Avis to celebrate its centennial

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AVIS - It's almost time to celebrate the borough's big birthday, and there are still lots of plans to be made. Avis turns 100 years old this year and plans are underway for an outdoor festival celebration the first weekend of October. The event is a cooperative effort between Borough Council, the Avis Area Recreation Association and individual community volunteers. That planning group is inviting anyone interested in being a part of the special occasion to its meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the borough building. "We welcome anyone in the community who would like to help with ideas or to represent an organization that has significance to the borough," said Amy Brooks, a member of Borough Council and the anniversary planning committee. Volunteers are needed and much appreciated, but the group is also seeking old photos and memorabilia to be displayed at the event. "We're looking for anything that would be of value from the old days, particularly photos or information that would show how the community has grown and how the landscape of Central Avenue has changed," Brooks said. The festival will be Oct. 3-5, starting at 6 p.m. Friday and going from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. A three-block section of Central Avenue, from Reed to Washington streets, will be converted into a street fair, with a carnival Friday and Saturday and craft vendors, heritage displays, food and other attractions throughout the weekend. Vintage and antique cars will also be on display. Music and entertainment will be provided at the fire hall Saturday evening. A vesper service will be held Sunday evening, after the conclusion of the festival, at a location yet to be determined. Organizers are also hoping to include a parade in those plans, but are awaiting approval from PennDOT to close the streets. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You don't have a 100th anniversary celebration every year, so we're hoping the community can all come out for this event," said Brooks. "It's not just for Avis residents, either. It's a celebration of the entire area, but this is an especially unique opportunity for Avis area individuals and groups to showcase their expertise," she added. Curbside booths, 12 feet by 12 feet, can be reserved for $25. Discounts are available for Avis area organizations and residents, but won't be offered to vendors who want to sell flea market items or reserve multiple spaces. Avis Elementary School students recently wrapped up a commemorative T-shirt design contest for the celebration. The winning entry may be used in part or in its entirety, either on the front or back of a T-shirt that will be sold as a fundraiser at the event. The winner will receive a free T-shirt and tickets for rides at the carnival at either the Avis Fireman's Carnival, May 26-31, or the anniversary event. The design will be unveiled during the week of the fireman's carnival and advance orders will be taken. Other information will be available then, and a 50-50 drawing will be conducted as a fundraiser for the anniversary celebration. Anyone wishing to be involved can also contact Brooks at 753-8557 or Deb Herman at 753-3566. CUTLINE: This photo shows Robb's Cash Store in the 1930s. Hometown Market now fills the storefront. CUTLINE: Pictured here is the Union Hotel in 1906. This building is no longer standing. CUTLINE: Some New York Central Railway workers from the Avis Shop take a break from their labor for a photo around the turn of the century. CUTLINE: The Avis Shop Band poses for a group photo in front of the Adams Express Company door of the Jersey Shore station of the New York Central Lines. The date of the photo is unknown, and only one musician has been identified - Frank Jacobus, far right in the front row, holding his clarinet in his lap.