Harrisville’s Community Day draws huge crowd
HARRISVILLE — Hosting Community Day on Saturday, July 5 instead of its usual day, July 4, made the borough’s annual event one to remember.
The change allowed the Harrisville Community Day Committee to buy a bigger and better fireworks display, because pyrotechnic companies are readily available, work for less and offer more the day after Independence Day, said Mayor Daniel Anschutz.
Additionally, the date allowed the Harrisville Community Band, which had a gig July 4 in Grove City, to play on a day dedicated to the town after which it was named. The band is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
“This is our day,” Anschutz said after welcoming attendees to the event and introducing the band.
A lot of generous donations from businesses in and around the borough also contributed to what Anschutz said would be one of the longest lasting fireworks displays in the history of the event.
County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, of Harrisville, also gave a brief welcome.
The day started with a parade before activities began at the park beginning with Harrisville Community Band as the opening act. A “Battle of the Barrel” involving local volunteer firefighters was next followed by emergency service hour, when residents visited with area police, fire departments and ambulance services. Superior Ambulance held a hands-on CPR demonstration.
A disc jockey played into the early evening before another band took to the bandstand and played until the fireworks display began.
Activities for children and families were open all day.
Troy and Megan Warinner, of West Sunbury, brought their 2-year-old son and Megan’s mother, Mindy Aydelott, to community day.
“We always come for the parade,” Troy said.
“The cheesesteak after. That’s my favorite,” Megan said.
Their son liked seeing the many tractors that made their way down the street in the parade.
“Our son is really into tractors right now,” Troy said.
Chris and Chanel Lovett, of Barkeyville, brought their young children, Daxton, Beckett and Conrad, to Harrisville.
“Hang out. Let he kids play. Take advantage of a nice day,” Chris said. The children said they enjoyed seeing Yogi the Bear riding on a fire truck in the parade.
The Harrisville Community Band is planing a 60th anniversary concert Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company fire hall.
