Second annual event features big crowds, great weather
By Lauren Parker-Gill, Correspondent, The Times
There was a little bit of something for everyone this past weekend at the Coatesville Community Unity Explosion. Here, popular movie characters adorned the moon bounces at Gateway Park and attracted children of all ages.
COATESVILLE – Artisans, vendors, Corvettes, a water slide, and food stands lined the sidewalks of South First Avenue, as carnival games, moon bounces, music from DJ Dre Money and the sounds of fun and laughter from city residents of all ages filled Gateway Park for the second annual Community Unity Explosion event Saturday.
The event, which was free to the public, was designed to bring the community together and celebrate the good things in Coatesville, including the city’s centennial year. “With everything that happened last year with the district and losing the Chesco Grand Prix bike race, we wanted to show our community an explosion of pride,” said Marie Lawson, vice president of Coatesville City Council. “We wanted to cover Coatesville in pride, a sense of community and positive energy.”
A fire breathing artist from Edward’s Events and Entertainment wowed the crowd with his thrilling craft. Photo Credit: Karol Collins
City Council event committee members began planning in February. The entire day – including the elaborate fireworks show at dusk – is fully funded by the city of Coatesville. The vendors that participated, Art Partner’s Studio, Eastern Star, Lily of the Valley, Coatesville Fire Company, Innovation Design LLC, Coatesville Rotary Club, Liberty Tax Service, Coatesville Cheerleaders, Sweetest Taboo, Ethel Rose Restaurant, Run C’ville, Papa’s Kettle Corn, Castle Windows, Adrianne McCain Jewelry, Chester County Hydrographics, Live Pure Chiropractic, CCIU Head Start, Senator Andrew Dinniman, Apple Frankie, Chester County Operations Industrialization Center and Coatesville Parents Music Club, helped offset costs.
Ann Morroney, President of Coatesville Parents Music Cub (CPMC), along with other volunteers, sold customizable Coatesville shirts, hats and other merchandise made by Innovation Design, LLC. They also held a raffle for 17 prize baskets that were donated by local businesses. “CPMC helps fund all music programs throughout the district but mainly focuses on the Meistersingers and the marching band.” Morroney further explained, “The money we raise at this event will go toward instruments that are in need of repairs.”
Coatesville Parents Music Club was one of the vendors featured at the event. Pictured: Ann Morroney, CPMC President
The Harrisburg Corvette Club had several Corvettes open and on display. Along with their impressive cars, they gifted 24 brand new bicycles and helmets to children in the community; five were raffled off Saturday and the rest were awarded based on applications submitted to Renee Carey, secretary of the Corvette Club.
As the hot, sunny afternoon turned into a clear and cool evening, the Corvettes headed back to Harrisburg, the water slide and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Minions and Frozen – themed moon bounces were taken down. Live music from local recording artist Walt Anderson, the band Red Alert and The Golden Tones gospel group provided entertainment for the crowd. A fire breather from Edwards Events and Entertainment showed off his exciting talent as all awaited the much anticipated fireworks display at dusk close out the fun-filled, successful day.
Local recording artist Walt Anderson, greeting fans as he performed just before the fireworks display at Gateway Park. Photo credit: DeLois Hunt
Coatesville resident Tayjha Brown said “It’s nice to have a day in the community for everyone to come together – it’s a good thing.”
