Edgewood Eddie's Art Show & Cemetery Clean-Up

When volunteer friends of the previously abandoned Edgewood Historic Cemetery at 989 E. High Street, Pottstown, planned to combine a grounds cleanup with an Art Fair fundraiser, they were not sure if the creative twist would appeal to vendors or participants.   
 
However, it was so successful the group has planned another event for Saturday, Oct. 23, with the cleanup beginning at 9 a.m., and the Art Fair opening at 10 a.m. and running to 3 p.m.   Artisan vendor applications are now open (details below), and the group hopes to line up individuals as well as civic groups to help rake and plant.  
 
The planners’ spring goal was not only to attract volunteers to help beautify the grounds and prepare it for the summer mowing season, but also to raise funds for the ever-hungry mowing fund which covers annual fees ranging between $16,000 to $20,000 each year, depending on Mother Nature and the weather’s effect on the grass. 
 
“We wanted to bring more members of the community to the Cemetery to see how beautiful it is and consider its potential as a truly park-like setting,” says Andrew Monastra, president of the small Edgewood board.  “The idea of bringing art to the ‘park’ was intriguing.  It is very difficult to raise money for cemetery upkeep, so we thought we’d try this approach.”   
 
According to Art Fair chairperson Bronwyn DeMaso, the 30 very diverse vendors who signed up for last April’s event – with items ranging from pottery and jewelry to paintings and fine leather and woodworking – reported the cemetery Art Fair was “one of the most successful events they had experienced in terms of sales and exposure, and they immediately asked if Edgewood would plan a similar event.”
 
To date, as of September 15, 17 vendors quickly signed up for this fall’s October 23 fair,  with more inquiries coming daily, thanks to social media and word of mouth, DeMaso says. She hopes this year’s Art Fair will be bigger than the fall event, especially with the holidays around the corner.  
 
Table spaces will be reserved for $40 per vendor, or $30 if the vendor donates an item for the fundraising raffle.  Artisans must bring their own table and chairs. To sign up as a vendor, text or call DeMaso at 484-235-7875.  At this time, payment is requested by check prior to the event.  Checks may be made out to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown, PA  19464.   
 
Other raffle donations – in addition to those being provided by participating vendors -- are welcomed.  Email Cathy Skitko at cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org or 610-705-1017 to arrange your contribution.
 
Volunteers are encouraged to help with gardening and raking on the previously abandoned 12-acre site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and to take a break to browse and purchase gifts, as well as participate in the raffle and a 50-50 drawing. Rakes, gloves, and other hand tools will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring weed whackers or mowers if they can.   A “Port-o-Potty” will be available for participants.   
 
 The Cemetery friends sincerely thank Little Italy and The Pourhouse and Jack Cassidy’s Irish Pub, both located in Hobart’s Run in Pottstown, for generously donating lunches for participating volunteers and vendors.  Planners would love for other restaurants and businesses to donate gift cards for the raffle, as every item will help raise money to help care for the grounds.  Contact Cathy Skitko at cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org or 610-705-1017.
 
 
Organizers also are looking for musicians who would like to perform during the event.  They also may contact Skitko.
 
Why is the event is billed as “Edgewood Eddie’s Art Fair and Cemetery Clean-up?”  That is 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. DeMaso is credited with naming “Eddie” and with capturing his image in gorgeous photographs.
 
“Care for this cemetery – which a few years ago was in terrible disrepair – needs to be sustained by our community,” Monastra notes.   “We love to see Boy and Girl Scouts, civic clubs, and other groups come out to lend a hand, and always welcome fundraising ideas and support from interested organizations.”
 
But Wait, There’s More!
Hobart’s Run has announced it will donate $2,500 to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, with a promise of an additional $2,500 when the Cemetery raises $2,500 or more to match the initial gift. 
 
“Please help us spread the word to vendors as well as people who love quality arts and crafts, raffles, and volunteering, so we can meet Hobart’s Run’s generous challenge and help keep the Cemetery looking beautiful and respectful for all of Pottstown,” says DeMaso.
 
The rain date for both the cleanup and the Art Fair will be Saturday, Oct. 30.
 
General donations may be made by sending a check to Edgewood Historic Cemetery c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown, PA.  Volunteers with questions should contact Edgewood’s President, Andrew Monastra, at 484-459-5412