On a picture-perfect fall day, Pocopson Township’s 10^th Annual Founders Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, wowed its relatively sparse crowds.

“Attendance is definitely down,” said Pocopson Township Supervisors’ Chairwoman Ricki Stumpo. “I’m not sure why. Maybe people got wind that this is the last one; maybe there are other things going on. All I know is that it’s a shame.”

But many of the several hundred visitors who enjoyed a wide range of family-friendly offerings at Pocopson Park were surprised when they heard that a celebration replete with moon bounces, Bingo games, pony rides, and pumpkin painting probably won’t occur in 2017.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell. “It’s a great event, and I’m always glad to come out and support it.”

Annalise Mulholland said she decided to bring her daughters Ella, 9 and Grace, 8, after her friend Kara Hofer gave a positive review of last year’s event. Hofer, who brought her 9-year-old son, Ryan, said they had attended Founders Day for the first time in 2015.

“It’s free, and so family-focused,” said Mulholland. “What a shame that it might not happen again.”

Supervisor Elaine DiMonte agreed. "Everyone's having a great time, and I could listen to that band for hours," she said, referring to Marlboro Road, a group of local musicians.

Many of the organizations that have participated for many years were equally disappointed.

Alan Pendlebury, a volunteer with LaMancha Animal Rescue, said his organization always brings a number of adoptable animals to Founders Day. He said LaMancha, a no-kill shelter, finds homes for more than 600 animals a year. In addition to inspiring people to visit the Unionville facility and give one of the animals a good home, events like Founders Day also help the nonprofit to increase its volunteer ranks, he said.

Regrettably, it’s a shortage of volunteers that’s driving the potential demise of Founders Day.

Colleen McKinney, who once shared the duties of the Founders Day chair with two other residents, found herself going solo. Earlier this year, she announced that this would be her final effort. She said the event, which takes the better part of a year to organize, needed more volunteers to step up, and many of McKinney’s relatives were tired of getting called into service at the last minute because others failed to show up.

“So far, no one has come forward,” McKinney said on Sunday as she wistfully surveyed the throngs of giggling children and happy parents. “Hopefully, some of the people who are having a good time today will take over.

“It’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful community event, but it has become so difficult to get help. I’m not sure what else we can do.”

 

 

 

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