The Upper Perk community celebrated the fourth of July with one another at the New Goshenhoppen Park this past Thursday. From the time that the park opened, there were many scheduled events throughout the day.

Winning the trophy for the firemen's water battle was the team from the Hereford Fire Company.

            First up for the day was the firemen's water battle, with fire companies from Green Lane, Red Hill, Pennsburg, East Greenville, Hereford and Seisholtzville competing for a trophy. In the end Hereford triumphed over Pennsburg to win.

            Logan's Heroes, an animal rescue organization based in East Greenville,

A pink glow is seen in the sky as fireworks burst overhead.

contributed to the celebration by bringing in puppies for people to interact with and sold merchandise promoting their organization. A pet contest was also hosted by Logan's Heroes. There were three categories that any pet could enter in: most talented, best groomed, and most patriotic. Once all contestants were called into the band shell for judging, a total of seven dogs and one cat had officially entered.

            Before the winners were announced, all pets had the opportunity to go up on stage and receive public recognition. Most of the pets were dressed in red, white and blue all over, perfectly fitting the occasion. Each category winner received a $25 gift card to Pet Smart and the results were as followed: most talented went to Willow the chocolate lab, best groomed went to the cat Miss. Kitty, and most patriotic was won by John Quincy Adams the pug.

            A bike contest was also held at the celebration for the children. Five boys and six girls entered and each one proudly rode their decorated bikes in front of the band

Alana Smith rides her bike during judging in the bike decorating contest. Alana won first place.

shell stage. There was a 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winner based on how patriotic each child's bike was. The results were as followed: first place was awarded to Alana Smith of Pennsburg, second place went to Talya Delp of Red Hill, and third place was won by Troy Detweiler of Pennsburg. Each winner then received rewards money on stage.

            The rest of the day consisted of face painting, an automobile show, and music from different parts of the community. At sunset the annual fireworks began as everyone enjoyed the show with their loved ones.

            Despite blazing heat in the afternoon, residents still came out to enjoy scheduled activities held by the Upper Perkiomen Rotary Club. Antiques, hot rods, and bikes lined up in the New Goshenhoppen park field for spectators to walk around and admire for the 1 p.m. Independence Car in-show. Friendly conversations flowed between adults as kids played tag in the open field.

            After a quick break to the Upper Perk Rotary snack stand, spectators enjoyed Rock and Roll music as they ate baked goods and Rita's water ice.  Junior's Grades, a four-man rock and roll cover band, had the audience breaking a sweat as they danced in their seats. A few residents were dancing along on their decks from the residential community residing next to the New Goshenhoppen Park. Lead vocalist, Jim Meitzler, said to the crowd "I know it's hot, but at least it's not rain; I appreciate you guys coming out!"  

            The Red Hill Band also drew a sizeable crowd when they performed at 7 p.m., followed by the national anthem sung by Keith Gerhart in the band shell preceding the big fireworks display. As scheduled, fireworks lit the sky at 9 p.m. in a fabulous display as families gathered on the park's grass to observe in awe.

            "The Upper Perk 2019 Hometown Celebration was a wonderful day; There was something for everyone throughout the day, ending with a terrific fireworks display," stated Michelle Hohlfeld, Upper Perk Rotary Club Community Service and Marketing Chairperson.

            Hohlfeld reassured that a tremendous credit is due to Bob McCarty, Rotary Club Fundraising Chairmen, and his wife, Jen McCarty, who had the vision and passion for bringing the event back.

            "A big thank you to everyone in the community for your attendance, support and donations as well as your kind words of thanks and appreciation," stated McCarty on the Upper Perk Rotary Facebook page. "Proceeds will help keep this event going and growing as well as help the Rotary fund our Youth and Leadership programs."

            McCarty and Hohlfeld are both looking forward to next year as the 2020 4^th of July hometown celebration is already being planned, according to the Upper Perk Rotary Club Facebook page.