TELFORD, Pa. (WLVT) -
Less than 5,000 people live in Telford, a suburb that straddles Route 309 north of Lansdale. But at least that many people are expected to head there this week for the sixth annual
Penn Valley Church Community Fair, held June 11 to 15. In addition to drawing people from around the region to Telford, the fair also benefits four local non-profits.
“The community expects it. They love it. I’ve talked to so many people as I’ve been walking by,” said Laz Reyes, director of outreach at Penn Valley Church.
Whether you’re looking for thrills or family-friendly fun, there’s a ride to suit visitors of all ages. Entertainment includes live music and a talent show, as well as a special event each night, including a car show and chili cook-off. The carnival atmosphere is complete with fair games and classic fair food like funnel cakes and French fries.
“We love to see the people have fun, love to see the atmosphere,” said 10
th grader and Telford resident Anthony Martella.
The fair is held on the grounds of Penn Valley Church, where church officials started the event to bring together the local community.
“We don’t want to just be stuck in these four walls,” Reyes said. “We want to get out and just love on people.”
There aren’t many opportunities for the whole community to gather, residents said, so they appreciated the full-scale community fair happening so nearby.
“We like to support community events,” said Schwenksville resident Kevin Hoover. “It’s nice when people can walk into it and don’t have to drive. It’s right at their back door.”
The fair also raises about $25,000 a year for community organizations. The four beneficiaries this year are the
Keystone Opportunity Center,
Along the Way,
North Care Women’s Clinic and the
Telford Fire Company.
Suzanne Cressman, a board member for the Keystone Opportunity Center, said the funds help support their mission of providing social services to Montgomery and Upper Bucks County residents, and the fair is a chance to provide information to the community.
“We’ve gained new volunteers as a result of this fair, and it has certainly brought awareness just from folks stopping to visit our booth,” Cressman said.
Organizers encourage anyone in the region to check out the fair, saying it’s a chance to have some good, clean summer fun.
“The community knows they’re on a church, so I think that might make a difference,” Reyes said. “Nobody gets out of hand.”
The fair runs June 11 to 15, starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. It wraps up with a fireworks show Saturday night at 10 p.m.
