ORWIGSBURG — The borough’s downtown will come alive Saturday during the Orwigsburg Heritage Celebration.
This event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features food, fun and family-friendly entertainment in the square. Last year, the event was held off the square in the area of Mifflin and Warren streets, according to Pat Falco, president of the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association, which is hosting the event.
This year, its back in the square and the area will be closed to traffic, Veronica Barnes, OBPA events chairwoman, said Thursday.
“It’s the town square. It’s the center where everybody can meet,” Barnes said.
This is the 24th year for the event.
New this year, those attending can buy T-shirts that say Orwigsburg and have a picture of the town square on the front. The green T-shirts cost $12, and proceeds benefit the OBPA.
More than 50 vendors will be at the event, Barnes said, something she attributes to the change in location. About 30 were there last year.
Back again this year are the trolley rides, with stops at five different places; the garden at 201 S. Warren St.; an area where people can see restored vehicles; a local home; St. John’s Reformed Cemetery, the gravesite of George Washington’s drummer boy; and the old Orwigsburg jail. Cost to ride is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. The trolley departs at 240 E. Market St. at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
There will be a magician; musical acts; Yuengling Lager, Miller Light and other alcoholic drinks; food for sale like funnel cakes, popcorn and cotton candy; children’s events like face painting and a bounce house. Other items for sale include jewelry, honey, dog treats and clothing. New this year, the group Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, consisting of friends Thaddeus Pasierb and Rachel Walton, will perform folk Americana music. Sterling Koch will be back and so will the classic rock group Diaspora.
The pet parade is not taking place this year. Falco said personal commitments prevented her from organizing the parade this year. Other members of the committee were busy with other efforts related to the event, she said. She realizes people will be disappointed.
“It will definitely be back next year bigger and better. I wish I could have done it,” Falco said.
