Arts & Entertainment

Firebird Festival Draws Thousands to Phoenixville

In its eighth year, the festival attracted an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people to the 300 block of Bridge Street on Saturday night.

An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people flocked to downtown Phoenixville Saturday night to witness the burning and rebirth of the symbolic Firebird. 

The estimate comes from fire personnel who were on scene Saturday night for the 2011 Firebird Festival. Crowds packed into a parking lot next to the structure and streamed down Bridge Street to catch a glimpse of the giant bonfire. 

Emergency personnel said there was one medical emergency, but no serious injuries were reported during the festival. 

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Many in the crowd raved about the size of the 24-foot 2011 Firebird, which was named "Sylvia" and designed by Charles Segal. The bird was ignited shortly after 8 p.m., and crowds cheered as the fire lit up the sky—and provided warmth on a chilly evening. 

As the bird burned, the fire served to harden dozens of clay birds buried underneath, created in workshops held over the last few weeks. Clay bird makers picked up their creations Sunday afternoon after organizers dug the clay birds up and cleaned them off.

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Meant to represent the mythical Phoenix and celebrate the rebirth of Phoenixville, the Firebird Festival is in its eighth year. 

You can check out the photos above and also be sure to take a look at and submit your own photos and videos there. 

Later in the week, Phoenixville Patch will feature some videos from the festival. 


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