Reading's famed Pagoda turns 100

If you've ever been to the City of Reading, you can't miss the distinctive Pagoda that sits atop the mountain overlooking the city.

The landmark structure, which can be seen for miles, celebrates its 100th birthday on Friday, Aug. 8, and the city and volunteer organizations are planning a big birthday bash.

From the celebration committee:

A full schedule of events is planned – beginning with a centenarians' birthday breakfast bash Friday morning and ending that evening with an unprecedented fireworks extravaganza with the Reading Phillies at First Energy Stadium and along the length of Skyline Drive.

The R-Phils are hosting their own unique Pagoda birthday party before and during the game against the Erie SeaWolves.

The Pagoda's history will be feted Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among the activities are a Japanese Zen Buddhist blessing and dedication with pilgrimage to the 18th-century Japanese bell on the observatory floor, a variety of proclamations and gifts to the Pagoda, birthday cake and a "Happy Birthday" rendition led by the Berks Children's Classical Chorus.

The party continues Saturday with a full day of events at the Pagoda and a special play and Ringgold Band concert at City Park. A shuttle provided by the Manor at Market Square will transport partygoers between City Park and the Pagoda.
Both days will feature live broadcasts by WEEU radio personalities.

On Sunday, everyone can help create a Pagoda mural during second Sunday activities at the GoggleWorks. And, throughout the weekend, members of the Pagoda Writers Group will be on hand to collect thoughts on the Pagoda for a special centennial book to be published in time for the holiday season.

"This will be an exciting weekend for Berks County," said Reading Mayor Tom McMahon. "While we will celebrate the future with the opening of the IMAX theatre in downtown Reading and a major economic development announcement by Gov. Rendell, we will also honor our past with the centennial celebration of the Pagoda and set the stage for its preservation.

"Everyone is invited to the party – and everyone can celebrate even if it's simply enjoying the spectacular fire works from your own backyard."

All events at the Pagoda and City Park are free. Tickets remain available for the R-Phils game Friday evening. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Pagoda Café.

Volunteers are still needed on site at the Pagoda on Friday and Saturday.

To volunteer, contact Cindy Heminitz in the mayor's office at 610-655-6320 or Linda Kelleher in the City Council office at 610-655-6204.

"We're looking forward to a birthday party that will make history," said Cindy Kauffman, Reading special events coordinator and Pagoda manager. "The Pagoda belongs to everyone and we want all the citizens of Berks County to share in this special day."

The celebration is sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 743 and the City of Reading.

More information is available at www.readingpagoda.com or www.readingpa.gov