An article in the Town and Country two weeks ago reported that the annual community Fourth of July celebration at the New Goshenhoppen Park was in need of volunteers and funding to make this year's event possible.

        Event organizers from Love Upper Perk asked that anyone willing to volunteer time or donate money do so through the LoveUpperPerk.org website as soon as possible.

        After learning about Love Upper Perk's dilemma Ed Buchinski, president of the Grand Theater and Grand Subway in East Greenville, made the decision to donate up to $10,000 to help insure that the tradition of Fourth of July fireworks would continue in the Upper Perkiomen Valley.

        According to Town and Country newspaper archives, the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display held at New Goshenhoppen Park dates back to 1953 when the event was hosted by the Upper Perkiomen Valley Merchant's Association and featured the Red Hill Band.

        In 1955, the newly formed Upper Perkiomen Valley Jaycees took over sponsorship of the event and ran it until they disbanded in 2008.  The event was then run by the Upper Perk Ministerium and the Upper Perk Prayer Evangelism Network (UPPEN).  For the last two years the event has been hosted by Love Upper Perk.

        According to Buchinski, the community's support of the Grand Theater and Grand Subway "made the decision easy to finance the fireworks."  Buchinski, who is also a board member of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association, noted that any funds raised at the event above expenses will go to the emergency medical service organization.

        Scott Roth of Love Upper Perk said the fireworks display is already booked through Celebration Fireworks Inc. He said that the event is "on track, but they still need about ten more volunteers" to help out.

        According to Love Upper Perk's website, more than 8,000 people watched the fireworks at New Goshenhoppen Park last year.

        Roth mentioned that the Red Hill Band will be performing from 7 – 9 p.m. and that his group is working on refreshments and other events.  Roth will be reaching out to the local fire companies to hold the annual water battle in the morning.

        More information on event schedules will be published in the June 30 edition of the Town and Country.

        Love Upper Perk asks that if you, your organization or business is willing to volunteer time go to LoveUpperPerk.org website and click on the "contact" tab, and choose volunteer and you will receive a call back shortly.