Phoenixville Firebird Festival Launches Fundraiser As Borough Fees Rise

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Borough fees for the 2017 Phoenixville Firebird Festival have more than doubled, organizers said, and fundraisers are hoping to address the balance.

The borough's most popular and iconic festival, highlighted by the ceremonial burning of a specially constructed wooden phoenix, seems to be perpetually threatened due to lack of funds or permitting issues. But this year, organizers said that the fee set by the borough more than doubled due to the increase in the hourly rate to pay police officers to provide security for the event.

The borough fees for the 2016 Firebird were $2,280. The 2017 cost: $5,726, according to festival manager Henrik Stubbe Teglbjaerg.

An Indiegogo campaign to raise money for the December festival has been launched. As of Thursday, a total of $1,645 had been raised. The fundraiser's goal is $6,000.

In addition, a fundraiser to benefit the festival will be hosted at Stable 12 on Monday, Oct. 30, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2017 will mark the 14th year of the Firebird. The next "build days," on which you can help assemble the phoenix, are Sept. 23 and 24 at Friendship Field from 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m.

2017 Firebird Festival: If You Go

When: Saturday, Dec. 9

Time: Events related to the festival begin on Bridge Street at around 3 p.m., as local businesses and restaurants get in on the action. A parade from downtown Phoenixville to Friendship Field begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Firebird estimated for 8 p.m.

Where: Friendship Field

Cost: Free

Image of Firebird of the past via Patch file photo