The historic Borough of Ivyland is gearing up for its 150th anniversary celebration Saturday with a variety of local food trucks, live music, and entertainment to fill the afternoon and evening.
The event kicks off at noon with greetings from Ivyland’s mayor, Anthony Judice, and Borough Council President Sal DiPaolo, followed by proclamations from local and state representatives.
Children can enjoy activities such as a 60-foot inflatable obstacle course, balloon art, face painting, horse-pulled wagon rides and live music from children’s musician and entertainer Lolly Hopwood. For adults, there’ll be a beer garden hosted by Tranquility Brewing.
The festival will hold multiple demonstrations showcasing pieces of Ivyland’s past such as “Old Pumper,” a vintage hand-pump fire engine from 1905, a showcase of antique cars, a self-guided walking tour of Ivyland’s Victorian borough and more.
Founded in 1873 by Edwin Lacey, a Quaker, farmer, and complete abstainer from alcohol, tobacco, and profanity, Ivyland was envisioned as a charming village between New York and Philadelphia, where travelers could rest, families could grow, and industry could thrive.
Ivyland is a town whose 230 Victorian-style buildings transport visitors back to a time of horse-drawn carriages and fresh opportunities. Some of Ivyland’s crown jewels include the Temperance House Hotel, which Lacey believed would bring in thousands of visitors from the centennial exposition happening in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, due to a recession in 1873, the hotel had to shut down before opening its doors.
Despite the setback, the magnificent hotel finished in 1876 and can be visited today.
A short walk from the hotel brings visitors back in time to Ivyland’s 150-year-old general store, called The Country Store, which is still in operation today as a grocery store and deli that fully embraces its rich history.
As Ivyland’s 150th-anniversary approaches, anticipation and excitement ripple throughout the borough. Ivyland’s Heritage Foundation has been working to bring the anniversary to life.
This milestone celebrates the town’s resilient spirit and its enduring legacy, reveling in the magic of the past while embracing the future that lies ahead.
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