Collegeville To Take Part In Bells Across Pennsylvania

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — Collegeville is among numerous municipalities across the state that will participate this weekend in a formal recognition of the heroism of coronavirus workers on the front lines.

"Bells Across Pennsylvania Day" will officially take place on Sunday, May 3. Residents and local governments around the state will ring bells at exactly 7 p.m. for three minutes.

Residents are encouraged to set their alarms for 7 p.m. and to go outside ring any kind of bell, bang pots and pans, sing, or use any kind of noisemaker they have.

Collegeville Mayor Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins signed a proclamation officially declaring May 3 as Bells Across Pennsylvania Day in the borough. The proclamation reads, in part:

"I, Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, Mayor of the Borough of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, on behalf of the members of Borough Council and the citizens of Collegeville, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 3, 2020 A.D. as Bells Across Pennsylvania Day and call upon all residents and churches at 7:00 p.m. for three minutes to honor their hometown heroes, rally with other Pennsylvanians on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battlefield and show resolve, when conditions are safe, to restore their local businesses and civic life to their former prominence."

All local churches are asked to participate in the event by ringing their bells, as well.

Nearby municipalities also participating include Royersford, Spring City, Phoenixville, West Conshohocken, Ambler, and Lansdale, among others.

Organizers say the bells signify solidarity with all Pennsylvanians, and a recognition of the sacrifices made by everyday first responders, grocery store and pharmacy employees, healthcare workers, and all the other individuals who have bravely maintained essential services in the face of a public crisis.

In addition, municipal officials in many areas are taking the opportunity to honor their hometown heroes with a more personal level, including telephone calls, deliveries of baked goods, notes of support, and more.

The event was launched by the Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association.