Bean soup, bleenies fill the air for northern Schuylkill’s unofficial summer kickoff
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A volunteer serves up bean soup at the Friendship Fire Co. block party on May 24, 2024.
ENGLEWOOD – It’s that time of year again. The smell of bleenies, pierogies, and bean soup filling the air in the Englewood section of Butler Township.
They say Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer, but in the Anthracite coalfields, it comes a few days earlier in the form of the Friendship Fire Company block party.
It kicked off Friday at the firehouse just west of Frackville borough limits.
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Hundreds pack the Friendship Fire Co. grounds in Englewood on May 24, 2024 for the annual Englewood Block Party. 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – People view fire apparatus lined up in advance of Friday’s fire truck parade. 
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Members of the Ringtown Valley Fire Co. walk along the parade lineup.
Hundreds packed the firehouse grounds by evening as several hot cauldrons of bean soup were set over the fire.
At 7:30pm, fire trucks from across eastern Pennsylvania set off for a parade through the Frackville area.
Trucks came from near and far, including Shenandoah and Mahanoy City close by, and Walnutport and Overlook farther away.
After the parade, live entertainment began on the stage at the firehouse.
Bounce houses and other games were set up as well.
Of course, bleenies, pierogies, and kielbasi were served up, too.
It continues Saturday and Sunday, with the kitchen opening at noon.
Hooligan plays the stage from 7pm to 11pm Saturday, while the Golden Tones perform 2pm to 6pm Sunday.
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