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The celebration of community took place on the grounds of the historic mansions Cliveden and Upsala, located across the street from one another in the 6400 block of Germantown Ave.
Upsala played host to the staging of live music while the vendors were located at Cliveden, with more than 150 signing up for this year's festival. As the musicians were jamming, children played, dogs relaxed, and old friends stopped and chatted, some admiring the antique cars on display.
Enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, people flowed throughout the festival, looking, shopping, and talking.
And then there was the food. Funnel cakes, hot dogs, gelato, vegetarian food, chicken tenders, and fries, with enough variety to please most. There were many things to see and buy. Stands had potpourri, books, handmade earrings, soaps, incense, books, CDs, and hair care products. Local schools were looking for students and mentors. Some people offered information on a healthier lifestyle and environmental issues.
This community festival is put on yearly by the East and West Mt. Airy Neighbors groups. Vending co-chair Barbara Bloom remarked, "People see people they haven't seen in years. This festival brings old friends back together."
Anne Ewing, a longtime member of East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN), said she began bringing her children to the festival "when they were in their strollers." Those children are now in their 30s.
EMAN administrator Jane Cosby said, "Thirty-four years ago, this festival began to bring people together to enjoy each other."
The Mt. Airy Business Association (MABA) took the opportunity to unveil their new website and logo, and solicit new members for their organization. The eye-catching design was visible on their table. Website designer Michael McAllister sees this as a "resource for members of the general community."
MABA vice president Michael Kleiner said, "It will allow businesses that already exist in the area and people looking to start a business the opportunity to connect." He feels it is also important for the business association to be visible to the community, because the community is one. He wants people to "buy Mt. Airy first."
MABA's new slogan is "A Network That Works!" They encouraged people to check out the new site and to participate in First Friday events. On the first Friday of every month, businesses all along Germantown Avenue are open later with special activities to promote support.
Our friends from Awbury Arboretum were busy selling flowers all day. Consisting of annuals and perennials, this was an active and lively part of the festival that people have come to expect. Set up next to the carriage house at Cliveden, there was a steady stream of people buying flowers.
"Mt. Airy in Motion" banners were also for sale by Mt. Airy USA, a local community development corporation. One of the services offered by Mt. Airy USA is counseling for first-time home buyers.
After announcing the winners of the raffle and thanking everyone for their participation, West Mt. Airy Neighbors (WMAN) president Marc Stier remarked that the weather and attendance was great. He even saw an improvement in the food.
He summed up the day by saying. "This is a great kind of feeling - this community. If this could carry over to the entire city, it would be an incredible place to live."
Winners of the raffle were D. Ellerson, Barry Cyphers, and Jim Pabarus.
Sponsors of the day's event included McMenamins Tavern, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, National Penn Bank, Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, and FitLife Fitness and Aquatics.
Proceeds from the day will continue to support community efforts sponsored by both the East and West Mt. Airy Neighbor Associations. EMAN and WMAN focus on quality-of-life issues, schools, zoning, housing, land use, and community safety. Janet Amato served as festival chairperson and vending co-chair. Derek Green is president of East Mt. Airy Neighbors.
