After months of planning and coordinating, the 22nd annual Northampton Day community festival was all set for Sunday, May 5. The entertainment was scheduled, vendors were booked, and residents had their calendars marked for the highly-anticipated local tradition.
However, Mother Nature had other plans.
“It rained cats and dogs for three consecutive days,” reflected Pete Palestina, member of the Northampton Day Committee.
Though rescheduling was the last thing the all-volunteer group wanted to do, it had no other option. Thankfully, the unexpected situation turned itself around, with Northampton Day now taking place on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Richboro Middle School (now Rolling Hills Elementary School), located at 98 Upper Holland Road, Richboro.
“We expect a really good crowd. We usually get 5,000 or more people,” said Palestina, adding how the committee chose to host the festival on a Saturday, rather than a Sunday, to not compete with the Eagles.
The free, family-friendly day commences at 10 a.m. with the raising of the flag by the Marine Corps League, and the singing of the National Anthem by Milo Morris.
Activities for the 2019 Northampton Day include a mobile zipline, the Zoo Jersey Animal Show, A-Z Magic Show, Puppets Pizzazz and inflatable amusements for kids.
Guests can browse the wares of more than 140 vendors (the largest offering to date), sample food and treats from area eateries, and take a chance on various raffles, such as a snowblower and signed Eagles and Phillies memorabilia.
On hand will be local authors Jill Osterhout and Maria Shamkalian signing their books; the ever popular mini-horses Ziggi and Lark; and Northampton Fire Company and Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad with fire trucks, a fire prevention trailer and other equipment for attendees to check out.
Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth will present “Behind Closed Doors,” a mock teen bedroom that showcases numerous signs of risky behavior both hidden and in plain sight, while the Bucks County Sheriff’s office will distribute children’s ID cards.
Additionally, the Phillie Phanatic is scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m., and a Medevac helicopter will land at Rolling Hills at noon.
Free entertainment will take place all day, with featured performers including local duo Doodles ‘n Beans, who will sing classic rock, folk, soul, pop and jazz music; strolling Mummers; St. Katharine Drexel School Choir and cheerleaders; and a DJ.
As always, 20 local acts will compete in the Talent Show portion of the festival, which is emceed by Palestina and takes place in the school auditorium from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
According to Palestina, excess proceeds from Northampton Day are donated to nearby charitable organizations. Last year, in addition to distributing $5,500 to area nonprofits, the Northampton Day Committee awarded two scholarships to graduating seniors at Council Rock High School South.
“This year, most of the donations that we give out will go to the Miracle League for the playground in our Municipal Park so that they can make it all-inclusive for all children,” he said.
Once the 2019 festival concludes, Palestina said the 11-member committee will convene to discuss what went well and what can be improved for next year. On the agenda will be the date and whether or not it should remain in September, and the venue, which will likely change in 2020.
Ultimately, the purpose of the committee is to present to the public an unforgettable experience that not only creates memories, but ignites pride in their hometown.
“The most important goal is to have the one special day where we can celebrate our community and all that Northampton has to offer,” Palestina said.
If you go: The 22nd annual Northampton Day Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rolling Hills Elementary School, 98 Upper Holland Road, Richboro. Free admission and parking. There is handicapped parking at the Northampton Senior Center, located directly across the street from the festival. For more information, visit northamptonday.org/ or facebook.com/NorthamptonDays/.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
