By Rick Dandes
The Daily Item
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ELYSBURG — A piece of Americana is the best way to describe Ralpho Township All Home Days, the small-town Labor Day weekend celebration that annually draws more than 10,000 people to the Ralpho Township Community Park.
It began in 1919, as Elysburg honored veterans coming home from World War I.
“Since then,” said Melissa Snarski, commission president, “it’s grown into a large community event that brings families together, year after year. It’s the last big blowout of the summer, and even people who’ve moved away come back home for this three-day party.”
Veterans still are a key element of the celebration, especially in a year when Iraqi combat veterans are coming home, Snarski said. There will be approximately 4,000 flags on display that express gratitude for their service.
The theme of this year’s celebration is hometown pride, with highlights that include a crafts show, mini marathon, car show, karaoke, sumo wrestling — a crowd favorite — and a three-day horseshoe tournament.
“We seem to grow larger every year,” Snarski said, attributing the growth, at least partially, to the economy. “People are staying closer to home on their time off, it seems.”
The All Home Days parade starts the celebration Saturday at the Elysburg Alliance Church parking lot. The procession ends at the township community park. The theme of the parade is “Musical Memories.”
Scott Kramer is one of the parade organizers.
“It began 91 years ago as a pet and baby parade,” he said, “and we’ve tried to retain some of that feel. Now we have local businesses and organizations, like our Masonic lodge and Rotary club involved. Kids are still very much encouraged to participate.”
Anyone interested in being in the parade can sign up online or on Saturday.
“One of the things I most like about the parade,” Snarski added, “is that we give away prizes for best pets, costumed individuals and groups, small floats and wagons, large floats and bikes.”
Snarski, who has been on the planning committee for 15 years, said she was concerned that hurricane Earl might hug the coast and bring rain. “I’ve had one rain-out in 15 years,” she said with a laugh while crossing her fingers. But weather forecasters are predicting cool, sunny weather beginning Saturday.
The events run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day Monday. Admission is free, and there is free parking. For a schedule and information, visit www.allhomeday.org.
