'Family Weekend' Being Planned Around October Parades

On April 15, Saucon Valley Spirit Parade Committee Chairman David Heintzelman told Hellertown Borough Council about plans to make Saturday, Oct. 19 part of a "Family Weekend" in Hellertown's Dimmick Park and at Dewey Fire Co. No. 1, with the theme of "Honoring First Responders."

That theme will be fitting, since in addition to the annual Saucon Valley Spirit Parade, the borough will host this year's 4-County Fireman's Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.

A highlight of the parades will be a performance by the Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes and Drums.

Wrapped around the parades will be Saturday and Sunday festivities that Heintzelman said in a letter will "bring families together and celebrate what this community is all about."

"We are anticipating a very large parade," he added.

The rain-or-shine Family Weekend in the park is tentatively being planned to include a car show, a 5K Run/Walk, a chili cookoff, amusements and rides, a bike challenge, a motorcycle run, concerts, fireworks, a blood drive, Vera Bradley/Coach Bingo, fireman's awards, an ecumenical service and more, although a flyer distributed by Heintzelman noted that the lineup of events could change based upon community support and fundraising efforts in the coming months.

According to the flyer, which outlines sponsorship categories and initial costs, there is a minimum budget of $35,000 for the events planned for Saturday, Oct. 19. A minimum budget of $8,000 is needed for Sunday, Oct. 20.

Heintzelman emphasized in his letter accompanying the flyer that donations are needed to help make the special weekend a reality.

Additional information is available by contacting Heintzelman at 610-838-0521 or david@heintzelmanfh.com. Donations should be written to "SV Spirit Parade" and mailed c/o David Heintzelman, 326 Main St., Hellertown, PA 18055.