Your Local Guide to a Fun Fourth (with Fireworks)!

Looking for fun ways to celebrate our nation's independence right here at home? Look no further! We've gathered the info on all the best local parades, fireworks displays and other family fun for the week. If you have any comments to share such as great, low-traffic viewing places for fireworks, be sure to comment below or on our Facebook page.

Start your Independence Day celebration a day early! On July 3rd, take in the fireworks at Sutcliffe Park in Conshohocken (West 9th Street and Freedley Street). The fun begins at 5:30pm with children's activities, food, and fun. Fireworks begin at dusk.

On the fourth, the options are plentiful!

North Wales Borough’s Fourth of July Parade and Picnic will be held on Wednesday with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. at Action Karate (the former First Niagara Bank building) on Main Street to Summit Street to end at Weingartner Park. A picnic in the park will follow afterwards. Enjoy music, games, prizes, food and more.

In Upper Salford... The 24th annual Red, White & Blue parade sponsored by the Upper Salford Citizens Group will line up on Potato Road at 9:15AM and proceed at 10AM down Old Skippack Road to the Upper Salford Firehouse where refreshments will be available.

In new Britain Township... The annual parade begins at 9:30am. The route runs from Towne Center (Route 202/Giant), travels 202 South to 152 North and ends at North Branch Park on Park Avenue. You'll see marching bands, scout troops, antique cars, decorated floats, fire trucks and more! For more information, contact Angela at apomeisl@newbritaintownship.org or at 215-822-1391.

In Skippack Village... The annual parade begins at 11am. A BBQ will be held at Parc Bistro at 3pm. Vendors, crafters, and live music start at 6pm in Palmer Park. Fireworks at dusk in Palmer Park. Parking available off of Heckler Road and Creamery Road.

In Doylestown... From Noon to 5:00pm, you can experience “the good-old days” at the Fonthill Museum's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Doylestown. Festivities include a decorated bike parade, a town ball game (19th-century baseball), a watermelon eating contest, free old-time games and live music. Food available. Admission: $4 adults, $2 members, $1 youth (age 5-17) , Free for children 4 and under! For more information, call 215-348-9461 or email: fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org.

In Abington... Parade begins at 4pm at the VFW Post 676 (Roslyn Ave.) and ends on Keswick Ave. A $15,000 fireworks display will light up the sky at 9pm at the Abington HS / JHS athletic fields!

In Norristown... Visit Elmwood Zoo on the 4th (10am-5pm) and receive a special admission rate of only $4! Enjoy animal encounters, food, games, moon bounce, giveaways, and much more fun with the family! Outside the zoo, a 4th of July parade and festivities kickoff at 10 a.m. Enjoy a variety of bands, antiques cars, antique trains, local organization groups and more move from Main and DeKalb streets to Elmwood Park on Harding Avenue. Vendors, activities, games, inflatables and live entertainment will continue throughout the day. Fireworks will be set off at dusk. Visit www.norristown.org for more info.

Other Fun this Week:

Visit Elmwood Zoo at a discount. On July 1st, Lansdale Borough residents are cordially invited to visit the zoo and enjoy discounted admission and memberships. (North Wales residents are invited to do the same on July 29th.)

In Ambler... The annual Kiwanis Carnival will feature all your favorite rides and food. The carnival at Wissahickon High School will run Tuesday, July 3 through July 7, with fireworks scheduled for Friday, July 6 beginning around 9 p.m. The carnival will be open 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

The Guarding of the Liberty Bell Encampment Event will be held Saturday and Sunday beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. at Rising Sun Inn, 898 Allentown Road, Telford. Witness the arrival of the troops as they march into camp with their wagons, horses, and the crated Liberty Bell. You are invited to dine with the troops in the RSI Barn Saturday at 6 p.m. for $15 per person and Sunday at 12 p.m. for $10 per person. All proceeds from the meals benefit local Scouts organizations. For information visit www.risingsuninn.net.

If you happen to be spending the holiday elsewhere in the Philly metro area, we'd recommend one of these two fireworks listings: 6ABC or Philly.com.

Souderton is the Place to Be Tomorrow!

