Mark your calendars for the second annual Taste of Evesham! On Sunday, May 23 from 1-4pm, join your neighbors at this block-long tasting event. You made it such a success last year that it has moved to Main St. (between Cooper Ave. and N. Locust Ave.) to spread out this year. Further information will be coming soon to this site and the Taste of Evesham website.

While you're shopping for Hanukkah and Christmas gifts, think about the gift of music! The Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center (LRPAC) and ECF have teamed up to promote the December 19th performance by a perennial favorite performer, Linda Eder. Ms. Eder will thrill us once again with a variety of musical hits, including show tunes, seasonal standards from her holiday release "Christmas Stays the Same," and her original compositions.

The LRPAC has generously offered to donate a portion of each ticket sold to the ECF when this offer is mentioned. Click and print the flyer with all the details, and be sure to mention it when you order. More information about the event can be found at the Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center. The ECF thanks Mike Drzik and the LRPAC for their support of our community events.

Gray skies and threat of rain kept some of the family bikers away, but many amateur distance riders took part in the second annual Bike Evesham Pedal from The Promenade on Saturday, October 10th. A new 40-mile loop was added, joining the 25-mile route through much of Evesham Township's southern portion. Rave reviews were received about all aspects of the ride, even though the final riders were rained upon.

Many participants were randomly selected to win gift certificates and other prizes donated by local merchants. A huge Thank You to them, as well as to the new Chipotle Grill at The Promenade, who provided free lunches that day to all participants.

Morning to night, it was a stunning day for this year's Fourth of July celebrations. A field of over 500 came out for the second Annual Marlton Mayor's Cup 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, held on Main Street and the in adjoining neighborhoods. Runners and walkers of all ages were treated to a glorious rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by tenor Carmen Malatino before setting off down the course, followed by snacks and water on their return. Over 40 participants received randomly-selected raffle prizes donated by local merchants, and the top 3 Male and Female finishers also received awards and medals. Full race results are here, and more information about the event can be found at MarltonMayorsCup.com.

Following the runners was an enthusiastic and creative crowd of Bike Parade participants. Hundreds of children were there, most accompanied by a parent and ranging from infants in decorated strollers to fifth graders on streamer-laden bicycles. None could contain their pride as they made their way down the route on Main Street.

The Main Parade followed with nearly 50 music, student and community groups. Over 10,000 people lined the route to applaud our Grand Marshals: our local residents who have returned from serving in the Armed Forces. A variety of groups and acts followed, including representatives from all of the local schools, Marlton Rec Council athletes, the Cherokee Marching Band and Robotics Team, Scout troops, specialty law enforcement vehicles, professional string bands, and much more.

As dusk approached, a record crowd of 25,000 to 28,000 attendees convened at Cherokee High School for the Grand Finale - Fireworks! Before that, though, there was ample opportunity to sample foods from local restaurants, learn more about local organizations like the Yellow Ribbon Club, play on the kid's rides, and picnic with friends and neighbors. A Salute to our returned Troops then preceded the fantastic fireworks display.

The Evesham Celebrations Foundation wishes to thank everyone who helped make the day memorable: those who attended, those who participated, and those who planned and worked at the events. More photos of the day's events will soon be here, and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday, July 4, 2010.

UPDATE: Cherokee High School Class of 2009 graduate Elanor Williams was selected as the recipient of the Verna H. Powell Memorial Scholarship! Congratulations Elanor and all the best to you in your college career!

The ECF is proud to announce the awarding of its first scholarship! In honor of an active and beloved resident and member of the Foundation, the Verna H. Powell Memorial Scholarship was established to encourage the youth of Evesham to embrace community service. A graduating senior in the Renaissance Club at Cherokee High School will be receiving a cash award to help defray college expenses. Since the student won't learn that he or she was selected until graduation, all we can do for now is say THANK YOU to all the students who applied. We look forward to the official announcement and will update you right here with our winner in late June.