The 107th anniversary of the Allentown Summer Playground Program’s Romper Day will be celebrated on Monday, August 9 at 7 p.m. at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Romper Day marks the end of the summer playground season with traditional activities that celebrate its origin back in 1914.

Activities include track events, dance exercises from musical selections dating back more than 50 years, the traditional Maypole dance/weave, the flag drill, and a fitness competition with the Allentown Police Department.

The Playground Maypole Dance and Weave winners will be announced through the public address system along with the track champions, and the winner of the Percy B. Ruhe award. This award is given to the most outstanding boy and girl on the playgrounds who emulate the qualities recognized by Percy B. Ruhe.

Ruhe was known as the father of the city’s playground system. He was editor of The Morning Call newspaper for half a century until his retirement in 1960. Percy Ruhe Park at 1519 Oxford Drive is named in his honor.

Romper Day is sponsored by the City of Allentown, the Allentown School District, The Harry C. Trexler Trust and the Allentown Rotary Club.

The first Romper Day was held on August 28, 1914.

Approximately 400 children are registered for the summer program which is held at 19 playground sites across the city.

Rain date for the event is Tuesday, August 10.

For more information, please contact the City of Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation at 610-437-7750 or visit us at: www.facebook.com/AllentownParkandRec.
 
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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