Dogwood Festival Starts Monday Evening

It’s a tradition entering its sixth decade, and draws big crowds to Phoenixville.

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the Phoenixville Dogwood Festival presented by the Phoenixville Jaycees. The festival runs May 16 through May 21 at Reeves Park, and each night features entertainment and rides. The festival caps off with a parade on Saturday at 1 p.m.

According to the Dogwood Festival website, that parade is now the second largest in the entire county. Community groups with decked out floats will be part of it, along with music and dance groups and more.

The festival in Reeves Park features two “kiddie nights,” family-friendly fun where a wristband for the rides costs $20. The family nights will be on Mon., May 16 and Wed., May 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Another draw of the festival is the crowning of the prince and princess, which will take place on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. In addition, the Wally Heidelmark Community Service Scholarship will be presented.

The festival season kicked off with the 2011 Dogwood Pageant, where Dogwood Queen Courtney Wieland was crowned.

To see the full schedule of bands and entertainment or for more information on the 2011 Dogwood Festival, check out the Phoenixville Dogwood Festival website.