“Let’s Make a Splash” is the theme of the 67th annual Shoemakersville’s Children’s Fair and Parade. The theme was chosen to honor the 50th anniversary of the community’s swimming pool.
The pool has recently undergone construction and will open in time for the summer season, noted Shilpa Moser. She is chairperson of Shoemakerville’s recreation board, which organizes the fair and parade.
The family-friendly event is planned this year for Saturday, June 2, with a rain date set for the following day.
There is no fee to enter a float in the parade, and Moser and other organizers hope that local families and community groups will take advantage of this fact. Participants will compete for prizes by best demonstrating the “Make a Splash” theme.
“The parade has been longer than five minutes the last several years,” Moser said. “Even though it has changed and become smaller, it’s a way to remind the town of Shoemakersville that it’s time to celebrate our first day of summer.”
Participants may register the day of the event at the Babe Ruth field, located at 8th and Park streets, that morning. The parade will begin at 11 am, beginning at the corner of 8th and Park streets.
This year’s grand marshal will be Pool Supervisor Amy Botwright.
“Amy has been a part of borough council for many years as well as an honorary member of the recreation board.” Moser noted. “She is the heart and soul of the Shoemakersville pool.”
The parade will circle through town before returning to the Shoemakersville park. All are welcome to stay for the Children’s Fair which begins at the park at noon. The festivities will begin with the announcement of parade winners.
Also planned are poetry readings, skits, baton twirling, dancing, exercise demonstrations and a Chinese auction. There will be a petting zoo, face painting, dunk tank, inflatable obstacle course and moon bounce along with traditional carnival games.
Pool tee shirts and beach towels will be available for purchase. Food will be available as well.
“Our signature turkey barbecue, made by Jessica Adam, and fresh-cut French fries, made by Warren “Fry Guy” Fleischel, will surely satisfy your hunger,” Moser said. “There will also be snow cones, popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos.”
All proceeds benefit the Shoemakersville Park Program. The park program is free to area children and will run Monday, June 11, through Friday, August 2.
Moser said readers can get updates on the Shoemakersville Pool, including details on the renovation and grand opening on Saturday, June 9, 2018, on the pool’s Facebook page.
Residents can also purchase 2018 summer pool passes at the Shoemakersville Borough Office, 115 East Ninth Street.
Info on the summer park program can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
