The Salisbury Youth Association hosted its annual community day May 17.

The weather cooperated for families to enjoy the outdoor activities and spend time talking with participating vendors. Over 100 gift baskets, crafts, baked goods, 50/50 raffle and an author’s corner were inside while DJ Jimmy 8 provided indoor music which entertained visitors.

A new wall of fame was part of this year’s program to honor those who have contributed to the development of SYA for the past 75 years. Sean Hallman and Annie Greaves organized the team of volunteers who made this fundraiser a success.

Since 1951, the program had been known as the Salisbury Boys’ Club and the name was changed in 1975 to SYA. The family of Al C. Snyder, who passed away in January, was present to celebrate their father’s contributions to the program. Baseball Director Kenny Wellbank provided a brief history of the program that Snyder helped to build for more than 20 years. Dave Snyder shared that while many parents volunteer when their children participate in the sports programs, their dad continued to coach for years after all his children were grown.

“Our dad gave the youth of Salisbury opportunities he did not have. Dad would be honored today,” Dave Snyder said.

Dave’s sister Barb Ebner and brothers Adam and Andrew were present as well as Snyder’s grandchildren Porter and Quinn. The family expressed much pride and appreciation for SYA and how much their father gave of his time and energy to developing the program. Dave also commented that if his father were alive, while he was so deserving of this honor, he would have spent more time thanking those who came before him who started the program.

The Young Family was also honored for their contributions to the SYA.

Inside the school cafeteria, families could purchase T-shirts, 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the 121 baskets. Most of the baskets were sport-themes such as an autographed Philadelphia Eagles football and Philadelphia Flyers autographed jersey.

Salisbury High School alumna Gina Loveless, Class of 2004, provided her books that went from the epic app to Simon & Schuster through publisher Andrew McMeal and are popular for children ages 8-12. Loveless describes her books as “humor with heart” as they deal with real concerns for children as they grow up. More information on her books can be found at lovlesswriting.com.

ArtsQuest’s Monica Salazar assisted children in making their own crafts.

Concessions Director Jen Boandl provided all the homemade baked goods and her son Mitchell made sure to stamp passports for the children who dropped by. Children who had their passports stamped by visiting all the vendors and activities could turn their passport into volunteer Gary Hallman to receive a free SYA T-shirt and goody bag.

The weather outside was perfect for the outdoor vendors and activities that included The Martial Arts of Emmaus, LGBTQ, Horses and Heroes, Pennsylvania Youth Theater, Blue Mountain, Reilly’s Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital, Parris Performance Institute and the Salisbury High School Booster Club.

Musician Sam Housal of Martin Guitar entertained the outdoor visitors with his original music.

The Salisbury Township Police were also available to engage with the public and offered their motorcycle for visitors to try out while they explained how it works. Families could head to the basketball courts, baseball fields, or soccer field to engage in some impromptu play while parents received information about the programs.

The SYA aims to keep youth active by offering organized sports for children ages 6-18. Baseball, softball, soccer, football, cheer and wrestling are offered.

The program promotes teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship and includes in-house leagues and travel teams.