Edgewood Historic Cemetery volunteers are planning its spring cleanup, held simultaneously with a Pottstown community art fair to raise funds for maintenance.

The event is Apr. 29, 10 AM to 3 PM (rain date is May 6).

It’s the fifth art fair supporting the work at the historic cemetery, an event that has been continually being brought back by popular demand.

The early announcement is timed to encourage quality artists — potters, painters, weavers, woodworkers, and all crafters in between — to prepare to participate.

Table spaces are $40, and craftsmen and -women are responsible for bringing their own tables and chairs, along with their pieces. Vendors who choose to donate a raffle item from among their creations get a $10 discount on the table charge.

Table reservations are being organized by Kelly Fenstermacher, contactable by email or phone (610-506-7033).

Hobart’s Run and generous local eateries will provide a light lunch for vendors and hard-working volunteers. 

Individuals willing to bring a weed-wacker or push mower are welcome to do so; other tools will be provided at the cemetery for workers who help beautify the gravesites.

No prior green-thumb experience is required. 

In addition, Hobart’s Run encourages businesses and civic organizations to support its Adopt-a-Gravestone headstone restoration project, also led by Fenstermacher. More on this initiative is at the Adopt-a-Gravestone Givebutter page. Supporters can also mail checks to support this work to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, 740 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Without financial support, many deteriorating, toppled stones will remain in disrepair and the grounds left improperly maintained.

Bygone interment methods — as well as a very active and destructive groundhog population — have contributed to the cemetery’s challenging situation.

Absent a full-time caretaker since 2012, all mowing and other maintenance has been left to volunteers.

Friends of the Cemetery also welcome collaborative fundraising events organized by civic groups to assist the ongoing commitment to bring dignity to those who rest at the Pottstown site.

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Here’s a look at the 2019 Pottstown effort to maintain Edgewood Historic Cemetery.