From left, Kason Phaure, 7, Anna Buige 10, Kennedy Phaure, 6, and Max Buige, 8, go down the slide at the Cranberry Township Community Park during Cranberry Township Community Days last year. Butler Eagle File Photo

Cranberry Township residents should mark their calendars for the annual Cranberry Township Community Days. Running from July 11 to 13, it’s one of the biggest events for the township every year.

What once was a one-day Fourth of July celebration more than 30 years ago, the annual Cranberry Township Community Days now is a three-day event aimed at bringing the community together and supporting local organizations.

“It’s a great way to get together with friends, neighbors, and to do something fun with the family,” township manager Dan Santoro said.

In addition to the food vendors and local booths, the Cranberry Township Community Days also will feature live concerts at the amphitheater, a beer and wine garden, and the opportunity to cheer on their favorite first responder at the Battle of the Badges event.

“Take a stroll at the Cranberry Community Park and check out over 255 food vendors, civic organizations, and other exciting booths,” an official statement from the Cranberry Township Community Chest’s website advertising the event said.

From vendors selling hot slices of pizza to classic carnival rides, the Cranberry Township Community Days has something for everyone.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together and it’s a great family event,” Santoro said.

Martinis with Monet from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, will serve as the official start of the Cranberry Community Days. The fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. scheduled for Saturday, July 13, will serve as the closing event of the Cranberry Community Days.

Crowds walk past food and other vendors during the Community Days festival at Cranberry Township Community Park in 2022. Butler Eagle File Photo

All funds from the Cranberry Township Community Days go toward funding the CTCC’s Project of the Year. The CTCC is a volunteer organization that supports and highlights nonprofits in the community.

Every year, the CTCC works with local residents and the township to fund a community project. The 2023-24 community project is the Armstrong Great Lawn, which will tie the municipal center on Rochester Road to the community by creating a pedestrian-friendly space, the CTCC’s website said.

“It’s a great way to not only connect and celebrate nonprofits, but also to connect and raise funds for nonprofits,” Santoro said.