Wrapping up three-day celebration in Columbia County

BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It was the last day of an annual three-day celebration in Columbia County.

28/22 News Reporter Iyee Jagne made it out for the final day to learn more about the history rooted in their community.

Sunday was the final day of the seventh annual weekend-long Berwick World War II event at Riverfront Test Track Park.

It’s hosted by the Stwart Tank Memorial Association which believes it is important to preserve history, especially local history.

“It’s honoring the workers at the American Car and Foundry from their Second World War, there were 9,135 workers from 177 different municipalities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Stewart Tank Memorial Association Secretary Tom McLaughlin.

Some of the artifacts from World War II could be seen here on display.

“They came together to support the war effort. They built 15,224 Stewart tanks. They’re putting out at the rate of 40 tanks a day. We actually have five Stewart tanks here today,” McLaughlin stated.

They also have food and merch vendors along with live music. With so much to see including reenactments of the battles that took place organizers say a big crowd is always expected.

“Last year, we had over 4,000. That’s just visitors that’s not counting the reenactors and everything else,” McLaughlin added.

One attendee says having events like these are important because they can’t allow history to be forgotten.

“Their stories are going. My father was in the 87th infantry division and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and he never really told me anything so I never got his story but I got my mom’s story because I found her journal,” said Cynthia Sandor, an event attendee.

All the profits from the weekend event will go to the Stuart Tank Memorial Association, which is a non-profit.

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