Do you "love a parade"? How about outdoor festivals with music, games, food, fun, and friendly-faces? Fireworks, anyone? How about a beauty contest where the best beard and best period costume are the ticket to win? Perhaps a bike decorating contest for all ages is more your speed?

Souderton is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year and tomorrow the celebration will be HUGE!

Yes, yes, I know. Souderton does not fall within the boundaries of the North Penn School District. But, anyone who has been following NPUT for a while knows that, when special events come up that are worth the drive, I make exceptions. Such is the case this weekend. (And, really, Souderton isn't that far!)

What originally drew my attention to these festivities is the Chestnut Street Playground Community Block Party that is the crown jewel in a weekend-long celebration. You may remember the recent post about the "New Special Needs Accessible Playground in the Works" which will be a wonderful place for many so families in the greater Bucks-Mont region.
Here is a quick rundown of events for tomorrow:

The Bike Decorating Contest starts at 10AM. The registration and judging will be at the Univest Plaza located at Main & Broad Streets.

Beginning at 11AM, the 125th Anniversary Parade will be staging at Grace Bible Church on Main Street. The parade will proceed down Main Street to East Broad Street and finish at School Lane.

Best of all, the Chestnut Street Playground Community Block Party starts at 11AM! The fun will be located at Wile Avenue & West Chestnut Street. North Penn Under Ten is pleased to be a participant in the Block Party which is raising funds for the Chestnut Street Playground Project.  

The Block party will feature 100 vendors with food, carnival games, and giveaways. Plus, a dunk tank, moon bounces, DJ, live band, fire truck rides, face painting, fire juggler (woah!), and more!

Bring your appetite and enjoy pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, water ice, funnel cakes, BBQ pulled pork, "sausage grillers" from Leidys, Rita's water ice, Kona shaved ice, Coldstone Creamery ice cream, baked goods table, ice tea, chocolate milk and lemonade from Lehigh Valley Dairy, root beer floats, and smoothies!

If all that isn't enough for you, return to Souderton Sunday night for Concert Sundaes in the Park at 7PM in the Souderton Community Park for a fantastic firework display following the Concert Sundaes performance by The John Hoey Swing Band.

Hope to see you tomorrow!!

Register Now: Mad Science for Preschoolers, Boxing for Grade Schoolers & Much, Much More!

There are a TON of great camps, classes and other programs available to kids in the North Penn area. Don't believe me? Check out the "Programs" tab at NorthPennUnderTen.com. The "Healthy Body" tab alone lists more than a dozen places where kids can learn and practice sports from lacrosse to fencing to wrestling and even boxing (ages 8 to 14)! Coming soon, the "Healthy Spirit" tab will include a listing of Vacation Bible Schools. (Have one to add, please email me.)

But, one class you can find under the "Healthy Minds" tab deserves special mention. Registration is now open for a Mad Science class for preschoolers through Hatfield Township. This unique and fun-filled program is also a great bargain at three 45-minute classes, once per week for only $36! Your budding scientist can enjoy hands-on experiences with polymers, stellar space and the physics of water in the air conditioned comfort of the Hatfield Township Municipal Building Community Room. Parks and Recreation Director, Nancy Stock says, "It’s also appealing to the guardians bringing their young ones to class, judging from input our first two years of hosting it." Here is a short-cut to the "Programs" tab so you can find more information on this any many other great township-sponsored programs.

Guest Post: To Move or Not to Move?

To Move or Not to Move?

That certainly is the question for most young and growing families. How much space is enough? What are the major differences in prospective school districts? Do we move before the baby comes or wait until the kids are older? For most of us, these are but some of the questions we ask when considering a move for our young families.

In my real estate practice, I have had the opportunity to work with many families that pondered these same questions. I’ve had many families opt to move and a few who have decided to stay put. Many of my discussions with families have brought to light useful information – so let’s take a look at some of the  motivating factors.

To Move...

We asked a few simple questions to previous clients about what made them make the move.

What was the biggest factor in choosing your new home?
For nearly every family, more space was the most common answer given with better school districts a close second. One buyer, Wendy from Harleysville, said, "We felt very strongly about being in a neighborhood (preferably a cul-de-sac) ... we felt this would be more kid-friendly".

