Friends of the previously abandoned Edgewood Historic Cemetery at 989 E. High Street, Pottstown, again are planning a community clean-up for Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year Hobart’s Run and Edgewood Cemetery organizers want to breathe new life into the 12-acre site not only by weeding and planting flowers but also by hosting an Art Fair during the clean-up event. 

The event is being billed as “Edgewood Eddie’s Art Fair and Cemetery Clean-up” in tribute to the handsome hawk who lives at the cemetery and frequently makes his appearance, perching on tombstones or looking over the grounds from one of the trees.  Area artist and photographer Bronwyn DeMaso has given Eddie his name.  She has frequently captured him with her lens.

The fair will serve as a fundraiser for the Cemetery maintenance fund used to cover the site’s annual $16,000-$20,000 mowing fees. 

The group’s goal also is to bring some joyful community spirit to the grounds

Interestingly, in days past cemeteries were used for outdoor family events like picnics and other social gatherings.  

The Edgewood friends would love to see Pottstown residents appreciate and use the cemetery’s park-like setting – and the Art Fair, they hope, will attract families to the venue, even if they can’t assist with gardening and other tasks.

As noted on the flyer, artists may set up a table for a nominal fee of $25.  If they’d like to donate an item for the raffle also benefiting the maintenance fund, it would be very much appreciated.  Other raffle donations are welcomed, and appropriate masking ands social distancing is appreciated.

To donate a raffle item, email volunteer Cathy Skitko at cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org or text 610-906-7872.

Table reservations may be made by sending a check for $25 to Edgewood Historic Cemetery c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown, PA or using the Edgewood Historic Cemetery PayPal account. 

Art Fair questions can be directed to DeMaso at 484-235-7875. 

Volunteers with questions should contact Edgewood’s President, Andrew Monastra, at 484-459-5412.