A slower pace of life. A greater sense of community. Closer relationships with neighbors.

There's a difference between living in a city and living in a small town.

Reamstown Days celebrates what it means to be from Reamstown.

"This is a family event," said Carol Smith, coordinator of Reamstown Days. "Everything is reasonably priced, making it possible to enjoy free entertainment and great food. Reamstown is just a special town."

This year's edition of Reamstown Days falls on Friday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 10 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The community event is being staged at the site of its beneficiary, Reamstown Memorial Park, 23 E. Church St. - a 13-acre community-owned park donated to local residents by a group of four local businessmen nearly 90 years ago.

Reamstown Days are free to attend, but there are some modest costs associated with attractions and food.

"My favorite part is the energy and excitement of the children," said Smith. "I enjoy the hometown feeling of just getting the community together and enjoying each other's company."

Reamstown Days will feature rocking tunes from Trent Becker and the Collective on Friday; the Fabulous Grease Band on Saturday; homemade delights like ice cream, french fries and funnel cakes; a petting zoo; games; kiddie land activities; fire truck rides; a candy scramble; a duck race in the creek; and a pet parade.

"We do not have big rides or tons of vendors," said Smith, a resident of Reamstown. "It has remained a place to take your family for a good time."

Organizers of Reamstown Days are hoping to make $20,000 from the event, and all of the proceeds will go toward the annual upkeep of the park, everything from mowing and playground maintenance to tree trimming and cleaning up after storms. Smith's work as event coordinator is supported by volunteers Jeff Trownbridge, Bill Sweigart, Cheryl Sweigart, Amber Luta, Gayle Herneisen, Anne Hale, Mike Hale and Tim Hegeman.

Reamstown is home to more than 3,000 residents.

The origins of Reamstown Days can be traced to the 1960s, when the community event featured beard-growing contests and beauty queens.

"I grew up in Reamstown, and I've been here over 60 years," said Smith. "I played in the park as a child, then my children did and my grandchildren did. You know your neighbors, and you look out for one another. The goal is to make enough money to continue to care for the park."