MUNCY-Each June for the last 36 years, the east end of Muncy draws a crowd, beginning with a pancake breakfast, entertainment, craft booths and vendors setting up for most of the day. The mixed aromas of grilled hot dogs, burgers and hot sausages mingle with the smells of tangy fresh lemonade, freshly-cooked French fries, and sugar-dusted funnel cakes. Music blasts from speakers as people young and old congregate to visit with each other and watch a variety of entertainment in the parking lot of 215 East Water Street.

In conjunction with the event, the Irv Zablocky 5K Memorial Run kicks off at Ward L. Myers Elementary School a half-mile away and weaves up and down the southeast side of the borough before crossing into the northeast section of town, ultimately ending near the hospital’s parking lot.

This year should be the 37th annual Lawn Party. But due to the potential for exposure of COVID-19 and guidelines for social distancing, the UPMC Muncy Lawn Party Committee and UPMC Muncy have canceled this year’s event.

“We strongly feel it is in the best interest of our community and public health, in addition to adhering to the clinical guidance of our infection disease experts who believe social distancing should be continued past June 21, the day of our event,” said Matt McLaughlin, chairman, 2020 Muncy Lawn Party Committee, and vice president of operations, UPMC Williamsport.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and request your patience as we seek to make the best decisions possible to keep everyone in our?community?healthy and safe while also doing our part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The committee thanks the community and businesses for their ongoing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the planning process for this year’s event. The committee and UPMC look forward to making the event a success in June 2021.

The Luminary reached out to family members of Irv Zablocky in order to confirm the status of the 5K. No word has been heard regarding the cancellation of the 5K run, but a virtual event is being considered.