With its Victorian-era fountain, grizzly bear animal statue, benches, grass, lush flowers, and lofty branches stretching out from statuesque trees, Filter Square, located between 23rd and 24th on Pine Street, provides a natural, tranquil place to reflect and relax in the city’s historic Rittenhouse section. Though that wasn’t always the case.
Fitler Square was dedicated to the memory of former Philadelphia Mayor, Republican Edwin Fitler, shortly after his death in 1896. But by 1962, the square had reached a state of disrepair, explains the Fitler Square Improvement Association’s (FSIA) current President, Judy Zimering. At the time, there was no wrought iron fence surrounding its parameter, said Zimering, adding that as of 1962, there wasn’t any grass and the square’s cement was cracked. "The first fair was a fundraiser to help make over our park," Zimering explained.
Now in its 49th year, the FSIA hosts a similar fundraiser each year on the Friday and Saturday preceding Mother’s Day. This year’s Spring Festival will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 7th, winding down at around 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8th. Attractions include a host of goodies, including a baked goods booth, a fresh herbs booth, a flower booth, a kids’ exchange, clothing and games for kids, including a Moon Bounce on Saturday, as well as a White Elephant Booth.
"One man’s junk is another man’s treasure," explained Zimering of the items donated to the White Elephant Booth. They include everything from low-end items such as paper back books and place mats, to high-end items like diamond broaches, Zimering said, adding that some of the higher-end items are included in the fair’s silent auction, which is held between 2-3 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Some of the other items on sale at silent auction include paintings by local artists, as well as Oriental rugs from Woven Treasures, continued Zimering.
Simultaneous to the auction, the remaining items from the White Elephant booth will be sold for as little as ten cents apiece, said Zimering, adding that in years past, attendees have been able to purchase scores of useful household goods for incredibly low prices.
In addition to the fare being sold within the square, other vendors will rent booths around its edges, selling everything from antiques to food. While FISA doesn’t get to keep the proceeds from the outside vendors, it does make a profit from what it charges the vendors for space, Zimering explained.
"Nothing is etched in stone," continued Zimering, noting at what times different events—such as the silent auction—occur, "because a lot depends on the weather."
About one thousand people typically visit the festival each year, said Zimering, adding that its activities attract parents and children.
"It’s a nice little neighborhood event," said Zimering of the fundraiser’s importance. "You can walk through a major city and feel like you’re in a small village," she said of the fair. "It has a very home spun feel to it—we don’t have any corporate sponsorship."
Best yet, FISA pays to have all of the tents and booths set up for the festival broken down Saturday night. That way the park is available for families to enjoy on Mothers Day.
For more information about either the fundraiser or the organization, visit: www.fitlersquare.org.
PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future