By Wendy Ward, Contributor
Pennington Day will be here soon to celebrate all that the town has to offer visitors and residents. The May 21 event is a festival for the town, a rite of spring and a blast for children, but there is a deeper meaning to the day.
Thanks to sponsors and the proceeds from the booth rentals, the Pennington Day organization annually grants funds to area individuals and nonprofits.
Pennington Day grants distribute thousands of dollars that go back into the community. Recipients range from Eagle Scout projects to volunteer fire departments. Last year, 15 grants were distributed to farmers, meals on wheels, performance groups and local business organizations just to name a few.
The deadline to apply for a grant is Friday, April 15, and Pennington Day would like to see projects get the funds they need. Apply at www.penningtonday.org/grants.
Grants will not be made for religious or partisan political purposes. Grant recipients will be notified on or before May 9 and funds will be presented at a ceremony during Pennington Day.
Circle Saturday, May 21, on your calendar to attend Pennington Day. There will be a new and colorful installation from Hopewell Valley Arts Council, two food courts, many vendors and the anticipated return of the popular Kid Zone.
When you head out that day and buy your cotton candy and your sausage sandwich, remember that all of the money gets filtered back into our wonderful community and adds to making this town a special and unique place to live.
Now in its 36th year, Pennington Day evolved from a community picnic organized in 1980 to raise funds for The Pennington School after a devastating fire. It has grown over the years into a polished, yet still community-sized event that continues its charter to give back and strengthen its community. The grant ceremony will be held during the festivities at the Crossroads Stage.
