Thousands of people from all over the region gathered in Phoenixville on Saturday to watch the famous Firebird go up in an enormous fiery blaze, writes Virginia Lindak for The Daily Local News. 

As part of the nineteenth annual Firebird Festival, the nearly 20-foot wooden phoenix statue at Veterans Memorial Park was set on fire. Spectators watched as the bird burned brightly against the dark sky. 

The festival takes place each December. It celebrates the coming winter solstice and also marks the rebirth of Phoenixville in recent years. Each year, more visitors descend upon the former steel town for the festivities. 

“Firebird Festival is such an incredible part of the fabric of Phoenixville where now in the 19th year we continue to celebrate the resilience and beauty of our community,” said Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler. And the design of the bird — which is built from donated lumber and pallets by volunteers — is always different. 

Festivities start in the afternoon with vendor booths offering food, artwork, and various wares. There is also a stage with live music and fire spinners. The culmination of the event is the lighting of the giant wooden phoenix statue in the evening. 

Read more about the Firebird Festival in The Daily Local News.