Pennington Day — more than your average street fair — will take place Saturday, May 21, to highlight the best of the town and the historic Hopewell Valley.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., combines community with art as well as family-friendly fun and local vendors.
Organizers promise pie-eating contests, bands, interactive games, funnel cakes and cotton candy.
Centered on the crossroads of E. Curlis Avenue and Main Street, Pennington Day stretches from crave worthy treats at the Food Court and Capital Health Kids Zone on the south end of town.
Howe Commons’ HV Arts exhibits, the eco-friendly booths of “Green Street” and the Patio Food Court’s offerings from local farms, exotic food trucks, Rita’s and Cupcakes will be found at the north end of Main Street.
Four stages of live entertainment are planned. On the Crossroads Stage, dance, rock and community groups perform. At Howe Commons at Stage 3, hear the Big Band sounds of Jack Furlong’s Orchestra, co-sponsored by HV Arts Council. Another will be the relaxed Coffee House Stage, and at the center of Main Street will be Jamboree Stage, featuring family friendly entertainment.
Pennington Day is a celebration of the community’s talents played out across the backdrop of leafy borough. Experience the art of Upcycling as HV Arts Council gets the whole family into the act of creating art. Local artist Guy Ciarcia will offer a pop-up gallery of upcycled art, while local artisans will display their talents at the artist’s walk.
As always, the venerable quilt show will be on display in Toll Gate.
Now in its 36th year, Pennington Day evolved from a community picnic organized in 1980 to raise funds for The Pennington School after a devastating fire. It has grown over the years into a polished, yet still community-sized event that continues its charter to give back and strengthen its community.
Through the generosity of events sponsors and the money raised by the vendors, the Pennington Day Board of Directors raises funds in the form of community grants. In 2015, 15 grants were awarded to support various missions. The grant ceremony will be held during the festivities at the Crossroads Stage.