Did you talk to your child/children about the move? How was it taken and how was it conveyed?
With the exception of newborns and toddlers, every family found a way to include their child in the process and had great ideas to make the move smoother for the kids. Some ideas included letting a child pick his/her bedroom, new toys to celebrate the move, keeping paint colors the same as current bedrooms or living spaces and making sure to schedule play dates with friends from old neighborhoods. Most parents said they sat their children down at some point to say that they were buying a new house. Those conversations focused on the positives; new house, new school, bigger bedroom, finished basement, bigger backyard, etc.

If children were not in the equation, would you have moved?

If so, how would your decision-making process be different? This question brought a wide range of responses. Most parents dreamed of the days before kids and all of the free time they once wasted away. When the daydreams ended, a majority of buyers said they still would have moved. The couples that would have moved with or without having kids mostly said they would have focused on different things. A few were very forthcoming in stating they probably would have stretched more financially to get everything they wanted in a home.

Not to Move...

You already have children or are expecting, why did you stay put?
Nearly every couple came to the same conclusion here, finances. Some didn't want to extend themselves with a new baby or one on the way. Others wanted to really grow capital and wait until their children were closer to school age.

Now that the new baby is here are you happy you chose to stay put?

Most families mentioned they are very happy but acknowledged they will soon need more space.

Have you decided to use money you saved for a down payment for something other than purchasing a home?

Some from this group said yes. Because they had considered moving and were saving, some families used those funds to keep one parent home with the kids for a longer period of time. One family made a lot of improvements to their home instead. Most stated they continued saving to have more flexibility when it comes time to move.


Most of you have probably considered making a move or will need to as your family grows. It would be great to hear some input from others that have crossed that bridge and what factors led to your decisions. Feel free to provide comments or feedback about your experiences. We (North Penn Under Ten and I) would also like to know what other topics you may be interested in hearing about.

Bob Kelley is a licensed Realtor and has been serving the North Penn area for eight years. If you are interested in his services or a consultation, please contact Bob directly at BKelley@Century21.com or 215-855-8424 x139. You can always view updated listings at www.NorthPennListings.com.

Local Summer Reading Incentives!

Looking for ways to motivate a reluctant reader or reward a little bookworm? Several local libraries and stores can help!

Lansdale Library: Summer Reading Program offers prizes for books read between June 18th and August 17th. Register on-line!

North Wales Library: Each Wednesday from June 27th through August 29th will be a special event day at the library. Visit the library to earn special reading awards each week.

Indian Valley Public Library: Compete against the librarians - who will read more, the kids who visit the library or the adults who work there? Sign-up on-line and log your reading now!

Wissahickon Valley Public Library (Blue Bell & Ambler): Register on-line and log your reading time to win prizes. Special library events throughout the summer.

Horsham Township Library: Register in person and visit the library often for special events throughout the summer, as well!

TD Bank: Read 10 books, earn $10! (Must have or open an account.)

Barnes & Noble: Read 8 books, get one free!

HEB (mail-in): Read 10 books, get a free t-shirt. (Don't want a free t-shirt? Donate it!)

Pottery Barn (Kind of Prussia): Now through August 22nd, when a child 10 or under completes one of Pottery Barn's reading lists they will receive a free book.

Also, don't forget that some school libraries in the North Penn district will be open this summer, as well.

Make a special trip to a new library you've never been to before!

Happy Summer Reading to all!

NPSD 2012 Summer Library Program Starts Next Week!

Looking for something fun to do with your kids this summer to help stave off that dreaded "summer brain drain"?

Well, some North Penn elementary school libraries are offering exactly that!

This summer, the libraries at Gwynedd Square and Hatfield elementary schools will be open to students on select days during June and July.

All current North Penn elementary students and their family members are welcome to visit the libraries on the scheduled days/times. Students should bring their special summer library cards, which were distributed at the end of the school year. (Misplaced it? No worries. You can also sign-up when you arrive.)

