CUMRU TWP., Pa. – Nothing says summertime in southern Berks like the annual Governor Mifflin Community Days, and this one is 50 years in the making.
But it’s not time to celebrate just yet. In the Governor Mifflin Intermediate School parking lot, vendors are working overtime to get their stalls set up for the big day.
“The electrician is actually helping us out right now, helping us get power for, you know, refrigerators, freezers…” said Earl Kochel of Pip and Lilly’s food truck. He said it’s his fifth year at community days.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a beautiful day, you know, to be working,” Kochel said. He says that work is worth it.
“You have to come. I mean, it’s all the food, the rides, the weather, the atmosphere itself,” he said.
Donna Kramer and her husband have worked at community days since it’s first year.
“Just trying to get everything neat and tidy,” she said as she prepared her food ruck.
She says she’s not shocked the carnival has lasted this long.
“I would say it’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a community,” Kramer said.
Despite challenges like changing locations, Erich Cawalla has worked hard to keep his childhood carnival alive.
“It’s a major undertaking,” Cawalla, the president of the Greater Governor Mifflin League, said.
The celebration is nine days full of events, with a special fireworks show and “Abraham Lincoln” reciting the Gettysburg Address for July Fourth.
“It’s free. It’s free entertainment,” Cawalla said.
The festival hasn’t even started yet, but Cawalla is already planning for 50 more.
“I’m already in my head thinking about what we’re going to do next year,” he said.
The community days take place Friday, June 26, through Saturday, July 4.