It was a beautiful day for a party, and hundreds of people provided a steady stream of visitors to Upper Hanover's Camelot Park to celebrate the 275th anniversary of the township on Saturday.  It was the final fête in a series of events throughout the year that looked back at the history of the township, founded in 1741, and celebrated community fellowship and pride.

                Saturday's day-long celebration included food, Scout demonstrations, a petting zoo, antique tractors, firetrucks, township trucks and equipment, and many other exhibits and activities that gave visitors plenty to do.

                Historical documents and artifacts were on display in the maintenance building, where visitors could also pen a message or just leave their autograph in the Time Capsule Message Book.

                State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) and state Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) presented resolutions from the state Senate and House acknowledging and congratulating Upper Hanover Township on the milestone.

                After the Upper Perkiomen High School band performed rousing renditions of various military songs and anthems, a veterans' color guard presented the colors, and Township Chairman Gene Fried and Mensch unveiled the Military Service Seals at the Veterans' Memorial in the park.  The seals – representing the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy branches of service – are displayed in front of the existing granite memorial.

                The highlight of the afternoon came at 3 p.m., when people gathered in the maintenance garage to dedicate the Time Capsule and pose for a group photo.  Instead of their favorite beverage, the group hoisted a scrumptious cupcake, decorated with an American Flag and the number 275, and toasted the township on this special day.

                The township has published a limited quantity of "Upper Hanover Township Celebrating 275 Years of History 1741-2016" books.  The books can be purchased in soft bound (available now for $25) or hard bound (available Sept. 29 for $35) at the Upper Hanover Township Office, 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville or at the office of the Town and Country newspaper, 2508 Kutztown Road, Pennsburg.