Incoming kindergarteners and other younger children may have received one at New Family Orientation or their school's Open House. If not, they may obtain one at their first visit to the library. What a great way to squelch new school anxiety by forming positive thoughts about all the fun elementary school will have to offer!

Homeschoolers within the district are also eligible to participate and can either obtain a library card by visiting the NPSD District Office or at their first visit to the library.

Additionally, anyone may visit any school library regardless of which school they attend (or will attend).

Operating hours, addresses, and other specifics as provided by the NPSD summer library program webpage are as follows: 

Gwynedd Square Elementary School  

1641 Supplee Road, Lansdale, PA 19446   

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 26th, July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th


Hatfield Elementary School
1701 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA 19440
Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
June 28th, July 5th, July 12th, July 19th, and July 26th

Students and adults interested in volunteering in North Penn School District’s Summer Library Program may contact Stacey Morettini at 215-853-1047. 

Meet the North Wales MOMS Club This Wednesday!

Are you...
a part-time stay-at-home mom? 
a full-time stay-at-home mom?
a part-time work-at-home mom?
a full-time work-at-home mom?
a summertime at-home mom?
a temporarily at-home mom?

There are so many options for parents today and, most of the time, it seems like our generation has it made in terms of all of the choices we have. Other times, it feels like no one else can understand our particular situation and being an at-home parent can be a bit lonely...or frustrating. Or really fun, but could be more fun if shared with someone else! You get the idea (and you've already heard me ramble about what my own moms' group means to me)!

If you live in North Wales and are wondering whether the MOMS Club might be fun for you, here's an event you won't want to miss:

This Wednesday morning, join the North Wales MOMS Club at 9:30am at Windlestrae Park (parks map). Meet other local moms and learn about the club. As always, children are welcome. No RSVP is necessary. Just come and enjoy a nice morning at the park with other local moms.

Answering Kid's Tough Spiritual Questions

You know those questions your kids ask you that really stump you? Not the toughies like "Why is the sky blue?" or "How does electricity work?" that a quick Google search can bail you out of. But the ones that really make you struggle, scratch your head and hope inspiration will strike quickly so you can manage to string some words together that will make sense and actually help your child to better understand and grow in our world.

I'm thinking of the ones like "Why does [stranger in grocery store] have [any sort of difference]?" or "Why did [insert bad thing here] have to happen to [insert loved one here]?".

If your child has stumped you with any of these questions and you're looking for some advice, you may be interested in this:

Pastor Gary Knerr of Christ United Methodist Church in Lansdale, who happens to be a father of two, will be giving a sermon series beginning July 8th at both the 8:30 and 10:45 AM services that addresses these types of questions and offers advice on how to address them.

If you have questions of your own to add, or want to learn more, you may email Pastor Knerr directly or call the church office at 215.855.1643. Or, simply stop in. The sermon series will run several weeks depending up on how many questions are submitted.

~*~

Also... North Penn Under Ten is currently compiling a list of Vacation Bible Schools in our area that have openings still available. Please email us with the dates and location of any VBS programs and they will be added to the list on the NPUT website under "Programs", "Healthy Spirit". Thank you!

Free Kindergarten Go-Kart Rally at Arnold's

Wow. Where was this when I was a kindergartener? How fun!  


Parents of 5 and 6 year olds... there's still time to register your child for Arnold's Family Fun Center's first-ever Kindergarten Kart Rally on Friday, June 22. It's FREE to register and FREE to participate!

Local Paper Names Jumpin' Jack's Area's Best Party Place

Well, we've always known it was an outstanding local attraction, but The Reporter has just named Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center the area's Best Birthday Party Place. The honor comes just as Jumpin' Jack's staff is celebrating their first year of operation. Pretty impressive!

 Perhaps it is thanks to special programming such as the new Sensory Bounce offered for children with sensory needs, including autism, sensitivity to lights and loud/sudden noises or a sensory processing disorder held on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.! (Yes, that includes tonight!)

Or perhaps it is due to the little things that only a manager who is also a parent can properly prioritize such as cleanliness, a snack bar with healthy choices, and a staff that is both personable and mature.

