Rain doesn’t dampen Masontown celebration
?MASONTOWN — An afternoon thunderstorm on Monday sent those attending the borough’s annual Independence Day celebration at German-Masontown Park scrambling for cover, but didn’t dampen their spirits.
Kathy Balabon of Hiller said she wasn’t going to let the rain ruin the fun she and her granddaughter, Caylee Balabon, 5, were having.
“We’ve heard about it (the event) for the last couple of years and finally made it,” said Balabon.
This was the first year that Masontown Matters sponsored the day-long event held in conjunction with the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Patricia Lubits Gump, treasurer for Masontown Matters, said members of the organization handed out miniature American flags to children in honor of the nation’s birthday.
“I feel it’s important for people to be aware so they don’t see it as just a festival,” said Gump.
Gump added that “Albert Gallatin” was also on hand in the morning while Charles Dean provided a “living history” demonstration of colonial rifle making that was cut short by the storm.
Contests featuring apple and cherry pies, patriotic cakes and floral arrangements were also featured to tie in with America’s birthday.
Brian Coll, Masontown Matters co-chairman, noted attendance was steady throughout the day for the event, which offered free admission, free entertainment and a variety of children’s activities.
Coll said several additions to this year’s event included the Masonic CHIP program that enabled parents to create a kit of identifying materials for their child along with fingerprinting conducted by the Masontown Police Department along with a kids express train.
The event has become a tradition for Masontown native Robin Smochinsky and her two daughters, Zoe, 9, and Jacy, 6.
Smochinsky’s friend and daughters’ babysitter, Angela Kustron of McClellandtown, also came out with her daughter and grandson.
“There’s a lot to do,” said Kustron. “We have a lot of fun.”
John Alexander, who was born and raised in Masontown, has attended the event since it started.
“There’s not too many places around here that have something like this,” said Alexander.
The event was scheduled to wrap up with fireworks with a rain date on July 10th.
Gump said the event was made possible with donations from 120 businesses and individuals, clubs and organizations whose names appeared on a large sign placed at the park’s entrance.
“We came through with our goal because Masontown Matters is reaching out to people,” said Gump.
Coll said Masontown Matters is already planning for the borough’s Halloween parade and party to be held at the park with a list of all upcoming events on its website at www.masontownmatters.org.