FESTIVALS ALL WEEKEND !

We're partying all weekend here in N-town. You don't have to be Irish or Country or Baptist or even have a family for Family Unity Day to attend the events. Norristown's your family this weekend. Get out and have fun.

Tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo presents Country Fest. Live music, mechanical bull riding, access to the petting barn, food, drinks, dancing, and much more! Philadelphia's Country Station 92.5 XTU, will be broadcasting LIVE from the Zoo with Andie Summers. Tickets are $9/person, $7/child and $5/Zoo member, which can be purchased at http://elmwoodparkzoo.doubleknot.com/event/country-fest/1585151. For more information, contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x221.

GODSPELL continues tonight at Centre Theater at 7:30 pm. Shows also Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Presented by the talented youth of Norristown. This is the last weekend. Get your tickets at this link .

Every Saturday at 11 am at 19 W Marshall Street, a FREE program called YouthNET, for ages 12-17 years. Creative session built around teaching & encouraging healthy forms of self-expression. LUNCH IS INCLUDED. For info, call 484-250-1996.

Saturday from 3-5 pm, Siloam Baptist Church presents The Art of Worship Festival at Elmwood Park band shell. FREE outdoor gospel concert. Come experience a day with awesome gospel music, praise dance, mime, and flag ministries. Face Painting. Food and vendors. Seating is limited so bring a comfortable lawn chair. Call 610-275-8163 for info or email info@siloambc.org.

Saturday Night from  6 to 10:30 pm, the Irish Festival begins with Irish Pub Night in the basement of St. Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut). Homemade food (beef, ham, corn beef and cabbage, hot dogs, desserts, etc.), music, dance, and of course, drink (including Guinness). The festival continues Sunday with a noontime Mass of the Golden Rose (complete with bagpipes and Celtic harp) followed by more food, drink, music and prizes in the basement afterwards.

Sunday, noon to dusk, is Family Unity Day at Simmons Park (Oak between Arch and Violet). NORRISTOWN'S FAMILY RE-UNION 2014. Bring your grills, grub, and grab a spot. Invite family, friends, and anyone else you know. Singers, Dancers, Performers, 2nd Annual 'King of The Grill" BBQ Cook Off (with trophy and cash prize). Moon bounces, kid's activities. Prizes, give-aways. Food and merchandise vendors, and much more!

And don't think you have to choose between the Irish Festival and Unity Day. Do BOTH. Festival hop.

Sunday at 7 pm, the Summer Concert Series presents Boogie Dogs (classic rock) at the Elmwood Park band shell. Food/drinks available at the snack stand. Any questions call 610-270-0467.

Tuesday at 7 pm, Zoning Board Hearing. The only item on the agenda is for the rear of 350 E. Main, which is the factory/warehouse building between Arch and Walnut St. DiBussolo Container Service is seeking a Special Exception, though the agenda isn't clear what they're asking. I wish someone would improve the appearance of the building both on Main and Lafayette.

On Wednesday at 3 pm, a meeting of the Schuylkill River Action Team will take place at Barton Partners. Anyone interested in seeing how Norristown can revitalize its recreational riverfront is welcome.

Next Friday, August 29th, from 8:30-10:30 am, the N-town Police Department will once again open their bi-weekly COMPSTAT meeting to the public. It will be held at Municipal Hall, 1st Floor Council Conference Room.

Next Friday, Hancock Fire Company is having a blood drive from 2 to 7 pm. I'm telling you now because appointments are preferred. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.