Willow Grove Park Mall to Participate in Tri-Centennial Celebration

To help the community celebrate , is hosting a Historical Photo Display May 9 - May 22, courtesy of the ; Tri-Centennial Day on May 19 with free giveaways, refreshments, activities and retailer discounts; and a John Philip Sousa Concert with the Allentown Band on May 22 at 7 p.m.

After all, Willow Grove Park is a true centerpiece of the community with its own rich heritage; it sits on the site of the famed amusement park and music performance grounds owned by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co. For nearly 80 years, hundreds of thousands of visitors flocked to Willow Grove Park to enjoy rides, a racetrack and the sounds of premier musicians John Philip Sousa, Victor Herbert and more.

Now, since the classic, contemporary mall opened in 1982 with Victorian-inspired décor in tribute to the site’s history, people visit Willow Grove Park for its collection of specialty, fashion-forward retailers.

“We are proud to partner with the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial committee to help recognize the rich history of our community and give area residents the opportunity to celebrate this exciting milestone,” said Ashlyn Delson, marketing director at Willow Grove Park.

From memorabilia and quilts to photos dating back centuries of various images of historic homes, notable landmarks and the town, the Historical Photo Display at Willow Grove Park will educate and entertain people of all ages.

The photos and memorabilia are on display May 9 - May 22 in storefront windows on the Second Level of the mall in the Bloomingdale’s Wing.

On Thursday, May 19, residents and visitors are invited to Tri-Centennial Day at Willow Grove Park. For kids, there will be free Carousel rides and coloring books, and shoppers will receive special discounts at mall retailers and gift bags at Customer Service.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day, and from noon – 2 p.m. shoppers are invited to show receipts from the mall’s stores at Customer Service to “Spin the Wheel” for the chance to win free prizes.

Then, in the evening from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., a special Shopping Night will feature a wide variety of free activities and giveaways including makeovers by Sephora and samples from Gertrude Hawk.

The John Philip Sousa concert with the Allentown Band will take place on Sunday, May 22 at 7 p.m. in the mall parking lot. The great grandson of John Philip Sousa, the very man who performed at the Willow Grove Park amusement park years ago, will perform classic music by the legendary John Philip Sousa.

Tri-Centennial Day and the Historical Photo Display at Willow Grove Park are part of nearly 50 events Willow Grove is hosting for residents from late April to mid-June.

For more information visit www.willowgrove300.com and www.willowgroveparkmall.com.

Information courtesy of Simon Public Relations.