two extended weekends of carnival fun on July 22, 23, 24 and July 29, 30, 31 at their location on North Main Street in Trumbauersville.

                Swinging back to Montgomery County, Sassamansville Fire Company carnival is scheduled for August 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the grounds of the firehouse on Hoffmansville Road in Sassamansville.

                The great thing about all of these events is that they are located within seven miles of the Upper Perkiomen Valley!  They are primarily organized and run by local volunteers; and the proceeds go to the fire company.  Carnivals are still a major fund-raising activity for some fire companies.

                Plan to visit one or more of the local fire company carnivals this year.  It is a wonderful way to have fun, meet people and help the community at the same time.