Deshong Park Commemoration Day Saturday

Chester, PA – The 1^st Deshong Park Commemoration Day (DPCD) will take place Saturday September 28, 2013 at Deshong Park - 11^th Street & Avenue of the States entrance and other locations in downtown Chester 10:30 -5pm..  The DPCD is also part of the Delaware County Month celebration and is being presented by the City of Chester in collaboration with Widener University, Pennsylvania Humanities Council, and Chester Arts Alive!. 

DPCD is the celebration of the generous gifts of Alfred O. Deshong to the Chester City and its community.  DPCD will highlight the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the city of Chester and its surrounding communities.  This festival will bring the residents of Chester and Delaware County together, old and young, on the property intended as Deshong’s legacy to the city and its people.  This commemoration will establish an annual event that will attract people from the entire region to Chester as part of the city’s revitalization efforts as outlined in the Chester Vision 2020 plan. 

 The activities include a special Chester and Delaware County historical play by Hedgerow Theater and Chester community residents, written and directed by Penelope Reed.  The play is entitled "Dream -- and We Can Make it Happen".  A “History of Chester” talk will follow the play.  This presentation will take place at the Chester City Community Room - 10:30-11:30AM.  Twyla Simpkins, Executive Director of the Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center (YWCACC) and Deloris Freeman, Executive Director  of NIA Center, will present an exhibit and slideshow - “Chester and Deshong Park Eras –Then & Now” at the YWCACC 10AM-2PM. Pennsylvania Humanities Council is a sponsor for both the play as well as the exhibit and slideshow presentation. 

The commemoration activities at Deshong Park will begin at 12:30PM with an African Drum, Dance, and Stilt Walker group, joining Mayor Linder along with Chester and surrounding communities for a symbolic “cultural walk” from 9^th to 11^th Street on the Avenue of States to “clear the path” for “Spiritual Rebirth, Restoration, and Celebration”.  At 1PM Mayor Linder will present and read a Proclamation that will institutionalize “Deshong Park Day” to be an Annual Event.  The celebration will continue with the "Dream -- and We Can Make it Happen" Play,  music (featuring DOC Gibbs with friends & ANIYA Jazz Band) performances, visual arts exhibition, including a “Clothes Line Art” display of Children’s Art, games, Food & Craft vendors, activities for the youth and a “picnic in the park”.  This day will also honor our “Deshong Park Seniors”.

For more information please call Ashli Rice at 571.214.9678. An itinerary with schedule and photos for performances and activities will be emailed separately.