On Aug. 12, the Summer social, hosted by the Harrison Township Beautification committee, is set to return to the Township. The social fundraiser, which didn’t take place last year because of COVID, will be held at “The Spicer House” on Main Street.
“Last year because of COVID, we didn’t want to do it because we didn’t want to ask our local restaurants and local businesses to make a donation when they were trying to keep their doors open,” said Pat Settar, chairwoman of the committee.
Last year was the first time the event was skipped in over a decade.
The committee, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, holds the event annually to help keep the flowers and urns on Main street looking presentable.
“We put beautiful flowers in the urns on Main Street seasonally and it really makes Main Street look so much prettier,” explained Settar.
Local restaurants donate food for the event and through the fundraiser, the committee has been able to purchase park benches, flags and holiday lights to prepare for the Township’s “Lights on Main” celebration during the holiday season.
The social is annually held at Jeff Downs’ historic home that was built in 1748. Settar describes the location as “spectacular.”
“You’re just really just going to take in the most incredible gardens that you have ever seen,” said Settar.
Settar, who is a local Realtor, started partaking in the social event as a way to introduce herself to new people in town.
“It is a way to invite people out to meet other people in the community,” explained Settar. “You get to meet neighbors that maybe you didn’t get a chance to meet before.”
In 2019, the committee hosted an event in celebration of the township’s 175-year anniversary, which was attended by Mayor Louis Manzo.
“Mostly it’s about bringing together the community, enjoying the historic home right on Main Street and making a donation to Harrison Township’s beautification committee to improve the streetscape,” said Settar.
The social will be held on 76 S. Main St., from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $46 and can be purchased on eventbrite.
For more information about the event, visit the Harrison Township Beautification Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HTBeautify.
