ACRP's Beach Party fundraiser Saturday at Ace's in Cambria City

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·4 min read

Mar. 21—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Pour yourself a fruity drink and spend an evening in a beach paradise without leaving town.

Alternative Community Resource Program will hold its 17th annual Beach Party fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday at Ace's, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

"We love the idea of a beach theme, and it's almost like a spring fling for Johnstown and something we have fun doing each year," said Julianna Wright, marketing coordinator for ACRP. "Part of what we do is being in the community, so doing an event where we can invite any member from the community from all backgrounds and ages is wonderful. It also showcases what we do."

She said the beach party is an event people look forward to each year and the crowds are continuing to grow.

"We get a lot of the same people back, but we also attract new folks," Wright said. "Last year, we had a lot of new people who came up to me and asked to be put on a mailing list for the next year, so that's great. We're trying to branch out and get some new people while also inviting back a lot of our regulars who have been loyal for the past 17 years."

Musical entertainment will be provided by Sons of Beaches Band, returning for a second year. The band has more than 100 combined years of experience, with members who have performed together as part of a nationally acclaimed Jimmy Buffett tribute band.

While continuing the tradition of paying homage to Jimmy Buffett, Sons of Beaches Band puts a tropical twist on country and rock favorites by Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney and The Eagles.

"I had people at the event last year ask that we bring them back because they had so much fun with the band," Wright said.

"All the attendees loved their take on a lot of songs, and they bring a newness to the event that was needed. The band was all for coming back because they had a great time, too."

Happy hour will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., with the band starting at 8 p.m.

Ace's staff will cook cheeseburgers, barbecued pulled pork sandwiches, French fries, pizza, pierogies, chicken filets and house-made potato chips. No outside food or drinks will be permitted.

In keeping with the island and beach theme, there will be hula hoop and limbo contests, and prizes will be awarded.

"We always get a really great turnout for that, and it gets competitive," Wright said.

"There are people who come back each year and they go head-to-head, but it's all in good fun."

Prizes will also be awarded for the best-dressed tourist, best parrot-head hat and best-decorated table.

"The tables really impress me with the dedication they have," Wright said. "For these contests, people go all in, and it makes it even more fun and such a good time for everybody.

"It helps to create that beach atmosphere that we're trying to portray at the event."

She said judges will walk around throughout the evening, scoping out prize winners.

"What's fun about the judging is that nobody knows who the judges are and they'll be sneaking around," Wright said. "They see everything, and they make sure to see everyone and every table."

In addition, there will be a basket raffle with items donated by local restaurants, businesses and ACRP staff.

"The basket raffle really appeals to people," Wright said. "Anyone there could find something they'd like with these baskets, whether it's gift cards to area restaurants or baskets with homemade items. There's a wide variety."

Proceeds will benefit ACRP's community programs and services.

"We have so many programs across all of our counties and we'll try to highlight that at the event," Wright said. "Funds will help to better the programs and get our staff and clients the resources they need."

Wright said the beach party typically attracts 250 to 300 people a year.

"We hope people experience a sense of community," she said. "I think it's important for all of us to get together and appreciate the community that we're in and what it has to offer. We're a resource in the community, and some people don't even know about us until they come to the event, so we hope people will learn what we do while also having fun with friends."

The event is for people 21 and older.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information or to order tickets, call Wright at 814-535-2277, ext. 3004, or email jwright@acrpkids.org.