By KATHRYN PIFF TOWNSEND

Special to The Press

Last April, when Katie Follweiler Schafer set out to plan a celebration for Kempton’s 150th year on Sept. 28, she wanted to highlight what she knew made Kempton a special place to live, work and grow up.

“I wanted to showcase how community-driven Kempton has been and continues to be,” Schafer said. “Today was about having the people who are first, second, third, fourth and even fifth generation, like my son, and new community members come out and enjoy the day.

“We want to encourage young people to get involved whether it be the fire company, the community center, the churches, or any of the various organizations present in our community.

“We want to inspire all who attend to continue the sense of pride in neighbors helping neighbors, to reach out and volunteer.

“Everything we do here in Kempton is done by volunteers; we care for each other; it’s central to our community.

“Lots of places are losing this and that’s unfortunate. It means everything to me.”

Despite the occasional misty rain, the event didn’t fail to inspire.

Kempton’s celebration kicked off with a grand parade at 1 p.m. featuring local businesses, organizations and several area fire companies.

The parade started at the Kempton Fire Company and ended at the community center.

Children were waving and running after candy thrown from floats, while older folks sat comfortably in chairs watching the excitement.

Jean Bond Rauch watched the parade from the side of the road.

“I was born here in Kempton and I’m living here all my life,” Rauch said. “My parents and grandfather before them lived on the Bond farm across from New Bethel Church.”

Rauch said she expected about 10 of her family members to come out to the celebration.

Inside the community center, Albany Township history displays were open for browsing.

Old-time fliers from auctions past, various artifacts presented by local historical societies and even a table dedicated to country music artist Willie Nelson.

Nelson first came to Kempton on June 17, 1967, to play a concert and then continued to return to the fairgrounds for years to come forming a friendship with resident, Luella Dotterer.

In the adjacent hall, there was plenty of Kempton Sesquicentennial branded merchandise for purchase, including hats, cups and T-shirts.

Kempton’s Sesquicentennial Ceremony and Military Tribute began at 3 p.m.

This included the dedication of a new veteran’s memorial.

Master of Ceremony Irwin Hamm welcomed the sizable crowd, and Pastor Brett Buick of the Kempton New Church led the invocation.

Hamm then introduced the Ray A. Master American Legion Post 217 of Topton and the presentation of the colors.

The Kutztown Area High School Marching Band led the national anthem.

Next, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Walter Hamm spoke of the important role Albany township residents played in every war going back to even before this nation was formed.

Curtis Quinn played “Taps” on his trumpet to a reflective audience.

Kempton native and well known artist Jonathan Bond led a mediative talk about the beauty of Kempton and the experience of seasonal splendor, history and culture.

He spoke of the changing color of the leaves, the dead quiet of winter after a storm.

He spoke of the railroad whistle marking the time and the Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine served at the Kempton Hotel.

Let’s celebrate Kempton, the village and the valley,” Bond said in closing.

The phrase was an official slogan of the event itself.

Gary Bond, a member of the Berks County Board for the Preservation of the Pennsylvania Dutch Dialect, treated attendees to a talk in Pennsylvania Dutch.

A translation in English was available in the program so non-speakers of the dialect could follow along.

“There was a time in the ’50s when you would come to Kempton and hear most people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch,” Bond said.

Bands played and a DJ spun tunes for a crowd of line dancers.

Under the pavilion, a face painter worked and Hillside Acres of Lenhartsville brought their piglets for petting.

A hay maze kept the little ones busy and the teenagers seemed to enjoy the photo booth.

Near the stage, a bar offered cocktails and beer for adults, and tractor rides were offered all day.

An impressive fireworks and bonfire display closed out the evening in exciting fashion.

The bonfire was made of 1,000 pallets formed into a three-tier birthday cake, complete with candles.

When engulfed in flames, the enormity of the blaze was breathtaking, rising several stories high.

The glow could be seen as far as Donats Peak.

Schafer gave a lot of credit to those who helped make this celebration happen.

“We had several dozen volunteers and sponsors who helped make all of this happen,” Schafer said. “We appreciate them.”