Congratulations, Jumpin' Jack's! Thank you for the joy and memories you have already created for the North Penn community in this first year. We hope that you will be a part of our children's lives for many years to come!

Photos and Videos of Saturday's NPUT Birthday Bash!

"I am NPUT". Are you?

Over two hundred parents and children gathered at the Towamencin Fire Hall this past Saturday to help North Penn Under Ten celebrate its second birthday and to meet with local providers of party services.

Each family received a sturdy, reusable "goody" bag filled with coupons, small toys and other trinkets, as well as a wealth of information useful to families with young children. Flyers and brochures from area parents' support organizations, birthday party venues, and even information on summer camps and year-round programs filled the bags. Each individual, both young and young at heart, was also given a raffle ticket upon entering the hall. Hundreds of dollars worth of prizes were awarded that day, divvied up between three lucky families who had the good fortune of holding the right raffle tickets. Two winners had traveled from Perkasie and Norristown to attend the fair and were sure they glad they did!

Card making with The Giving Tree Families.

The Giving Tree Families brought along supplies and helped children make birthday cards that will be delivered to local area nursing homes.

Zeigler's Beverage Company was on-hand with samples of several of its delicious products, as well as coloring pages featuring the beloved mascot, Zig.

Story time with Harleysville Books.

Speaking of Zig, the apple man himself made an appearance, as did Jack the kangaroo from Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center. Corduroy the bear accompanied Harleysville Books owner, Shelly Plumb, for the bookstore-sponsored story time. Even Arnold's Family Fun Center unveiled a table-top sized plush model of their brand-new, never-before-seen mascot, Arnie the Alligator.

The highlight for onlookers and mascots alike was surely during the Milestones in Music playtime when Zig and Jack were seen dancing along with Miss Judy and friends. Here's a clip of the two as they ham it up!

Wondergy Founder, Ken Fink.

Wondergy engages the crowd.

Mid-way through the morning, Wondergy Science Edutainment took the stage and wowed the children (and parents!) in attendance with chemistry lessons so fun and visually impressive that nearly all of the children from age three years on up to middle-school age stayed entranced for the entire hour-long show! Did they even realize the valuable lessons they were learning when they watched and shouted out their answers about balloons shrinking and expanding, liquid nitrogen appearing to...disappear? Who knows and, as a parent myself, who cares! The passion, knowledge and charisma exhibited by founder, Ken Fink, and the enthusiastic reaction of the children were awe-inspiring. It was a beautiful thing to see children so excited and enthralled by such a worthwhile show (click here for a video clip).

Kona Ice of Schwenksville

Kona Ice of Schwenksville arrived with the cleanest, newest frozen novelties truck anyone had ever seen just as the day was starting to heat up. Owner Pat Hoffman graciously gave free cups of shaved ice that grateful children and adults were able to flavor any way they liked.

Gymboree Play & Music

Once we were all refreshed, it was time to boogie with Gymboree Play and Music of Montgomeryville (see the video here).

Motivation Music Center

As the morning came to a close, a live performance by Motivation Music Teacher, Dave Cunningham, whose vocal and acoustic guitar performance was a hit with children and parents alike. Several children joined in the fun, keeping the beat with small shakers.

Stuff the Bus Donations

As with any North Penn Under Ten sponsored event, attendees were encouraged to bring along an item to donate to a particular non-profit endeavor. This time the recipient of NPUT readers' generosity was the North Penn United Way. Visitors brought pencils, erasers, books, notebooks and 3-ring binders to help kick-off the 2012 Stuff the Bus campaign.

More photos are available on the North Penn Under Ten Facebook page.

It will be seven months before NPUT holds another event of its own. The 2nd Annual Early Learning Expo (formerly the Preschool Expo) will take place on Saturday, January 5, 2013. In the meantime, families can find plenty of local resources and an abundance of fun at www.NorthPennUnderTen.com!

A Sneak Peek at Tomorrow's Birthday Bash Fun!

Wondering what to expect tomorrow at the Birthday Bash & Party Expo? Have all those photos I posted on Facebook today intrigued you? :)

Here's the list of exhibitors, door prizes, refreshments and fun you've been waiting for!

