Upper Mount Bethel Township

Community Park Groundbreaking Ceremony and First Annual Community Picnic

September 8, 2007 was a long awaited day here in Upper Mount Bethel Township.  We held our Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Upper Mount Bethel Community Park.  Area dignitaries participated in this very important event for the Township.  Resident Fran Beresch Fulwood, on behalf of the Beresch family, presented the Township with a beautiful framed photograph of the September Farm, circa 1962.  It depicts the working farm that once inhabited the lands where our Community Park will be constructed.

Township businesses participated by setting up stands at the picnic or generously providing a donation if they were unable to attend.  Many even participated in both ways!  State, County, Township and Emergency Services organizations also joined in the festivities, bringing the number of “vendors” to about 30.

The Ceremony was followed by our First Annual Community Picnic.  Food was donated by area Churches and businesses.  The Churches manned the food tables for all of our hungry residents.  Volunteers from the entire community gave their time to help us make the event a success.  Help was available from setting up for the day, offering hayrides and fire truck rides, children’s activities, raffles, to cleaning up for the night. 

Your friends and neighbors held nothing back!  All of the businesses and organizations brought something special for our residents.  Apple Blossom Village went all out and brought a petting zoo.  The Clydesdale foal was just adorable and an experience the kids certainly will not forget.  The PennStar Life Flight Helicopter presented a close up look at this special emergency service.

The highlight of the day for kids and adults alike was the dunk tank.  Supervisors Jerry Geake and Loren Rabbat were good sports.  Township Solicitor Ron Karasek was a hit too.  County Councilman Ron Angle undoubtedly drew the largest crowd.  We thank all of the “dunkees” for their spirit and sportsmanship.

To recap the day, approximately 450 people attended the event, 30 vendors participated and over 50 people volunteered their time to help make the day a success.  After expenses, we raised over $7,300.00 for construction of the park.  The participation for our first event was great.  We encourage this spirit to stay alive so that we may all make the construction of the park a reality.

Special thanks to the Community Picnic Committee and congratulations on a job well done!

Anyone interested in participating in the 2008 Annual Community Picnic may contact the Upper Mount Bethel Township Recreation Board.