By Mike Gibson
For the Wire
For those who can’t get to the Shore or the mountains this summer, there are plenty of fun options within driving (and sometimes) walking distance:
Windlestreae Park (Montgomery Township)
One of the July events at this scenic park on Kenas Road between County Line Road and Horsham Road is the Wilderness Games, similar to the Hunger Games (without the violence) that will teach children between ages 10 and 16 how to track one another through a Wilderness setting, according to Ginny Bailey, the recreation secretary at Montgomery Township.
The cost is $102 and the games run from July 29 through July 31 from 9 a.m. to noon each day.
Montgomery Township Baseball Association also runs its premier event, the D.J. Farrar Baseball Tournament, today (July 10) through July 14. Fans can watch the games each evening free of charge.
Nearby, at the Montgomery Township Building on Stump Road, outdoor concerts will be held weather permitting every Thursday. The first is July 11 with the John Hoey Orchestra. On July 18, The Mango Men are set to perform and the last summer concert of the month is the Red Alert Band. All concerts are at 7 p.m.
The 172-acre park features three soccer fields, two with lights, four baseball fields (also two with lights), a tot lot, a walking trail, a lighted Pavilion, three tennis courts, two basketball courts and restrooms.
Mondauk Common (Ambler, Upper Dublin Township)
Mondauk Common, located on Susquehanna Avenue, is the largest public park that serves Ambler in Upper Dublin Township. The park features movies at dusk throughout the summer. Weather permitting, G or PG movies will be shown at dusk on the “big screen.” The movies are free and for all ages.
Please bring a blanket or lawn chair. Participants are welcome to bring snacks and drinks (drink vending machines are also available on-site). Watch for a banner posted near the corner of Dillon and Susquehanna Roads.
Linda Blair, Upper Dublin Township’s Administrative Assistant, explained the Tween Carnival is Friday, July 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mondauk Common. “We do this every year and it is very popular,” she said.
Pre-registration is preferred. Cost is $5 for both residents and non-residents entering 5th through 8th grade and there will be games, prizes, a disc jockey and snacks.
An event called “MonDaug Bark Park” will be held on Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. Dog lovers can bring their dogs and socialize with other dog owners. Enjoy complimentary treats and coffee from Danielle’s Espresso Cafe. Event is free, but donations for dog park improvements accepted.
The Upper Dublin Township Summer Concert Series will be held at the Ambler Campus at Temple University every Sunday from July 14 through Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event is free and will be held on the university’s Lawn Care Center. Lawn chairs are encouraged. All ages are welcome but the concerts are geared to mature audiences.
Peter Wentz Farmstead (Blue Bell)
This is the park surrounding the mansion owned by Peter Wentz in the 1700s.
The Peter Wentz Farmstead was established in 1744 by Peter and Rosanna Wentz. By 1758 they had completed the large, Georgian-style stone house with many architectural features that reflected their German heritage.
The fun here is also educational as a number of events are geared to understanding the history of the colonial period.
A Mitte Camp from July 15 through 19 will be held for youngsters in first through third grades and is geared to learning about life in the 1700s. Fee is $100 and pre-registration is required, Call 610–584–5104. Another kids’ camp will be the Wentz Wonder Camp for children 4 and 5 years old from July 22 to 26. Fee is $50 and snacks will be provided.
For adults, on Aug. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., a seminar will be held entitled “Preserving Your Old Family Photographs.” Learn how a local artist can enhance copies of your vintage photographs. This event is for all ages. A suggested donation of $2 is requested.
