Celebrating Independence Day with St. Mark's

St. Mark's again hosted hospitality tables on July 4, as a part of the city-wide celebration of Independence Day. Everyone who passed the Church was offered free food and drink by one of many volunteers stationed along the street.

This year was the biggest and best celebration St. Mark's has ever had. The word on the street is that St. Mark's is the place to be on Independence day. Volunteers were busy manning the tables from 5:30 until everything was eaten and drunk, and it was time for the fireworks.

How much did the revelers consume ............

500 bottles of water or cans of soda
gallons of ice tea and lemonade
250 packages of little snacks
pounds and pounds of candy
26 pounds of popcorn (probably more than 400 bags popped)
350 hot dogs (maybe more because many folks took one without a bun)
hundreds of trinkets and kiddy tattoos

Nick and Sean Buckman brought in sound equipment to broadcast the radio simulcast to the crowd outside. St. Mark's organist Jungwha Kim played a concert before the fireworks. Over 90 folks participated in the patriotic program in the nave with many more listening on the front lawn, thanks to the Buckman family broadcasting live.

The fireworks this year were beyond spectacular. They had folks standing and cheering.

People donated $433.60 to St. Anthony's Center. This too is an all time high.

Thanks to Pepsi Bottling Company of Williamsport for donating 10 cases of water and 10 cases of soda. Thanks also to the congregation for financially supporting the event and donating other food and supplies.

In all, a wonderful outreach to the community - thanks to all who helped out - especially that dynamo Becky Miller Pryer, whose efforts have ensured the continued success of this event.

Celebrating Independence Daywith St. Mark's

Celebrating Independence Day
with St. Mark's