The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Ambler Kiwanis Club to host carnival for tornado victims
FORT WASHINGTON » Area residents and visitors can have fun for a good cause.
The Kiwanis Club of Ambler is hosting a Tornado Relief Carnival from 6-10 p.m. between Oct. 21 and Oct. 23 across from Upper Dublin High School at the Field of Dreams, located at the intersection of Loch Alsh and Fort Washington avenues, in Upper Dublin Township, according to Club President Gene McGonagle.
Complete with food, games, rides, and a beer garden, proceeds will benefit the tornado victims who are working to pick up the pieces more than a month after the remnants of Hurricane Ida came through the region.
“We want to uplift spirits and bring the community together,” McGonagle said.
On Sept. 1 an EF-2 tornado touched down and barreled for eight miles between Upper Dublin and Horsham townships. The cyclone destroyed property, knocked out power and downed trees and power lines.
“It’s really heartbreaking what happened in those neighborhoods,” McGonagle said.
McGonagle, who also owns Ambler Flower Shop in downtown Ambler, said two of his employees were displaced as a result of last month’s storm.
McGonagle said that several organizations and campaigns including the
Kiwanis Club of Ambler, the Upper Dublin Education Foundation, the UD Lutheran Church Tornado Relief Fund, and the UD Township Citizen Emergency Fund will help to distribute aid directly to those in need.
The Kiwanis Club of Ambler has held a Fourth of July carnival at Wissahickon High School in nearby Ambler for the past 30 years, McGonagle said.
But the idea to hold a carnival in Upper Dublin Township originated about two weeks ago, McGonagle said, adding that he and Vice President Richard Myers inquired to the carnival vendor, Good Entertainment, about possible availability for an event.
They then brought the proposal to Upper Dublin officials, including Township Manager Paul Leonard and Superintendent Steven Yanni, and “two days later, we were full steam ahead.”
“We are hopeful for good weather and the biggest crowd ever,” McGonagle said.
Between 75 and 100 volunteers are expected to help out over the course of the event, according to McGonagle.
Along with typical carnival activities such as a super slide, tea cups and moon bounce, a beer garden will feature libations from local establishments including the Fireside Bar and Grill, Tannery Run Brew Works and Stone and Key Cellars, according to McGonagle.
Additionally, a “special Halloween party” will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 23.
“We’re going to have extra special activities and games and fun for the young families,” he said.
A wrist band with unlimited rides costs $30, according to McGonagle. The cost of admission also includes the Halloween party. However, individual ride tickets can also be purchased.
Free offsite parking for the event will be located at Church of the Open Door, at 1260 Fort Washington Ave., in Fort Washington, according to McGonagle. A shuttle service will also be available.
“I think this will give everyone a chance to come out, and socialize, and get together, and hopefully raise their spirits at the same time,” he said.
Organizers are promoting the upcoming event on social media with hashtags such as “#AmblerKiwanis” and “#UDStrong.” For more information about the upcoming event, visit the Kiwanis Club of Ambler PA’s Facebook page.