Emmaus Community Day will Debut on July 23

Something new is coming to the on July 23 -- the first-ever Emmaus Community Day, sponsored by the Emmaus Parks and Recreation Commission.

The commission has sponsored periodic summer movie nights in Community Park in the past. But this year, the commission decided to try something a little different, instead organizing an afternoon and evening of special events, entertainment and food, starting at 1 p.m.

“We really hope it will grow to be a yearly event,” said Vickie Gruver, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. “We hope every year to expand upon it.”

Gruver said the highlight of the day will be the “Old Timer” baseball game for players age 40 or older, starting at 5:30 p.m. It will feature former Emmaus coaches Marshall Rau and Dick Gerhart.

There also will be volleyball and basketball tournaments for kids and adults. To sign up for a team, check out the information about Emmaus Community Day on the borough’s Web site at www.borough.emmaus.pa.us.

The dunk tank, from 1-4 p.m., will feature Emmaus Borough Council members and candidates. The event will be a fund-raiser for the Parks and Recreation Commission, so it will cost participants $1 for three balls.

Children’s activities, including spin art and face painting, will be going on from 1-4 p.m. Dogs will be performing canine tricks from 4-5 p.m.

Attendance at the day’s events is free, however, several local organizations will be selling food and drink as fund-raisers for their groups, including the Emmaus Ambulance Corps, Lions, Lioness, Rotary, Kiwanis Club, Moravian Church, West Valley Church and the Emmaus Youth Association.

Entertainment will include the St. Matthews Contemporary Band from 1-1:45 p.m., Joel Shimmer from 3-3:45 p.m., and the Moravian Band from 4-5 p.m.

The Miller Blood Bank also will be on site to accept donations from 1-4 p.m.