Abington Celebrates is preparing for its 11th Annual Founders Day Weekend Celebration, taking place Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th.
The three-day weekend tradition will feature low cost and/or free family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food, local organizations, and fireworks celebrating Abington’s 314th anniversary.
“Over the past 11 years, we’ve watched Founders Day Weekend grow into one of Abington’s most cherished community traditions,” said Michele Coyle, Chair of Abington Celebrates. “Each year, the support from our residents, local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors continues to amaze us. This year, we were able to overcome one of our biggest challenges yet by raising $26,000 to fund the fireworks display. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who continues to support Abington Celebrates.”
The weekend begins Friday, June 5 with the traditional Kick-Off Cookout hosted by Abington’s First Church, The United Church of Christ in Abington at 10 Bedford St. from 5 – 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy free food, raffles, and shopping at the church thrift store.
The evening continues with the Concert for America’s 250th at Abington High School Auditorium from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., featuring the Abington Town Choir and Abington Community Band.
Saturday begins with the Kids Fishing Derby from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Island Grove Park for children ages 6–14. The event includes free bait, prizes, fishing demonstrations, hot dogs, and snow cones.
“We are excited to host our 8th Annual Children’s Fishing Derby and look forward to another great day for families in our community,” said organizer Bob Manning. “Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Hot dogs are free, and we encourage families to bring a drink. The DPW will also be providing free slushes. We always have a great time.”
Saturday also includes daytime events such as Chalk It Up! sidewalk art, a plant activity with the Abington Garden Club, open houses at the Dyer Memorial Library and Linh Quang Buddhist Meditation Temple, and a guided history tour at Island Grove hosted by the Historical Society of Old Abington.
Saturday evening’s main event — Family Fun at Memorial Field – runs from 5 – 9:30 p.m. and includes live music by The Wolfpack, sponsored by the Abington Summer Concerts and the Abington Cultural Council, lot of kids’ activities, inflatable races, a kids’ fun run, a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, a children’s parade celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and many Abington non-profit participants.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. presented by Pyrotechnico, accompanied by the National Anthem performed by the Abington Town Choir. Rain date for the event is Saturday, June 13th.
On Sunday, June 7, Worship at the Grove will be held at 10 a.m. at Island Grove Park near the Abolitionist Stone, hosted by the United Church of Christ. It is open to all.
On Sunday afternoon, Annie’s Kindness Blankets will host a blanket-making event from Noon to 3 p.m. at the Abington Senior Center, inviting community members to create blankets for those in need.
Families may also enjoy StoryWalks at Griffin’s Dairy throughout the weekend, sponsored by the Abington Public Library.
“We would like to thank the Town of Abington, Police, Fire, DPW, and School Departments for your continued support of Abington Celebrates events,” said Coyle. “This is what community partnership is all about, and we could not do this without their support and the continued support of our residents and local businesses.”
For additional information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit Abington Celebrates on Facebook and Instagram, go to abingtoncelebrates.org, or email abingtoncelebrates@gmail.com.
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