The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
BIGGER AND BETTER
40th annual celebration shines despite sunless Saturday
EAST NORRITON » The township celebrated its 40th Annual Community Day, Saturday at Standbridge Street Park, and despite the overcast conditions, according to many, this was the biggest and best one yet.
“We love to put on a good day,” said Township Manager Robert Hart in welcoming remarks that included special thanks to the township’s board of supervisors, whom he said, “put it all together.”
The event featured live music from School of Rock, Wildflower Band, Oakwyn Band, and DJ Mike Valyo along with classic inflatable attractions for children and fare from newer East Norriton venues Greene Turtle Bar and Grill’s Beer Garden.
Food trucks and concessions were featured as far as the eye could see, including Mission BBQ, Smokin’ Tacos and East Norriton’s own Ana’s Corner Store, whose owner Ana Ferry’s father, Alfio, was busy tossing his award-winning Caesar salad.
Ferry was excited to be out at Community Day and thanked her customers and the township for their support despite the hardships her business has suffered since Township Line Road Bridge over Stony Creek was closed for repairs last week.
Corropolese Italian Bakery and Deli sold their staples including pizza, hoagies and tomato pie. “Would you like a corner piece?” asked Marcey Corropolese, opening a pie
box, “or as the kid’s say, ‘one with a handle?’”
New to Community Day was Luisa’s Chocolate Pretzels, a two-year-old East Norriton business specializing in decorated and drizzled chocolate pretzels for any occasion.
Many craft tables could be found packing the park including a Philadelphia design company, Design With Sol, based out of Etsy. Holly Hartner, a graphic designer for almost two decades, displayed her woodwork at an art show reflecting a love of classic Philly icons such as the soft pretzel and LOVE statue.
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, a 24/7 emergency veterinary care hospital located in Norristown, also set up shop. More information can be found on their website, https://www. metro-vet.com.
The Parent Facility Associations from East Norriton Middle School, Cole Manor, and Paul V Fly came together to show support to the community and give away books to kids. “People like to know the schools are working together,” said Parent’s Cub Co-President Kristen Metz.
Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff Tom Franklin and his K-9 Behr were also on hand to demonstrate narcotics search and apprehension techniques.
“No question. This year tops last,” said Finance Director Dave Crist, who volunteered, selling five-dollar tickets for unlimited rides. “Despite the rain, the crowd is incredible.”
Due to weather, fireworks were rescheduled for a later date.
Norristown resident Jason Thompson said he was interested in the introduction of the beer garden and, of course, the pony rides, which “are a tradition every year.”
He and his family have been coming to East Norriton’s Community Day for about five years, he said.