Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and Whitpain Township invite the community to come and enjoy a whole host of family activities, food and musical performances with the return of the Big Rig Roundup and Whitpain Community Festival. Admission is free for both events, which will be held on the Morris Road parking lot of MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike.

This year, the fun starts Friday evening, Sept. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Big Rig Roundup. Kids of all ages can get of close look at the unique trucks and equipment used by the local fire, police and public works departments. New this year is the minimal noise hour from 5 to 6 p.m., during which time, there will be no sirens, horns or loud engines.

The fun continues Saturday, Sept. 25, at noon with children’s games, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, trackless train, rock wall, laser tag, vendors and food trucks.

MCCC students will host a wellness expo with display tables of health care information throughout the afternoon. They also will register volunteers for the National Bone Marrow Registry. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 can submit a cheek swab and complete the required paperwork to be added.

The food trucks will be available starting at noon, and the beer garden opens at 2 p.m. – both will be open throughout the musical performances until 8 p.m.

Musical performances start at 1:30 p.m. with children’s music by Ants on a Log followed by the Fort Washington School of Rock at 3 p.m. The Phillybloco Brazilian band takes the stage from 4 to 5 p.m. with their high-energy music that will keep the crowd moving.

At 5:30 p.m. guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Craig Thatcher, and guitarist and vocalist, Mike Guldin, head to the main stage for a guitar summit with musicians Bill Sharrow, Billy Wear and Tim Hooper.

This year’s main act, the Sofa Kings, is a crowd favorite and one of the Philadelphia-area’s most popular party bands. The 10 musicians have a unique chemistry that produces one great show after another. Following their performance, the daylong festivities wrap up with a spectacular fireworks display at 8:15 p.m.

In accordance with the CDC guidelines for large outdoor events, masks are strongly recommended for the event. Handwashing stations will be available throughout the festival grounds. MCCC’s campus buildings will not be open, but portable bathrooms will be available. Any updates about the events will be shared on the festival website and Facebook page .

MCCC and Whitpain Township thank this year’s sponsors, including presenting sponsor s Baird/The Foley Hillsley Group and MCCC Lively Arts Series; gold sponsors Chambers Associates and PECO; silver sponsors American Heritage Credit Union, Blue Bell Physical Therapy, Janney Montgomery Scott – Patitucci Wealth Management, McCaffrey’s Food Markets and Whitpain Police Association; bronze sponsor McMahon Associates, Inc.; and friends sponsor Transnet.