Nearly 600 children from 20 Allentown playground sites and more than 100 program alumni took part in festivities last night at the 100th Romper Day celebration at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

“Celebrating a Century of Fun and Tradition,” youngsters participated in track events and dance exercises from musical selections dating back more than 50 years ago. The evening was capped by the Alumni Maypole Dance and Weave, Flag Drill and a spectacular fireworks display.

This year’s Playground Maypole Dance and Weave winners were:
1st Place: Ritter Playground
2nd Place: Bucky Boyle Playground
3rd Place: Alliance Hall Playground

Fifteen year old Taia West from Ithaca Playground was the recipient of the 2013 female Percy B. Ruhe Award, and 13-year-old Dennis Paul from Bucky Boyle Playground received the 2013 male Percy B. Ruhe Award. The award is given to the most outstanding boy and girl on the playgrounds that emulate the qualities recognized by Percy B. Ruhe.

Romper Day is sponsored by the city, the Allentown School District, The Trexler Trust and the Allentown Rotary Club.

The first Romper Day was held on August 28, 1914. Romper Day marks the traditional end of the city’s eight week Summer Playground Program.
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