Plans in works for 2nd U. Schuylkill Homecoming
BY JOHN E. USALIS TIMES shamrock
writer
02/26/2007
MAHANOY CITY - Get ready for "Homecoming: The
Sequel."
The inaugural Upper Schuylkill Homecoming Weekend was
successful despite an appearance by Hurricane Ernesto. Some outdoor
activities, including the 105th annual Ashland Boys Association/Mummers
Parade, had reduced audiences and participation due to rain and wind,
but the indoor events proved to be more popular than expected.
The second annual Upper Schuylkill Homecoming is slated
for Aug. 31 through Sept. 3.
Centered around Ashland's ABA/Mummers Parade, the 2006
Upper Schuylkill Homecoming Weekend was a regional celebration that
enabled the boroughs of Ashland, Frackville, Girardville, Mahanoy
City, Ringtown and Shenandoah to showcase what makes each of them
unique and similar.
This first-of-its-kind event began with Pennsylvania
Office of Tourism recognizing the ABA/Mummers Parade as a unique tourism
and community event - so unique that it was one of only 20 chosen
to be part of the Pennsylvania Festivals program.
However, what started as a project to showcase Ashland's
parade blossomed into a regional program with all six boroughs participating
in some way throughout the weekend. Coordinated by Patrice K. Rader,
Upper Schuylkill Downtowns executive director, each borough designed
an event highlighting that community's history and culture.
The state tourism initiative was planned as a multi-year
program in order to repeat and enhance what was done in the first
year. Funds are provided to 18 events for promotion outside the region
where they are held. Rader is also applying for grants from different
organizations to promote the activities locally.
Representatives from the six local revitalization organizations
met at the Mahanoy City Downtown Center to discuss several matters,
including Homecoming plans, during the regional steering committee
meeting. Also attending the meeting were three members of the ABA/Mummers
Committee: James Klock, Rosemarie K. Noon and Gina Laspina.
Rader introduced Jean Seibert, homecoming event coordinator,
who will also monitor financing for the Upper Schuylkill façade
program.
Rader reviewed the proposed schedule for the homecoming
weekend.
"The idea is to enhance what you did last year,
not pull back on it," Rader said. "Each year, the governor
wants us to do this in order to get better every year. This is to
bring people to your downtown and your community."
Rader asked the downtown representatives to submit information
on hours of operation for the historical societies and other attractions
in their respective boroughs for promotional advertising.
One major change for the Homecoming weekend involves
the "Tidy Town" contest. Last year, the contest was judged
during the Labor Day weekend, with the winning borough - Frackville
- announced prior to the ABA/Mummers Parade. The contest was judged
by representatives from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center on the basis
of cleanliness and appearance of each borough's downtown business
district.
The contest will be held in June, said Rader, although
a specific date has not been set.
"It's a good time of year since most of our towns
can be cleaned up by that time, the flowers can be put out and things
are starting to perk up," said Rader.
© The REPUBLICAN & Herald
2007
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