Super Summer Saturday in Pottstown

Saturday is going to be one of those days when its hard to decide what to do around town.

As yesterday's story in Time-Out announced, it is the second of the borough's Bicentennial Community Days, this time in Riverfront Park.

In addition to the musical entertainment by county singer Stephanie Grace and party music from de Tierra Caliente, there will also be food trucks and a Sly Fox biergarten that benefits the Carousel at Pottstown.

Carousel President George Wausnock said the first 50 customers to buy tickets to the biergarten will receive a free gift from the Carousel -- either a Carousel Christmas Tree ordinance or a figure of one of the custom hand-made animals on the carousel.

Country singer Stephanie Grace, right, will perform at
Riverfront Park Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The events run from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

While you're there, you can also try your hand at using a kayak on the Schuylkill River.
Take it Outdoors Adventures will host Schuylkill River Excusions on the river departing Riverfront Park at 9:45 a.m.; 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person on a first-come, first-serve basis and includes kayak, paddle and life preserver rental.

Kayakers must be at least 10 years old and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The one-hour paddle will travel 2.5 miles downriver to Towpath Park in East Coventry.

Round-trip transportation is provided and no experience is necessary as a guide will lead all trips.

Saturday is also Sidewalk Sales days in downtown Pottstown, within walking distance of Riverfront Park.

For the fourth consecutive year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown businesses will open their doors and take it to the streets with their merchandise.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, at least 50 businesses and restaurants are planning to participate in the sidewalk sale, along with about 20 to 25 outside vendors and non-profit organizations, according to The Mercury story by business editor Donna Rovins.

Downtown Pottstown's Sidewalk Sale is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

There are a number of special activities planned, including a juggler and a roving minstrel. 

In addition, Advantage Insurance at 105 E. High St. will host an activity center for kids where they can participate in crafts and a sidewalk chalk contest.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which is Sunday, downtown restaurants are planning something special during the sidewalk sale.

“If you come to one of the restaurants and draw a chalk drawing in front on the sidewalk, you will receive a coupon that’s good at all of the participating restaurants,” said Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan.

The participating restaurants include: Beverly’s Pastry Shop, Grumpy’s, The Milkman Cake Shoppe, The Very Best Hot Dogs and Connections on High.

Summer Savings Saturday

Summer is time for savings in downtown Pottstown, especially this Saturday when the annual Sidewalk Sale takes to the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, the day will include offers from more than 40 downtown merchants, as well as face painting, a visit from Rainbow the Clown, and collections of Pottstown School uniforms for sale.

Demonstrations will be provided by CrossFit at 21 N. Hanover St. at 12:45, 2:45 and again at 4 p.m.

Also providing demonstration at 307 E. High St. will be Red Cloud Kung Fu at 12, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Steel River Playhouse will stage short performances throughout the day at the theater and workshop at 245 E. High St.

Music will be provided throughout by Sincere Entertainment, Dugan said.

“The merchants are really excited about participating, because last year we had many hundreds of people showed up and we’re hoping this year will be even more successful,” said Dugan.

“And we’re also going to have about a dozen vendors from non-profit on the streets as well,” Dugan said.

Many of those non-profit organizations will be holding raffles, so the chances to win in addition to getting great bargains, are hard to beat, she said.

the sidewalk sale is just the latest in a series of activities planned for the downtown and environs in the coming months.

On Sept. 20, ArtFusion 19464 begins its exhibit “We Were Soldiers,” which runs through November; followed by the third annual Pet Fair on Sept. 21; the Carousel of Flavor on Sept. 22 and Airport Day at the Pottstown Municipal Airport on Sept. 28.

October 12 brings the return of Riverfest and Buy Local initiatives and Small Business Day follow in November, to be capped off by the Hometown Holidays celebration in December.

For more information about the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District authority visit www.downtownpottstown.org