One of the best ways to meet new neighbors or see familiar faces in Franklin Park is during the long-running Festival in the Park, which kicks off at 4 p.m. June 27 in Blueberry Hill Park.
“This event has been a beloved community tradition for more than 40 years. Because the borough does not have a traditional downtown area that can accommodate community gatherings such as street fairs, we host the Festival in the Park each year to provide residents with an opportunity to come together and celebrate as a community,” said borough Manager Zachary Filous.
Families can take advantage of the collection of rides and games in the spacious area of the park’s lower fields, while enjoying live music and other entertainment.
This year’s lineup includes the Weird Eric Magic Show from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.; EKG and the Heartthrobs, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and the Wild World of Animals, from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Chris Jamison, a finalist of the reality show competition “The Voice” in 2014, returns to the festival and will perform from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
The Wild World of Animals, based in Bentleyville, will feature about a dozen animals, which owner Grant Kemmerer said is “very educational and fun for adults, kids and everybody.”
Live wild animals will range from arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, he said.
The program will focus on how animals function, their interaction in nature and how to “get along with wildlife.”
Other festival attractions will include inflatables, food trucks, a petting zoo, ax throwing and more.
While all ages will enjoy the full schedule of shows, guests 21 and older can enjoy adult beverages available for purchase from a variety of vendors, including Cinderlands, new to the festival this year, according to Filous.
The event averages about 2,700 visitors, Filous said. Despite about 30 minutes of rain at the beginning of last year’s festival, it did not dampen spirits or the number of guests, according to Filous.
Parking is available in Blueberry Hill Park, and members of the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company and fire police will help guide people to spots, he said.
The night will end with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Festival in the Park is a must in the borough’s annual planning.
“In addition to its longstanding popularity, the festival is one of the few borough-sponsored events that attracts significant participation from young families and children outside of our summer camp programs, making it an important opportunity for community engagement across generations,” Filous said.