(The following information was provided by Lansdale Borough.)
Let the party begin!
Lansdale Borough and Discover Lansdale are thrilled to kick off our Sesquicentennial Celebration 150 years in the making this weekend. The Lansdale 150 Committee has been working hard to make this year's momentous occasion one for the ages. From constructing a commemorative gazebo in the center of Memorial Park to planting a veritable forest of new trees, to parades and picnics and fireworks all around town, we're planning to make the Borough's 150th birthday worthy of a century and a half of history.
“For the past two years, we have been faced with challenges unlike any we have faced in our lifetime,” said Discover Lansdale President and Council Vice President Mary Fuller. “But, through creativity and passion, we are eager to offer the opportunity for the Lansdale community to gather and celebrate this historic milestone.”
For the better part of those two years, the 150th committee has been diligently working to plan a year of events that reflect on 150 years of accomplishments and build excitement for all that’s yet to come. Events throughout the year are scattered with returning favorites such as the Strawberry Festival and Day in the Park, in addition to new events like Baseball Day in Lansdale and a Dealers Through the Decades auto show.
And no summer in Lansdale would be complete without Founders Day fireworks! Check out our full list of events below.
Planting of 150 Trees | April-May | Various Borough Parks
The borough shares its anniversary with Arbor Day, so to honor both birthdays, we will be planting 150 native trees throughout borough parks; volunteers from various local organizations will assist in this truly collaborative effort. In addition to the saplings, a large tree will be planted and dedicated to the borough’s long-time Parks & Recreation Director, Carl W. Saldutti, Jr, in White’s Road Park on the anniversary of his birth, April 10 at 1 p.m.
Beer & Baseball: Discussion on Baseball’s Impact on Lansdale | May 13 | 7 p.m. | Well Crafted Beer Co.
Prior to the vintage games in town, join our Lansdale experts, past and present, as they discuss all things Lansdale Baseball. Well Crafted Beer's full beer and food line up will be available for spectators throughout the entire night.
Baseball Day in Lansdale | May 14 | 12:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Weaver Field, Memorial Park
The Lansdale 150 Old Time Baseball event will bring back turn-of-the-century baseball with a true doubleheader — America’s pastime as it looked nearly a century ago, at Weaver Field in Memorial Park.
The afternoon will begin with a varsity match-up between the North Penn Knights and the Hatboro-Horsham Mad Hatters. Then, grab your peanuts and crackerjack as the Brandywine Baseball Club will play two against the Elizabeth Resolutes, playing by “1864 Rules.”
In between, enjoy a Q&A education session on vintage baseball.
Strawberry Festival | June 4 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Fairmount Fire Company
The Strawberry Festival is one of a few Lansdale traditions from the past that we are bringing back for a one-time event, returning to its long-time location — the Fairmount Fire Company of Lansdale. It’s also being held on its traditional date, in conjunction with the big borough-wide Lansdale Day celebration. Ice cream, cake and plenty of strawberries will be the order of the day, a perfect midday treat for everyone, plus raffle prizes from various local businesses and organizations, with proceeds to help support the Fairmount Fire Company and the 150th Celebration.
Day in the Park | July 16| 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Memorial Park
A grand community-wide flea market and yard sale with vendors, food, music, old-time games and much more. Bring your stuff to sell, or just bring yourself, your family and friends, to shop and to enjoy. Also join us for the grand dedication of the new Michael DiNunzio Sr. Memorial Gazebo, a lasting monument to one great town and one great mayor, right in the center of Memorial Park.
Dealers Through the Decades Auto Show | July 30 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Weaver Field, Memorial Park
For a borough whose motto is “Life in Motion,” these are the classic conveyances that set us on the road to the future and the entrepreneurs who handed us the keys. Roll through the years with our “Dealers Through the Decades” themed auto show celebrating more than 100 years of dealers who called Lansdale home.
Founders Week Kickoff Parade | August 20 | Time TBD | Main Street
Everyone loves a parade, and the Lansdale 150 Celebration kicks off Founders Week (!) with a real old-style Main Street strut with all the performers, entertainment and floats you’ve come to love — plus a whole lot more!
Community Picnic | August 24 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Memorial Park
On the actual date of the incorporation of Lansdale Borough bring your family, join your friends and neighbors for an absolute crackerjack of an evening with food, games, music and fun.
Founders Day | August 27 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Throughout Town
This year we combine our annual celebration with the commemoration of the borough’s sesquicentennial. All the elements you’ve come to know and love will be there, including the Festival of the Arts, beer garden, kids activities, bands and more. We will also be building it up to say farewell to our 150th anniversary celebration.
“My hope for this year is that many return home to see Lansdale as the vibrant, exciting community it is now and has been for 150 years,” Lansdale Borough Manager John J. Ernst said. “I hope that our current residents have the opportunity to join friends and neighbors at one or many of the nostalgic events throughout the year to celebrate our humble beginnings and help us kick off our exciting journey into the next 150 years.”
See also:
Lansdale American Legion Raises Funds For Eagles Autism Challenge At Raffle
International Spring Festival Set to Return on April 23 at North Penn High School
Lansdale to Host First ‘Open Gardens Day’ Event in July
Lansdale VMSC, Jefferson-Einstein Partnership Underway
Photos: Lansdale’s Margaret ‘Peg’ Leichthammer Celebrates 106th Birthday
