PHOENIXVILLE PA – Two high-profile events in Phoenixville – the 175th anniversary of the borough’s founding, and its fire department’s 150th birthday – have reshaped this weekend’s parade that is part of the 2024 Dogwood Festival.
The festival, begun in 1943 and observed on Armed Forces Day to honor currently active members of the U.S. military, began Tuesday (May 14). Most of its remaining activities (Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 17-19) are centered at Reeves Park, 401 Main St., daily from 6-10 p.m., and Saturday from 1-10 p.m.
Following the parade
This year’s celebratory parade starts Saturday at 1 p.m. on Smithworks Boulevard. It will be larger, and its route extended, to accommodate more vehicles and participants. The borough’s anniversary and fire department’s birthday both figure prominently.
The parade route moves along Smithworks and aside French Creek to Main Street, then proceeds down Main to pass Reeves Park, and ends at 5th Avenue.
Want to see the parade from the best vantage points? Its organizer, The Phoenixville Jaycees Foundation, recommends taking up positions on Main Street from Smithworks to 5th; on the Schuylkill River Trail from Paradise Street to the Main Street trailhead; or on Smithworks, also from Paradise to Main.
Plenty to see, hear, and do
Rides, food, drinks, vendors, music, and a variety of entertainers are part of the gala. If amusements are your idea (or that of your children or grandchildren) of a good time, one-day all-you-can-ride wristbands will be available for purchase. Individual ride tickets also will be available.
Scheduled to appear on the Dogwood Festival stage at the Jaycees bandshell in Reeves Park are:
- Thursday at 6 p.m., Smooth Riders, a “Dave Matthews Band Experience;” and at 8 p.m., Brown Sugar, “a Rolling Stones tribute;
- Friday at 6 p.m., Daniel Rodriguez; 7 p.m.Quick Chilled; 8 p.m. Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise; and at 9 p.m., Anthony C; and
- Saturday at 3 p.m., Latin Dance Group; 4 p.m., a special two-hour Bingo game hosted by comedian Aunt Mary Pat with tickets available online; at 6 p.m., The Holts; and at 8 p.m., Vinyl Roots.
If you’re downtown and of legal age, you may also want to stop by Thursday through Saturday at the Dogwood Beer Garden located on 3rd Avenue.
The foundation says more than 50,000 people attend it every year.
Photo used by Travels With The Post from the Phoenixville Dogwood Festival Facebook page
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