Community Corner

Founders Day, Festival of Arts & Lansdale's 140th

If the borough could talk, it would probably thank the railroad for its success. On Saturday, visitors from all over the region were thankful for the excursion trains, restaurant festival and more

After much anticipation and a stint of great weather, Lansdale's 140th celebration in the form of the 24th Lansdale Festival of the Arts and the second annual Founders Day has come and gone.

Since last year's cancellation and subsequent rescheduling of the inaugural Founders Day, the Founders Day Committee had been planning and gearing up for this year's event with the ferocity and energy of a powerful steam engine.

Festivities began with an opening ceremony that featured the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Lansdale Fire Marshal and ex-Fairmount Fire Co. Chief Jay Daveler.

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Before long, the New Hope-Ivyland diesel engine made its presence known and the excitement and excursions were underway.

"I am beyond ecstatic," said an excited Councilwoman Mary Fuller, who heads the Founders Day Committee and nonprofit Discover Lansdale. "It'sa fantastic day and so many people are around town."

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She said there were crowds everywhere: the fire company, Jenkins Homestead and in Memorial Park for the Festival of the Arts.

"The turnout at Memorial Park is amazing. The Original Pincho sold out of sandwiches," she said.

She called the event one of the biggest to grace Lansdale.

"People were stopping to say 'Thank you.' Everybody is excited for the day," she said.

Most of the thanks, she said, were due to no hurricane. Last August, Hurricane Irene caused the inaugural event to be cancelled and rescheduled for October.

"We'll make it for fireworks," she said. "I've been tracking (the storms in the south) and we'll be OK."

The weather was clutch on Saturday: not too hot and just the right amount of breeze.

"There are a ton of people around Lansdale today," she said.

Lansdale Historical Society President Dick Shearer, who also sits on the Founders Day Committee, found a lot of people pleased and enthused about the event and the trains.

"I didn't know what to expect. It's the first time Founders Day was held on its day. I'm curious to seee how it will all work out," Shearer said. "I hope today is the start of many excursions they run out of Lansdale."

Throughout the day, visitors took advantage in the open houses at borough hall, Lansdale Police Department and .

Miniature iron horses adorned the interiors of Fairmount Fire Co. and Lansdale Library, with the former hosting fire sprinkler demos.

What was your favorite part of the day? Let us know in the comments.

Add your photos and videos to our gallery too!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here