Community Days, as celebrated in the Governor Mifflin area today, is the vibrant result of decades of tradition, civic spirit, and local pride. What began as a modest summer gathering organized by the Shillington Fire Company has grown into a signature nine-day festival that draws people from across Berks County—and even beyond.
Origins: Shillington Days (1948–1960s)
The story begins in 1948, just a few years after World War II, when returning veterans and a rejuvenated community spirit gave rise to Shillington Days. Held on the grassy field along Lancaster Avenue between Brobst Street and Waverly Street, the carnival-like affair was a highlight of the summer. Hosted by the Shillington Fire Company, it featured rides, food stands, and community fellowship. The fire company became known for its iconic grilled hot dogs, a tradition still celebrated during Memorial Day parades.
Churches played a key role. Emmanuel Church offered hamburgers, while Grace Lutheran Church served up its now-legendary waffles and ice cream—all from simple stick-built stands. For the children and teens of the time, it was a social rite of passage, and for adults, it was a reaffirmation of community identity.
Shillington Days remained at the Lancaster Avenue field until 1958, when the expansion of Shillington High School prompted its relocation. The event then moved to the area near the present-day Shillington municipal building, where it continued into the late 1960s.
Below: Pictured here is the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church stand, a beloved fixture of Community Days throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its turkey barbecue and famous waffles with ice cream, the stand drew visitors who came to the festival just for a taste. For many, this stand was more than just food—it was a tradition.
The Birth of the Greater Governor Mifflin League (1976)
As the U.S. approached its bicentennial in 1976, a broader vision emerged. In anticipation of the national wagon train bicentennial celebration, leaders from the region’s five core municipalities—Brecknock, Cumru, Kenhorst, Mohnton, and Shillington—joined forces to create the Greater Governor Mifflin League (GGML). Their original goal was modest: host a one-time event featuring a parade, community booths, and a few carnival rides.
But the idea stuck. The wagon train passed, the parade dazzled, and the single event became the first official Community Days festival—an annual tradition now approaching its 50th year.
Below: This photo shows the Community Days midway during the 1970s and early 1980s, set on the open grassy field behind the old Shillington High School, stretching toward today’s Governor Mifflin administration building. At the time, rides were set up directly on the grass, and by the end of the week, trucks left behind deep ruts and muddy trenches. After the festivities, volunteers repaired the field by hand, filling holes and reseeding grass. Though the grounds took a beating, the school district remained fully supportive, recognizing the festival’s importance to the community and helping preserve this space as a beloved home for countless summer memories.
Growth and Evolution (1976–Present)
Over time, Community Days evolved into a full-fledged fair that now spans nine days, complete with 18 rides, nightly free entertainment, food from dozens of vendors, raffles, bake-offs, talent shows, and a grand fireworks display that costs over $22,000 and never fails to delight. The event relocated again as the school district expanded, now held on the parking lot of the Governor Mifflin Intermediate School—a paved, accessible venue that offers ample space and infrastructure.
What sets Community Days apart isn’t just the scope of attractions, but the deep-rooted family atmosphere. Generations of residents return annually, many timing their vacations around the event. Some, like the woman who discovered it by accident and now comes from Tennessee each year, exemplify how powerful a tradition can become.
Below: This view shows the midway along Waverly Street, one of the busiest areas during Community Days. On nights with live bands or major entertainment, the street would be packed wall-to-wall with people, creating a lively, electric atmosphere. It was one of the most popular gathering spots of the festival, drawing big crowds year after year.
Civic Impact and Community Giving
Beyond the food and fun, Community Days has a higher purpose. Run entirely by volunteers under the GGML banner, the festival has raised and returned over half a million dollars to the community. Beneficiaries include scout troops, libraries, schools, and other civic institutions. Every year, organizations submit requests to the GGML board, and grants are awarded accordingly.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the event became a hub for youth engagement. The Key Club, a junior Kiwanis organization at Governor Mifflin High School, famously ran a soda toss booth as a fundraiser. Led by teacher and GGML volunteer Dave McCoy, students raised enough to fund their annual convention trips, while also learning valuable lessons in service and responsibility by cleaning the fairgrounds each night.
Below: Key Club stand, pictured here in the early 1980s.
Memories, Legacy, and Looking Ahead
For many, Community Days is synonymous with personal milestones. From high school reunions and first dates to multigenerational family gatherings, the festival weaves itself into the fabric of residents’ lives. As Merrill Renninger, a committee member since 1985, put it: “The biggest thrill I get is when the fireworks go off and I hear the crowd cheer. That’s when I know we helped people make good memories.”
Heading into its 50th anniversary in 2026, the GGML is actively researching and honoring the rich history of the communities it represents. The sense of continuity, camaraderie, and shared purpose remains strong. Despite changing locations, evolving attractions, and new generations taking up the mantle, Community Days continues to reflect the values upon which it was founded: service, celebration, and community pride.
The 49th Annual Greater Governor Mifflin League Community Days returns June 27 through July 5, 2025, for nine days of celebration and tradition. The festivities will culminate in a grand fireworks display on the evening of July 5.
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