Haverford Township Day promises tons of fun Saturday
HAVERFORD » The 23rd Haverford Township Day celebration takes place Saturday, Oct. 7. The day begins with a 5K Run for Merry Place at 8:30 a.m., starting at the middle school. The community parade begins at 10:30 at Manoa Shopping Center.
This year’s theme, “Proud of Our Parks,” focuses on the township’s 33 parks; the prized jewels of the municipality. Research shows community parks enhance the quality of life, preserve the environment, increase property values and improve our health. Parks also provide a place where the community comes together. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and valued.
In 2016, the Haverford Township the Parks and Recreation Department was named Agency of the Year in the state of Pennsylvania because of the quality of recreation facilities and activities offered, and the impact they have had on the quality of life in the township.
Haverford Township Day includes more than 200 craft, flea market and food vendors. Three stages of different styles of music, children’s rides on Brookline Blvd, a zip line, free ice skating at the Skatium, the allcomers parade featuring local scout troops, the Haverford High School marching band and the Overbrook String band, jugglers, entertainers, and free handouts from more than 30 sponsors.
The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is Wilbur Clevens, who served as a volunteer on the township Park Advisory Board for 25 years as well as a volunteer coach and board member for the Haverford Township Little league for more than 20 years. At noon, immediately following the parade, other members of the community who have made a significant contribution to improving the parks are recognized on the Brookline Stage.
“Wilbur was chosen as Grand Marshal because he represents all the positive energy that people in the township have invested in our parks and the variety of activities that take place there,” said Councilman Tim Denny. “We are fortunate to have a history of community involvement in our parks.”
Entertainment around the township’s Skatium, 1002 Darby Road, begins with live music from Beatles tribute band Newspaper Taxis from 8-10 a.m., followed by Philly Heart and Soul, playing rock, pop and R&B from 1-4 p.m. There is a zip line outside the Skatium from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. the area features henna tattoos, a stilt walker, juggler, personalized pet bandanas and nail art. From noon-3 p.m., visit with children’s characters and get face painting from Nancy the Clown. Quiver Traveling Farm visits from 1-3:30 with a calf, lamb and llama.
Brookline Boulevard features a magic show from 1-3, and children’s rides and activities from noon-3:30, including a train, moon bounce and more. The Brookline stage features kids entertainment from Janine Kelly from 12:15-1.
The day features live rock music from Philadelphiaarea favorites Beru Revue on the Brookline stage from 1-3:45. The Haverford High School Orchestra performs in the Brookline Fire House from noon-12:45, and the De La Salle Orchestra takes the Yale stage at Yale and Darby roads for big band music from 1-3:45.
The township Environmental Advisory Committee hosts a Green Zone at Darby Road and Brookline Boulevard with information and children’s activities. There are information booths on setting up a home rain garden, a green vehicle expo, and information on recycling, green energy and conservation.
Haverford Township Day was initiated in 1995 to bring people together and to celebrate community. Because of its success other events like Heritage Day and the township Music Festival have followed in its path.
For a map of the parade route, stages and vendors, Green Zone details, 5k registration and other information, visit www.haverfordtownship.org and search “Haverford Township Day.”