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Event revived after controversy in Crafton

Event revived after controversy in Crafton

Like the fabled Phoenix rising from the ashes, Crafton will mark the rebirth of a longtime five-day community celebration, Crafton Celebrates, starting Saturday in Crafton Park.

Last year, for the first time in 32 years, the event was limited to July 4 fireworks. In 2005, a controversy with a local minister over alleged First Amendment violations led to the mass resignations of the 13-member Crafton Celebrates all-volunteer committee and cancellation of the 2006 event.

Councilman Jim Christman spearheaded last year's effort for donations to salvage at least the July 4 fireworks show. This year, he led a community effort that has resulted in a new 20-member committee composed of old and new volunteers.

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Crafton Celebrates was started in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial.

"I was confident that we could get it going again," said Mr. Christman, happy at the positive response it has received. "It's been a real learning experience."

To avoid a repeat of the controversy, an area of the park will be designated this year for groups or individuals wishing to distribute materials or information. In 2005, representatives of Crafton United Presbyterian Church distributed religious materials from a booth at the event.

"Since [Crafton Park is] a public area, such activities can't be prohibited," he said, noting that the Crafton Celebrates organization should have defined bylaws in place next year.

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"We are thrilled that the event is being held again," said Georgia Katzbeck, longtime church secretary the Crafton United Methodist Church that once again will be selling its popular funnel cakes. "It was missed by the church and by the community," she said.

Council President Ed Stewart explained that the annual event serves as a major fund-raiser for many borough organizations. The committee obtains operating capital for the event by assessing each participant who operates a booth 15 percent of its gross profits. This year 10 organizations are taking part. It costs approximately $20,000 to run the event.

New this year is a games of chance booth sponsored by the volunteer fire department. Children will be challenged and entertained by various inflatable activities like a Moon Walk, and an obstacle course will be provided by 3WS Radio on Tuesday.

"I look at it as a rebirth of the Crafton Celebrates program that will be shaped by new people and new ideas," Mr. Stewart said. "Jim Christman should be given a lot of credit for getting it started again."

"It has always been a fun event that brings the community together," said Mr. Christman. "I'm sure that this year's event will make everyone realize what they actually missed last year."

The event kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday starting on Bradford Avenue and ending in Crafton Park.

Booths open in the park at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and July 4. They open at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

There will be a petting zoo, a car cruise on Saturday, a firefighters' battle of the barrel, a water polo competition several evenings and a bowling tournament on Sunday on Crafton-Ingram Lanes.

Live bands will perform at 10:30 each night. The sixth annual Firecracker 5K run/walk will begin at 8 a.m. July 4.

Crafton Celebrates culminates at 9:30 p.m. July 4 with a fireworks display.

First Published: June 28, 2007, 9:45 a.m.

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