Dogwood Week Returns Revamped To Phoenixville After 2020 Closure

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The Phoenixville Jaycees have found ways to carry on Dogwood Week traditions in Phoenixville for 2021, after last year's pandemic shutdown of the 77-year-old festival.

Phoenixville's Annual Dogwood tradition dates back to May 1943, when Retired Army Major Gen. Edward C. Shannon dedicated a dogwood tree in Reeves Park as a memorial to the men and women of the Armed Forces, many of whom had died in active service during World War II.

Since 1943, the Phoenixville Jaycees Foundation has continued the rich tradition of the Annual Dogwood Festival and Parade, with over 100,000 visitors taking part in the annual festival and 13,000 spectators viewing what has become the second-largest parade in Chester County.

For the first time in 77 years, 2020's COVID-19 pandemic halted the Dogwood Festival and Parade.

Restrictions are still in place preventing a typical festival in 2021. However, the Phoenixville Jaycees Foundation said it is determined to ensure the Dogwood tradition lives on.

"This year we developed a week-long calendar of both socially distant and outdoor, masked events to celebrate the spirit of Dogwood and our community in a safe way until we can return to normal," the organization said.

The Pay-It-Forward Cafe opens May 10 from 6-8 p.m. Phoenixville Jaycees are partnering with Ann’s Heart to provide a carnival-themed to-go meal. From 7-8 p.m. that night there will be a Zoom presentation of the history of Dogwood.

May 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. is Dogwood Nonprofit Night.

May 12 from 6-9 p.m. is Dogwood Beer BINGO at Root Down Biergarten.

A full list of Dogwood Week events can be viewed here.