Somerton prepares for 2nd annual Community Day

The Somerton Civic Association is at it again.

The organization will hold its second annual Community Day this Saturday, and after making some tweaks, members hope for an even more successful event than last year’s.

Like last year, businesses in the neighborhood will set up tables at no cost to provide information about their products and services and meet the neighbors. “Just bring a table and personnel,” SCA President Dolores Barbieri explained at Tuesday’s meeting. Though many businesses have already agreed to set up tables, those who want to participate Saturday still can.

This year’s event will be held at Boyle Playground at 13024 Stevens Rd. It’s a fitting location, as the SCA will donate $100 to the Daniel Boyle Scholarship fund. The organization will also donate $100 each in the names of Lt. Robert Neary, Firefighter Daniel Sweeney and Highway Patrol Officer Brian Lorenzo to the Fallen Heroes fund. All three died this year – Neary and Sweeney while battling a blaze in a vacant Kensington factory and Lorenzo in a crash on I-95.

Photos from the 2011 Somerton Community Day:

Barbieri was also excited to highlight the participation of Jane Dzierza. The Suburban Pharmacy [map] owner “does a lot for St. Christopher’s,” Barbieri said of the business’ affiliation with the school. The pharmacy has managed to stay open for several generations despite the growing presence of large chain drugstores in the neighborhood.

Local businesses and politicians have pitched in, offering soft pretzels, beverages and water ice at no cost to guests. Residents will only have to pay for hot dogs, with the money going back into the playground. Worried it’ll be too cold for water ice? The SCA is planning for a beautiful day, and even pushed the date back from last year’s early September event after many complained about the heat.

Like last year, residents can expect raffles, door prizes and entertainment for the kids, as well as performances by the Andalusia Jug Band, Conestoga Steppers, Ovations Dance Academy and a barber shop quartet.

The Somerton Community Day events will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.