The 17th annual Spirit Day celebration promises to bring Minersville residents together in style.
On Sunday, the borough will turn out its best from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with attractions and foods galore.
The annual free event has been attracting growing numbers of people since it began and is considered a way for the community to reconnect with each other.
This year's theme is "Celebrating Minersville Musical Talent," said Jerry Sitkus, an event organizer. In that vein, honorees will include The Joe Misti Orchestra, The Other Side and Bobby Owsinski. The main honoree will be Al Barnes, a local businesman, who Sitkus said "has done much for Spirit Day." The Minersville Little League Girls' All-Star Team will also be honored for finishing second in the State Softball Tournament.
The musical entertainment has been expanded this year to include soloists like Reiley Lonergan, Kayla Sabol, Kailyn Fitzpatrick, Katrina Calvin, Leilani Chesonis and Kane Heffron, who will entertain beginning at 11 a.m. on Third Street.
The honoring ceremonies will start later in the afternoon on the platform at the High Rise on North Street, Sitkus said.
"It will be attended by several dignitaries. I believe Argall, Holden and others," Sitkus said.
There will be music and dancing all day, he added, with country line dancing, performances from The Shoreliners Polka Band, Jem Sapphire Unplugged, Cressona Band and more.
"It's a place to meet old friends and make new ones," said Anna Kubilis, organizer. "It's a homecoming and a celebration of home and community."
Kubilis is chairwoman of the Minersville Business and Professional Association, which sponsors the event. The MBPA's mission statement is "Dedicated to helping all churches, fire companies, school and civic organizations raise the funds they so badly need to achieve their mission." This event is one way in which that happens.
The numerous organizations that participate will hold raffles and fundraisers as well as cook their famous delicacies. A huge themed basket auction and homemade foods, including ethnic fare and homemade soup, are always star attractions. There will be plenty to keep the children entertained, including games and rides.
For more information, call Kubilis at 570-544-6027.
