Construction Of 2018 Phoenixville Firebird Begins Saturday

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Construction of the Phoenixville firebird has become part of autumn tradition for borough residents and festival aficionados. And the first day of building is set for this Saturday, Sept. 15.

Volunteers will meet at Veteran's Field, the new location of the festival this December, at 10 a.m.

"Involving as many people as possible is what the Firebird Festival is all about," organizers said.

Veteran's Park is located on Mowere Road near the Westridge Gardens Apartment complex.

Friendship Field, the longtime location of the event, could not host it this year due to pending construction on the borough's new recreational center, organizers said.

The giant bonfire has sent the massive Firebird, made of wood, up in flames for several years in a row in December in celebration of the mythical Phoenix and the "rebirth" of Phoenixville. Several thousand people attend the event annually. 2018 will mark the 15th year of the Firebird.

The 2017 event struggled to get off the ground due to increased fees from the borough and permitting issues.

The festival will partner with the Jaycees of Phoenixville for the 2018 event.

More information on the festival will be provided in the coming weeks.

Image of Firebird of the past via Patch file photo