North Wales Community Day 2023 Draws Praise from Borough Council

Dan Sokil | The Reporter•

North Wales pride was on display during the town’s Community Day on Sept. 30, 2023.

The biggest day of the year in North Wales has drawn high praise once again.

"Community Day was an amazing event. Thanks to all the volunteers, the staff, Public Works, police officers, the fire company, everybody who worked together to make this an amazing event,” said Mayor Neil McDevitt.

For the past several months, staff have given updates on the volunteer planning efforts for Community Day, the town’s annual daylong festival of food trucks, live music, a beer garden, games for kids, and over 100 vendors, and in late September the borough announced a new Instagram account they’d use to publicize the event. In the first council meeting since the big day, several council members added their own thanks and praise for the staff, volunteers and sponsors who made the day happen.

"It was my first Community Day as a parent, and it was really exciting to see all of the kids who were just freely moving throughout the crowd, and feeling safe, and feeling a sense of community,” said councilwoman Brittany Kohler.

"There was such a diverse group there, of not only vendors but also individuals. All I heard were just incredible things, about not only our town, but about the atmosphere of our town, and how people feel coming to North Wales. That, I think, is what makes us so special,” she said.

Councilman Alex Groce said he agreed — with the sentiments, if not the specifics of having children — and was glad the day saw fantastic fall weather: "Everybody who had a part in Community Day should be truly thanked, and proud of the day we had.” Councilman Mark Tarlecki added that he was glad to see and hear from many out-of-towners: "A lot of positive comments about the town itself, and the way the event was held.”

"Just looking up and down Main Street, there must’ve been at least a couple thousand people there. It was a really nice event,” he said.

Borough Manager Christine Hart thanked the 40-plus sponsors that supported the event, and singled out the town’s public works staff and police officers for their help.

"Each year, we’re able to add more and more, so it’s a fun day for all of us, and I greatly appreciate the support,” she said.

Council President Sal Amato agreed that he was gladdened to see so many visitors, and perhaps future residents, enjoy the town that day — and hopes they do the same during the upcoming chili cookoff sponsored by the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company this coming Saturday, Oct. 14.

"It always amazes me, how many people I meet that are not from North Wales. They’re visitors that come in, and they are always so pleased with North Wales, and always happy to come here,” he said. "Some of those people have even moved here, because we do such events. So kudos to everyone involved.”

This article appears courtesy of a content share agreement between North Penn Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit www.thereporteronline.com.