Roxborough Spring Festival expands as part of America 250 celebrations

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Roxborough's annual Spring Festival is set to be one of the neighborhood's largest yet, becoming an official anchor event in the city's yearlong America 250 celebrations.

The neighborhood is one of 20 selected to receive support through the mayor's Ring It On! initiative.

Jax Cusack, Executive Director of the Roxborough Development Corporation, said the backing has helped broaden the scope of this year's event.

"Mayor Parker's initiative has been really supportive in making this event bigger and more inclusive in our community than ever before," Cusack said. "That means expanding the number of vendors to over 100, and bracing for up to 4,000 more visitors than the usual 6,000 the turnout."

As in previous years, the Spring Festival will be paired with the Rockin' the Ridge Car Show.

The neighborhood's newly unveiled Liberty Bell art installation will be featured, and the city plans to add America 250 branded park benches and street banners.

Organizers say the celebration carries special meaning for Roxborough.

"Not only did we kick off in 1976, but Gorgas Park, up the street from where we're standing will be part of the event next week," Cusack said. "It's great to come 50 years later and celebrate the birth of our nation in Roxborough."

The free festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.