The residents of Shoemakersville are helping to celebrate the town’s big birthday with a series of events throughout summer, starting with the popular 64th annual Children’s Parade and Fair on Saturday, June 6. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday Shoemakersville” in honor of the town turning 250 years old.
Starting the day off is the parade which begins at 11 a.m. at 8th and Park Streets with registration at 10 a.m. Following the parade will be the carnival portion featuring traditional carnival games, food, prizes, bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, entertainment, Chinese auction and much more. Also this year is a Happy Birthday cupcake competition. Festivities will run until 4 p.m. in the park.
Some of the groups and individuals in the parade this year include the Hamburg Band, Shoemakersville Fire Company along with some guest Fire Company Ambulances, Smokey Bear, Boy Scout troops, Baseball Association, Lions Club, State Farm Insurance Agency and those who embrace the theme and wish to walk in the parade. Anyone is welcome to participate and registration is free. Several local dignitaries committed to participate in the parade and will present a citation following.
This year the parade returns to its original route starting at 8th and Park Streets, turning left down Main Street, left at Fiore’s, past Perry Elementary Center, left at Chestnut Street, continue up to 8th Street, turning left and finishing at the park.
The parade will be judged and prizes awarded to the groups who best met the theme.
Sticking with tradition, the Chinese raffle will include themed baskets as well as children’s bikes. As always the fair is designed with children prices in mind. Much of the stage entertainment is also performed by children.
This year’s food includes the famous Turkey BBQ and fresh cut fries along with burgers, hot dogs, soup, ice cream, snow cones and popcorn.
Special items such as anniversary t-shirts, a plate and ornament as well as possibly a book celebrating the 250th anniversary of the town will be available.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Shoemakersville Park Program which will run from June 15 through Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this year.
Rain date is Sunday, June 7.Coming up in the 250th anniversary of Shoemakersville celebration is Church in the Park at 10 a.m. on June 7 as well as community pool day at the Shoemakersville Pool. July 10 and 11 is the Lions Club Carnival which features Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods on Friday night and Crazy Elmer and the Outlaws on Saturday night along with food and games in the evening at the park. The third annual Swim and Dance at the Shoey Pool is set for July 22 with a DJ, Dive for Dollars, glow swim and other games. Free Movie at Shoey Park is at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 7. In the fall there will be a special historical event on Sept. 19 with more details to come. During one of Shoemakersville’s Trick or Treat nights, the Shoemakersville Recreation Board will host the Trunk or Treat in the Park.
For more information on the Children’s Parade and Fair as well as the 250th anniversary celebration contact the Shoemakersville Borough office at 610-562-8030 or like the following pages on Facebook, “Shoemakersville’s 250th Anniversary” and “Shoemakersville Park Program.”
