Dogwood Festival draws huge crowds to Phoenixville

by for medianews group

PHOENIXVILLE — The 81st annual Dogwood Festival was an extra special celebration this year because it coincided with the Borough of Phoenixville’s 175th anniversary.

Tens of thousands of area residents attended the Dogwood Festival from May 15-18 at Reeves Park. The celebration culminated on Saturday, May 18, with the Dogwood Parade.

The annual Dogwood Festival and Parade have celebrated the area’s longstanding commitment to service and community since 1943.

Decorated World War II veteran Ted Novak, 101 years young, was the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Dogwood Parade. Novak waves to the crowd from a vintage automobile. (Barry Taglieber - For MediaNews Group) — Decorated World War II veteran Ted Novak, 101 years young, was the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Dogwood Parade. Novak waves to the crowd from a vintage automobile. (Barry Taglieber – For MediaNews Group)

The festival featured carnival rides, games, music, concessions, and other food, craft and non-profit vendors.

To celebrate the origin and namesake of the Phoenixville Dogwood Festival, a Dogwood tree sponsored by Bates Landscaping was planted in Reeves Park on May 16.

Michael Siravo reaches out on the Buzz Plane, one of the many midway rides enjoyed by children during the 81st Dogwood Festival. (Barry Taglieber - For MediaNews Group) — Michael Siravo reaches out on the Buzz Plane, one of the many midway rides enjoyed by children during the 81st Dogwood Festival. (Barry Taglieber – For MediaNews Group)

This year the Dogwood Parade was a grand celebration commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Phoenixville Fire Department and the 175th anniversary of the Borough of Phoenixville.

The Grand Marshal of the 2024 Dogwood Parade was Ted Novak, a 101-year-old decorated World War II veteran. Novak was awarded the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star. Most recently, he received France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor.