Franklin Park's annual Festival in the Park dubbed 'success' despite stormy start

While storms rolled in at the start of Franklin Park’s Festival in the Park on June 28, it certainly didn’t dampen many moods as people still arrived to the annual summer celebration in Blueberry Hill Park.

Rides shut down briefly during the inclement weather. But drier skies quickly prevailed as the borough hosted an evening of food, live entertainment, informational booths and fireworks.

“Despite a slow start due to the thunderstorm, a definite improvement over last year’s tornado-related delay, the event was a success,” said Uday Palled, president of Franklin Park Council.

Palled was there chatting with residents at a Franklin Park welcoming booth, including sharing information about the home rule charter. This fall’s general election likely will include a question on whether residents should elect a government study commission to investigate the pros and cons of Franklin Park transitioning to a home rule charter.

“I had some great conversations with attendees, explaining the home rule process and answering a variety of questions — everything from ‘Why home rule?’ to ‘Why did we wait so long?,’ ” Palled said.

Residents also discussed general borough matters, such as building more pickleball courts and tree replacement assistance, he said.

Fellow councilmember Laura Czekaj was there with her family when the storms passed by.

“It quickly filled back up,” she said of the crowds.

Live entertainment began at 4 p.m. and included Weird Eric Magic, EKG and Heartthrob, Baffling Bob and Chris Jamison, a finalist of the reality show competition “The Voice” in 2014.

Emergency services providers were there to talk with residents, including the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company, the latter providing information on how to volunteer.

The night ended in fireworks. Occasions like these really bring people together, Palled said.

“Engaging with the community is truly what makes these events,” Palled said.

The next Franklin Park event will be the Community Scholarship Golf Outing on July 28 at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course in Cranberry. For details, visit franklinparkborough.us.