Sun and Fun in Northampton

Summer is here, and Northampton Township is already savoring the sun.

Community members and families in Northampton Township came out to the “Sun and Fun Fest” on the evening of June 6 to listen to live music, enjoy great food, play some games, and enjoy community bonding. 

Held at 475 Newtown Richboro Rd. in the Civic Center Basin, the event featured about fifteen food trucks, approximately thirty-five vendors, Broad Street Brewery, Triple Sun Distillery, free mini golf, two bands, slides, and pony rides. Approximately 3,000 people, families, kids, and adults of all ages, came out to witness the joy on what would be an otherwise ordinary Friday night.

Miss Kathy from New Groove Music Studio in Holland performed a children’s concert that had the kids dancing on the grass, and a band called Gonzo, featuring Joe MacClay, the principal of Holland Elementary School, as its lead singer, rocked out for all to listen.

Kristin Fullerton, Special Events Coordinator for Northampton Township Parks and Recreation, said this was the first “Sun and Fun” event, but the department plans to make it an annual tradition. Originally planned for the fall, the event was postponed due to a weekend full of rain, yet the rescheduled date was actually favorable.

“It turned out to be the perfect event to kick off summer, and we’re hoping to continue the tradition in the years to come,” Fullerton said. “We want to bring families, the community, and everybody together. It's really about creating meaningful events where we can all gather and to create something fun for everybody in the community.”

Fullerton and the Parks and Recreation Department wanted its community members to enjoy the fresh air. “I feel like so many people are inside now, and it’s important to get everyone, especially the kids, off of electronics, bring families out, have them laugh, and have a good time,” said Fullerton. 

Yet the event saw all ages coming together, and Northampton also welcomed neighboring townships to join with them.

“Our goal is to bring people of all ages out, from kids to seniors, to enjoy music, eat tasty food, and all just be together,” Fullerton said. “I think we definitely accomplished that last night!”

There was no fundraising, but since the Parks and Recreation Department is planning on making this an annual event, they will most likely start fundraising now for next year.

The event could not have been possible without the help of Township Manager Bob Pellegrino, Assistant Township Manager Bill Wert, the Northampton Police, the Fire Department, the Public Works Department, Tri-County EMS Services, the Parks and Recreation Staff, and the Board of Supervisors, and the Parks and Recreation Board. Council Rock United Soccer Association, Northampton Indians Football, and Northampton Baseball graciously gave up a night of play to support the Parks and Recreation Department’s use of the entire facility, which is where they practice and play ball.

As the sun set and the crowds dispersed, a strong spirit of community lingered. Northampton Township has plans to revive that spirit next year, gathering again under the sun, for the years to come.