Get Festive In the Name of History

After Thursday's heavy rains dissipated, many regarded a rainbow that appeared over the Huntingdon Valley Country Club as a sure sign.

“It’s a sign that the celebration will go well,” Renee Bates said with a smile. “And, there will be no rain during any of the Willow Grove 300 events.”

Bates, who is the captain of operations at , is also a member of a 21-person steering committee, tasked by Upper Moreland Township to organize the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial Celebration.

The celebration, which is also referred to as “Willow Grove 300,” honors the first settlers of Willow Grove and features more than 50 events - including a Loyalty Day Parade today at 2 p.m. - which continue through the third week in June.

Weeks and weeks worth of events

All the events featured in the Willow Grove 300 revolved around the theme, “A celebration of our past … A giant step into our future.“

According to steering committee member Tom Winterberg, who penned the celebration’s theme, the overall idea behind the Willow Grove 300 is to showcase the existing unity and pride for incoming businesses and families.

The events are further divided into themes of interest, including:

• History

Tours and lectures led by the  (next event takes place Wednesday at the township building in a lecture titled “From Manor of Moreland to 1887").

• Sports and Recreation

 (which took place at Masons Mill Park this morning)

• Civic and Volunteer

The Willow Grove Community Day (May 14 at Upper Moreland Intermediate School) and the Davisville Block Party (May 21)

• Retail and Commercial

Tri-Centennial Day at the Willow Grove Park Mall (May 19)

• Special Events

U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Team (May 10 at 7 p.m. at the Upper Moreland High School Football Stadium)

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit www.willogrove300.com.