Compiled by Abigail Clifford

Events in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, Upper Salford, and Quakertown

            Fourth of July festivities are scheduled across the region next week to celebrate our nation's independence. Despite last year's damp Fourth of July, the 2017 hometown celebrations can look forward to partly cloudy skies with a low chance of showers – although the events will take place rain or shine.

Upper Perkiomen Valley

            The Hometown Celebration will kickoff around 5 p.m. with various activities happening in and around New Goshenhoppen Park in East Greenville. The highlight of the evening is a performance by the Red Hill Band from 7 to 9 p.m. in the park, with the community's traditional firework display scheduled for 9 p.m.

            "The band will acknowledge and honor the men and women who have served our country and are currently serving our country in the selection "Armed Forces Salute." Red Hill Band Director Norman E. Stull said.

            Marches and concert pieces such as "National Emblem," "Stars and Stripes Forever," and "America the Beautiful" will represent the band's theme of Americana.

            "It's really exciting to be playing with a group of such talented and experienced individuals," stated Brendan Davis, member of the Red Hill Band.

            Family and friends who come early in the evening have a chance to participate in various activities that will be held in the park.

            "Family activities will be some football games by the Indians, as well as, simply enjoying the park" stated Roth.

            Food and drinks at the concession stand, which opens at 5 p.m., will be provided by the Perkiomenville Mennonite Church and Indians Flag Football team. Food availability includes hot dogs, funnel cake, ice cream and more.

            Although events and entertainment will be available, unlike previous years, there will be no water battle between local fire companies on the morning of the Fourth.

            The Fourth of July firework show is made possible through individual and business donations, as well as funds from Love Upper Perk.

            The goal every year is to raise $8,000 from community donations in order to purchase fireworks. However, only $6,000 has been raised so far this year, according to Love Upper Perk Director Scott Roth.

            Donations are still being accepted to help reach the overall goal. Checks can be made to Love Upper Perk and sent to 104 Main St., East Greenville, PA 18041.

Upper Salford Announces Annual Red, White, and Blue Parade

            The Upper Salford Citizens Group will sponsor its 29th annual Red, White and Blue parade in Salfordville on the Fourth of July.

            The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Potato Road and Old Skippack Road. Participants should plan to line-up at 9:15 a.m. along Potato Road.

            The parade will continue east down Old Skippack Road and end at the Upper Salford Volunteer Firehouse.

            Participants in the parade are eligible to win prizes based on certain categories. Prizes for the top entries will be awarded for the best decorated bicycle for ages 8 and older, best decorated tractor or vehicle, best decorated large and small floats and best "festooned" walker. Antique vehicles are welcomed in the parade, as well.

            Registration forms are available on the day of the parade on Potato Road for participants. Forms are only needed if participants are competing for a prize.

            After the parade, the Upper Salford Volunteer Firehouse will provide refreshments and hold a bake sale. Donations of baked goods can be brought to the firehouse on the morning of the parade.

            Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit the Upper Salford Citizens Group. 

Quakertown 2017 Community Day

Quakertown will host its free 2017 Community Day on the Fourth of July at Memorial Park on Mill Street.  

            The 2017 Community Day will kick off at 8 a.m. with a car show and pancake breakfast.

            Activities for family and children include a YMCA Agility Drill and Tae Kwon Do, a bounce house, face painting, kid crafts, bingo and fun with balloons.

            Performances throughout the day range from Power and Grace Gymnastics to DJ Mike Trotter of Wham Jam Entertainment, Miss Cindy's School of Dance, the Brosy-Meyer Band and the Quakertown Band.

            The car show awards ceremony will begin at 1 p.m., as will a scheduled Quakertown Legion Baseball game against Pennridge.

            The 69th Pennsylvania Irish Civil War Reenactors will march at 12:30 p.m. and will be at the park until 9 p.m.

            After a full day of activities and entertainers, spectators can stay to watch the ZY Pyrotechnic fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

             On June 1, The Proper Brewing Company hosted a fundraiser to help the local organizations running Community Day purchase fireworks. Twenty percent of all the revenue went towards the firework purchases.

            A full-day event schedule can be found online at the Quakertown Community Day Facebook page or Borough of Quakertown's website, http://www.quakertownboro.com.