Joel G. Garrison was a veteran of the Spanish American War. He served in 1898 as chief steward and hospital orderly of the 12th Regiment, a volunteer outfit recruited from Williamsport, Lock Haven, Muncy, Milton, Lewisburg, Sunbury, and Danville. He was a druggist by profession.

Without a family of his own, his delight to his lifetime was to help under privileged boys and girls. It was no surprise to his friends when they learned that he dedicated his estate to the entertainment of children. The money he left for this is administered by the First Community Foundation.

Not that any of the children will know anything about this man, because Mr. Garrison died in 1942 at the age of 83 years.

This year’s annual Joel Garrison Day festivities will be held on Friday, August 13. The celebration is always held on August 13. Why is this event always held on August 13, you might ask? That is because that is the date that the Spanish-American War ended in 1898.

Joel G. Garrison Day will take place at Memorial Park, West Fourth Street, Williamsport. It will consist of free activities for all community children (with guardian) from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in Memorial Park. The event will offer complimentary games, water inflatables, bounce house, face painting, and refreshments.