This past weekend kicked off the celebration of the 250th anniversary of Shoemakersville with the 64th annual Children’s Fair and Parade held at Shoemakersville Park on Saturday, June 6.
“This year we have greatly expanded our parade, entertainment and carnival,” said Shilpa Moser, Shoemakersville Recreation Board.
As it has in the past, the day began with the parade which started at 8th and Park Streets looping back to finish at the park. Residents lined the sidewalks awaiting the parade participants celebrating this year’s theme of “Happy Birthday Shoemakersville.”
Birthday cakes, balloons, presents, costumes of the past and more could be seen marching along the parade route with many groups throwing out candy and even Frisbees to the bystanders.
Grand Marshals of this year’s parade were the “Pearls of Shoemakersville” including Evelyn Gibson, Margaret Moyer, Mae Noecker, Betty Schwoyer and May Lefaver. Joining the Grand Marshals were the Shoemakersville Fire Company, Lions Club, area churches, Boy Scouts, dignitaries, Shoemakersville Baseball association and any group or individual that wanted to partake in the theme. Awards were given for those that best fit the theme in each category.
Once the parade was finished it was time for the carnival to begin. Carnival games, a petting zoo, vendors, bounce houses and other activities filled the park.
“I would just like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 64th annual Shoemakersville Children’s Fair and Parade and also the celebration of Shoemakersville’s 250th anniversary,” said Moser at the beginning of the carnival. “Planning this event started back in November with a collaboration between the anniversary committee and the Shoemakersville Recreation Board.”
Moser thanked the committee, volunteers and attendees for helping make the celebration a huge success.
Local officials Representative Charles Dent, Representative Jerry Knowles, Senator David Argall and Commissioner Christian Leinbach took some time to recognize the special anniversary for Shoemakersville.
As some lined up for food featuring the famous Turkey BBQ and Shoey Crabby Fries, others took a moment to take part in the raffle which featured more than 50 items including the children’s bikes or strolled around the park taking in the sights and sounds. Entertainment was on the stage throughout the afternoon featuring children performers.
All proceeds from the event benefited the Shoemakersville Park Program which runs June 15 through Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The following day, Sunday, June 7, the 250th anniversary celebration continued with Church in the Park and Community Pool Day.
For more information on the Shoemakersville 250th Anniversary Celebration, visit “Shoemakersville’s 250th Anniversary” on Facebook and for more on the park program, visit “Shoemakersville Park Program.”
