Helping hands: Lemont Village Association builds community through events, activities
The Lemont Village Association has been a member of the Centre County Council for Human Services for many years. The LVA is not a “human services” agency by exact definition, but the LVA is dedicated to helping create a “community” in Lemont, so the organization feels like a human service. The LVA has a role to play in bringing people together and feeling safe in our neighborhoods. We can look out for each other.
Our free Friday Concerts, scheduled to bring people together on the Village Green from June 5 to Sept. 25, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., feature 17 live bands of nearly all genres to entertain all ages. The September concerts are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. as the weather gets cooler. Ice cream cones served by Scout Troop 367 benefit the troop’s activities. The concerts are held in our Village Green Pavilion, built by Envinity with contributions by many people and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. We have lots of room for picnics and enjoying the music. Our website, www.lemontvillage.org, provides details.
Our winter event is our Lemont Christmas Market, Dec. 4 and 5 at the Granary & Coal Sheds, a lively weekend, with 25 vendors, free admission, delicious food, live music and a good way to get ready for the holidays.
The mission of the Lemont Village Association is often achieved in our activities. Our Workday/Spruce Up Day of outside and inside work happened in early May, and brought families and other residents together to get our buildings and grounds cleaned up for summer activities. We are a part of Centre Gives, also in May, an exciting fundraising opportunity.
One of our famous events, the 44th annual Strawberry Festival, happened in June on the Village Green, 133 Mount Nittany Road, Lemont, with over 750 people attending. They enjoyed freshly picked strawberries from Belleville, ice cream from Meyer Dairy, home baked cakes and lemonade. Pump car and “speeder” rides were provided by the Bellefonte Historic Railroad Society and art activities for children provided free by the Art Alliance and Centre Pointe Church volunteers. Next year will be the 45th celebration, the first Saturday of June, 2027.
All of our events provide opportunities to volunteer and for neighbors to meet their neighbors. Friends can also learn about the history of our friendly community and support the efforts of the LVA to preserve our historic buildings and maintain the Village Green. All Centre County residents are welcome! Membership in the LVA is $20 for LIFE, and forms are available at www.lemontvillage.org. Check it out!
Sue Smith is the board chair of the Lemont Village Association.