For 35 years, Coplay has held its Community Days celebration on the weekend before Labor Day. This year, the event runs Aug. 28-30.

“For us it’s a combination of a fundraiser and a good time to get out and enjoy one of the last weekends of summer,” said Stephen Burker, who heads up the event.

Over the past five years, the event has grown, as Burker and a group of 75 volunteers elevated the event from a largely borough celebration to something known throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“Each year the crowds get larger, and we try to add a few things based on what we heard from last year,” Burker said.

Some 100 volunteers are on hand during the festival to help patrons.

The event is scattered on eight acres around the Saylor Kilns.

“Parking and admission are free,” Burker said.

However, free stuff does not end there. Parkway Pool is open at no charge, and patrons can roam from band to band listening to a variety of sounds – from rock and oldies to country, with a polka or two added to the mix. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Aardvarks. See a full list of entertainment on Coplay Community Days’ Facebook page.

The main attraction is the choice of food and beverages available.

“We have over 40 choices of festival and home-cooked meals available at reasonable prices,” Burker said.

This year the tent area was expanded to let the crowd move more freely.

“The American Club will have its popular food tent and Samuel Owens Restaurant will add a beer tent,” Burker said.

Other improvements include upgraded electrical systems and fans in the pavilion area.

“The fans were a request on everyone’s list,” Burker said. “We can get some hot, humid weather for the event, and they will help keep everyone cool.”

In addition to the Coplay residents, Burker expects folks from Whitehall, Northampton and Catasauqua to attend. To accommodate the crowds, parking was expanded this year to include not only the areas around the park, but also the American Club pavilion parking area.

Sponsors help the borough cover the cost of the event. Service Electric and Coors Light combined to feature the stage for music performances.

“We are happy with the way this event has progressed over the past five years. It helps for visitors to see what a nice community Coplay is. As soon as we get this event wrapped up, we will start work on next year’s event,” said Burker.