Abington PAL goes Hollywood with food fest

Abington residents don’t have to travel to Hollywood to see movie stars. The Abington Police Athletic League is rolling out the red carpet for the Hooray for PALlywood International Food Festival Oct. 9.

Hosted by the Abington Police Athletic League Food Festival Committee, guests can expect to sample food and drinks from more than 30 local restaurants, caterers and beverage purveyors, enjoy entertainment, take photos with “special celebrity guests” and help raise funds for a good cause.

“This year marks Abington PAL’s 10th International Food Festival, and with our exciting star-studded theme, we have planned a special variety of entertainment and opportunities to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever before,” said PAL President Lew Klein in a press release.

Guests will enjoy an assortment of food from new festival participants The Allegro Grill and Schmooze deli, and beverages from Miller’s Ale House, as well as returning favorites Annemarie’s Cuisine, Bravo Cucina Italiano, Café La Fontana, Kitchen Bar, Trader Joe’s, The Drake Tavern, Anne’s Cake Pan, Rita’s Water Ice and more.

“This is a nice way to discover new restaurants and dishes and help bring new business to [the local] restaurants,” said Rosemary Hinkle, who is in charge of publicity for the event.

To make it a star-studded shindig, guests will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet into the festival, while greeted by adoring fans.

The PAL kids are going to cheer as guests walk the red carpet and request autographs to make guests feel like celebrities, PAL Director of Donor Development Peggy Myers said.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos with “stars of the big screen.” There will be people walking around wearing costume heads of Burt Reynolds, Sylvester Stallone, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Nicholson and George Burns, Hinkle said.

Festival attendees will also be able to participate in a variety of activities like the Best-Dressed Stars contest for those who dress up as their favorite celebrity.

“We are really hoping that the community will catch the spirit of our theme and help us make this year’s event especially memorable by coming in character,” Myers said in a press release. “We work hard to plan a truly exciting evening for the community, so we are excited to see guests participate in a fun way.”

Guests can also participate in a live and silent auction and bid to win prizes such as passes for two to attend “Live with Kelly” or passes for six to sit in on a live telecast of CBS3’s popular “Lifestyle” show. Special police opportunities such as a day at the firing range, a K-9 demonstration at a children’s event or a child’s ride in a police car will also be up for bid.

The festival will also honor the founding efforts and ongoing support of recently retired Chief of Montgomery County Detectives Oscar P. Vance, Jr.

“He is a highly-regarded man in law enforcement and has worked in [the field] for 45 years,” Myers said. “He is a lifelong resident of Abington Township too. He is quite a guy.”

Detective Sgts. Greg Urban and Tony DiSandro will also be honored for their fundraising efforts. Both men rallied the support of the entire Abington Police Association to hold the first-ever PAi fundraising concert featuring Elvis tribute artist Doug Church at the Keswick Theatre in March, Myers said.

The proceeds from the festival will go to benefit PAi.

“Abington PAi benefits boys and girls age 11 through their senior year of high school and provides all of its programs at no cost so no young person is ever denied an opportunity due to inability to pay,” Klein said. “We aim to provide extra special fundraising events so that the entire community can have fun while supporting our youth.”

The Hooray for PAilywood International Food Festival will be held at the Philmont Country Club, 301 Tomlinson Road, Huntingdon Valley, from 5:30 to U p.m. Tickets are $50 and can purchased by calling 267536-1100 ext. 1509 or visiting www.abingtonpal.org.