Rain forces Titan Marching Band to drop out of New Willy Day parade

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. –The rain challenged organizers of the second annual “New Willy Fest” in the borough on Saturday in the borough's park.   The people behind the event call it a celebration of the community of New Wilmington.

Local vendors and musicians from around the area pulled out tarps and awnings to fight back the rain as they staged activities for kids, including face painting.  The regular Saturday farmers’ market was a draw for older guests.

"People have come out in full force," New Willy Fest organizer Beth Brooks said. "Everyone maintained good humor.  It's a gathering to love our town."

Raincoats and umbrellas populated New Willy Fest 2012.

Westminster mathematics professor Pamela Richardson braved the rain.  She says that New Willy Fest has plenty to offer college students.

“The organic produce, for example, I think it’s good to think about what you’re putting into your body,” Richardson said.  “Also, just some of the local flavor, shall we say, of New Wilmington, because it’s definitely an interesting community for a college campus.”

About 30 vendors were scheduled to set up at the festival, but due to poor weather, many had to back out of their commitment. The Westminster College marching band also had to cancel its performance for fear of damaging their instruments.

“We really look forward to playing for the community all the time,” Titan Marching Band member Laura Mink said.  “I was disappointed in the cancellation and it’s really a downer to not be able to this morning.”

Emily Raines Interview from WCN 24/7 on VIMEO on Vimeo.

Laura Mink at New Willy Fest from WCN 24/7 on VIMEO on Vimeo.

Nora Berner, also a faculty member at Westminster, helped to plan the event.  She believes that keeping a sense of community is very important.

“I think that that’s a value that’s really important to Westminster College,” Benrer said.  “So for students and people who come, I hope they just get a sense of working together, a sense of what it is to be a citizen.”

Organizers remained positive about the celebration in spite of the dreary weather.  They're already planning for next year's New Willy Fest.

"Aside from the fact that some of us are pretty cold and definitely wet I guess the human spirit prevails," Brooks said.