(Why a list? Because there is so much planned for tomorrow that, if I rattled on in my usual manner, this post would put you to sleep!)

See you soon!!!

Schedule of Events:

Music and Movement Playtime with Milestones in Music at 10:10, 11:10, and 12:30.

Storytime with Harleysville Books at 10:30.

Door prizes awarded at 10:50 and 12:50.

Playtime with Gymboree Play & Music at 12:55.

Live Music (let's dance!) from the Motivation Music Center from 1:20 to 2:00.

Door prizes include: 

• Gift Certificates toward parties with My Little Cupcake, Wondergy Science Eduatainment, and Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center,
  
• A case of fresh assorted half-gallon juices from Zeigler's Beverage Company,
  
• Gift Certificates toward playtime or parties with BounceU and Arnold's Family Fun Center,
  
• A FREE party package from Kona Ice of Schwenksville!

Ongoing Fun:

Face Painting by Michelle

Card Making for Local Seniors with The Giving Tree

Coloring Time with Zeigler's Beverage Company

Stuff the Bus Collection for the North Penn United Way (Got school supplies? Bring 'em!)

Visit with Our Exhibitors:

Amerikick KarateStudios

Arnold’s Family FunCenter

Black Sheep Pottery

Face Painting by Michelle

The Giving TreeFamilies

Good Times Rental

Gymboree Play &Music

Harleysville Books

Jumpin’ Jack’sInflatable Playland & Party Center

Kathy’s Just Desserts/ Kitchen Wizards

Kona Ice ofSchwenksville

Milestones in Music

Motivation MusicCenter

The Mudshack

The North Penn YMCA

Wondergy ScienceEdutainment

Zeigler’s BeverageCompany 

Enjoy Some Refreshments:

Beverages by Zeigler’s Beverage Company

Fresh Popcorn from Good Times Rental

Free Flavor-Your-Own Shaved Ice from Kona Ice of Schwenksville from 1 - 2pm

Plus, if you're one of the first 200 families to arrive, you'll receive a goody bag (sturdy, reusable shopping bag to be accurate) filled with coupons, prizes and additional information on local party service providers and venues!

We'll see you tomorrow at Towamencin Fire Hall from 10am to 2pm!

Up Your Odds of Winning a Prize at the Birthday Bash While Helping Local Children!

North Penn Under Ten has received some AWESOME prizes that will be randomly awarded to some lucky families at this Saturday's Birthday Bash. In the coming days, you'll get some sneak peeks at them.

But, first... let's talk about the good that will come out of Saturday's event. Not only will you be able to gather information and have a really fun time, but you will also have a chance to help out local children, as well, because we'll be holding a collection for the North Penn United Way's Stuff the Bus campaign!

Consider it a birthday present for North Penn...Under Ten because your donation will help youth, many of which are under ten, here in North Penn to get a good start on the upcoming school year! (Clever, eh?)

So, take a look around your house or pop into the store between now and the Bash and bring in some of the following new items: Backpacks, Folders, Pack of Pencils and Erasers, 3 Ring Binders, Glue Sticks, Box or Two of Tissues, Small Pencil/Supply Box or Pouch, Colored Pencils and/or Crayons, Filler Paper, Scissors, Spiral Notebooks, or children's books.

For every item you donate, you'll receive an extra raffle ticket which means an extra chance to win one of the fabulous prizes! For every backpack you donate, you'll receive five extra tickets!!

Now, go gather up those items. We'll see you Saturday!!

Countdown to the NPUT Birthday Bash & Party Expo!

"Where's the most fun place to be this Saturday?" For nearly two years now, North Penn Under Ten has been here to answer that question for you. This week, the answer has never been more clear...

The North Penn Under Ten Birthday Bash & Party Expo, of course!

Presented by Milestones in Music

North Penn Under Ten will be turning two this month and we want you to celebrate with us!

Come enjoy refreshments, live entertainment, gather useful information on local party services and venues, and, as with any NPUT event, bring home some goodies and maybe even some prizes!

Watch for more info this week regarding the AWESOME door prizes that will be given to some lucky families and...learn how you can double your chances at winning one of them!