PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Phoenixville is ready to celebrate the much-anticipated return of the annual Dogwood Festival. Taking place at the historic Reeves Park, this magnificent event will run from Wednesday, May 15 to Saturday, May 18, 2024. This year’s festival will be an explosion of fun, featuring carnival rides, engaging games, concessions, and a wide variety of food, craft, and non-profit vendors. The grand finale of the festival will witness the traditional Dogwood Parade marching the streets of downtown Phoenixville on Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 PM.
The Dogwood Festival has always been a reflection of Phoenixville’s strong sense of community and service. This year’s lineup boasts exciting additions that are bound to make the festival even more memorable. To make the most of the thrilling carnival rides, festival-goers can now purchase Dogwood Superbands. For a cost of $75, these bands allow unlimited rides for the full four-day festival.
Those with a taste for craft beers are in for a treat with the Dogwood Beer Garden, brought to you by Hares Hill Brewing Company. Located adjacent to the festival, the beer garden will serve local craft beers benefiting the Phoenixville Jaycees Foundation. On Thursday, May 16, festival attendees can join the Phoenixville-themed Quizzo, hosted by local historian Ryan Conroy.
Bingo lovers are also covered in this year’s festival. On Saturday, May 18, Aunt Mary Pat, the noted DelCo comedian, will host a game of Bingo at the Reeves Park Bandshell.
As a nod to the festival’s origin and namesake, a Dogwood tree will be planted in Reeves Park on Thursday, May 16. Sponsored by Bates Landscaping, the tree planting is a public event that invites all festival attendees to participate.
This year’s Dogwood Parade takes on special significance as it commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Phoenixville Fire Department and the 175th anniversary of the Borough of Phoenixville. Spectators can look forward to a grand procession along Smithworks Bouleveland from Paradise St to Main St, continuing down Main St to 5th Avenue.
The Dogwood Festival and Parade have a rich history that trace back to May 1943. Initiated by Retired Army Major General Edward C. Shannon, the first Dogwood tree was planted in Reeves Park as a memorial to Phoenixville’s men and women who served in the Armed Forces during World War II.
The first Dogwood Parade was a resounding success, attracting almost 7,500 spectators with a perfect spring day setting. Among the honored guests were Phoenixville’s Mayor Arthur H. Tompkins, General Shannon, and Col. Henry Beeuwkes, the first commander of the newly opened Valley Forge General Hospital.
The festival continues to honor the community service spirit with the Dogwood Royals program. This initiative awards a scholarship to a local teen who completes a community service project. The Dogwood Junior Royals program acknowledges the valuable contribution of local youth who raise funds for their community.
The 2024 Dogwood Festival is not just a celebration of rides, games, and attractions. It represents the enduring spirit of the Phoenixville community — its commitment to service, its sense of unity, and its pride in tradition.
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