Pottstown saw a huge number of people gather to enjoy National Night Out at two equally successful celebrations, one at the park at Chestnut and Washington streets and the other at Trinity Reformed UCC Church at King and Hanover streets, writes Evan Brandt for The Pottstown Mercury.

Fun and sometimes unexpected displays were at both events, ranging from a custom-built hearse pulled by a motorcycle to a pair of “Trojan Men-in-training” learning the ropes of mascot-ship.

“People don’t go out and do things with each other as much anymore,” said William Pifer-Foote, interim pastor of Trinity UCC. “So something like this is great; it says we’re all here.”

At Trinity, visitors had the chance to register to vote, receiving a slice of delicious chocolate zucchini bread and other treats in return. They were also informed on issues ranging from stopping gun violence to learning more about the Latin festival planned for Sept. 4 in Riverfront Park.

At Chestnut Street, Judy Memberg, executive director of Genesis Housing, and Erika Hornburg-Cooper, head of ArtFusion 19464, talked about their new joint project. It will turn the former Fecera’s furniture warehouse on Beech Street into apartments for artists and the new home for the art center.

“We can rebuild every house in a block, but if we don’t rebuild relationships among neighbors, than we haven’t revitalized the neighborhood,” said Memberg.

Read more about festivities in The Pottstown Mercury by clicking here.