Beginning of Transition Before Move to Palace of Depression Grounds in 2019

Founder’s Day, the annual iconic salute to Vineland’s heritage sponsored by the Friends of Historic Vineland for the past 20 years, will be making a move this year.

The event, a mainstay of Vineland’s spring events calendar, will be held on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at Landis MarketPlace, 631 E. Landis Ave. All events will be on the upper level of the building.

After 15 years of being held at the Elwyn School grounds, the event begins a new era in anticipation of its 2019 permanent move to the Palace of Depression grounds on Mill Road.

The traditional celebratory schedule for the day will remain, but with a new and different look. The size and scope is changed, allowing for the expansion of the mission of teaching local history to new generations.

Some favorite elements of Founder’s Day will be remaining—Civil War and Vineland history re-enactors, telling stories and family games with Games By Sam—plus, hometown arts with Magnolia Hill Studios, select food vendors with plenty of eating space, and free parking.

New this year will be a special guest—strolling illusionist and interactive family fun with Bill Kirwood. More exciting new features include an ongoing slideshow PowerPoint presentation telling The Founder’s Story, including the founding of Vineland, the mission of the Friends of Historic Vineland, a preview of the restored Palace of Depression and Museum—the future long-term home of Founder’s Day beginning in 2019—and Vineland: Then and Now.

“What a way for Main Street Vineland to join with the Friends of Historic Vineland to celebrate Charles K. Landis’s vision of a wide avenue to be the centerpiece of his model town!” said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. “We urge everyone to come out to celebrate Vineland and celebrate our downtown by coming out to Founder’s Day on The Ave.”

For more information on Founder’s Day, please call 856-205-9334.

For more information on all Main Street Vineland programs and events, please call 856-794-8653, visit the organization’s website at www.TheAve.biz, or visit the organization’s Facebook page.