Ursinus, CEDC Plans Community Day to Give Back

It is a day designed for those of all ages, and even the family's four-legged members. Ursinus wants to give back to its surrounding residents, and Community Day is just the ticket.

The Collegeville Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) is partnering with Ursinus College to provide outdoor day on Saturday, April 20 from noon to 4 p.m. on the Ursinus’ campus’ front lawn.

"Everyone in the family –Fido included—can enjoy the return of this year’s Collegeville’s Community Day, which showcases the talent and offerings of the Ursinus campus along with those of the town," said a recent release from the CEDC.

"After a hiatus of five years, we are bringing back and re-energizing our Community Day event," said Rachael Morrison, Executive Director of the non-profit CEDC. "Many of our residents are unaware of the wonderful cultural arts opportunities on the Ursinus campus, and this event will bring them up close and personal with the life of our vibrant campus right here in the center of Collegeville."

The college also looks forward to the joint effort.

"Ursinus College is delighted to partner with CEDC in hosting this year’s Community Day," said Ursinus College President Bobby Fong. "We look forward to welcoming our fellow Collegeville citizens to our campus and to sharing our arts and culture offerings."

Collegeville’s 2013 Community Day is sponsored by the Collegeville Office of Susquehanna Bank, located on Route 29 near Wawa.

"Susquehanna is known for giving back to the communities it serves by funding programs which encourage proactive community and economic development and access to the arts," said Morrison. "We greatly appreciate their support." 

Ursinus had not hosted a day like this since 2008. According to the release, the following activities will be included in the free day, open to the public:

Music and Dance

This year’s Community Day features music and performances by the Ursinus College Dance Company, the Ursinus Jazz Ensemble, and the a cappella singing Baritones (guys) and B’Naturals (gals), with the Community Music School performing on behalf of the Collegeville-Trappe community. 

An always-anticipated attraction is the energetic, talented, and at times breath-taking performers of The Collegeville Dance Depot, who will dance and also stage a dance competition for all ages. 

Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Enjoy learning about the artworks in Ursinus’ sculpture collection during a leisurely guided campus tour.  

Chalk it Up! Sidewalk Art Contest

For a suggested $5 donation, chalk will be provided, and from noon to 2 p.m., and children, teens and adults can join in the “Chalk it Up!” sidewalk chalk drawing contest on the Main Street sidewalk in front of Ursinus College.  Prizes will be presented at 3:30 p.m. to the winners in different categories and age groups. For those whose knees aren’t as bendable as they used to be, chalk boards and chairs will be provided to make the art experience quite comfortable.  Individuals itching to exercise their inner chalk side can sign up for their exclusive piece of Collegeville sidewalk or reserve their chalk board and chair at the CEDC website here.

Kids Need Fun!

Kids are an important part of every community festival, and a “Kids Need Fun!” area will include carnival games for all ages.  Leave the electronic gadgets at home and enjoy old fashioned Basketball Double Shots, the Balloon Competition, Create with Spin Art, have your little ones’ faces painted and much more. 

Earth Day Activities, Athletics, Craft and Food Vendors

Participants will enjoy:

• An Earth Day activity coordinated by the Ursinus College Environmental Action group;
• A Men’s Tennis Tournament starts at noon vs. McDaniel at the College’s  Ace Bailey Courts behind the baseball field;
• A Women’s Lacrosse tourney starts at noon vs. McDaniel College in the Patterson Field behind the Field house;
• Crafts, gift and food items will be offered for sale.  Selections include Harvest Hill Farm potted plants and country gifts, Maura’s Celtic Crafts, and jewelry from the Kaleidoscope Design Studio among others;
• Enjoy lunch and snacks alfresco from Phamous Phil’s BBQ, the CEDC Gourmet BBQ Girls, and Rita’s water Ice, among others, while you enjoy the music and dance performances.
• Tennis will be at the Women's Lacrosse will be on Patterson Field behind the Field house.

The Performing Arts

Saturday evening residents can partake of a concert and a dance performance.  At 7:30 p.m. the Ursinus Meistersingers will hold their free concert in Bomberger Auditorium.  Also at 7:30 p.m., the talented Ursinus College Dance Company is performing at the Ursinus College Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $5 general admission, and $2 for students and seniors aged 65 and over.

Parking

Parking is available in the Ursinus West Parking lot; enter from Ninth Avenue. There will also be some spaces in the lots accessible from Fifth Avenue.

For more detailed information, visit the CEDC website here or contact Rachael Morrison by e-mail at manager@collegevilledevelopment.org or call 610-454-1050.