PHOENIXVILLE, PA — October 14, 2021 — Category 4 Hurricane
Ida made landfall on August 29, 2021, in Louisiana, and transitioned into a
post-tropical cyclone as it accelerated through the northeastern United
States, breaking multiple rainfall records in various locations before
moving out into the Atlantic five days later on, September 4.
Some of those dubious records were in this region, where September 1
rainfalls produced widespread flooding. No local areas were more adversely
affected than the neighboring communities of Port Providence and Mont
Clare, in Montgomery County – directly across the Schuylkill River from
the Borough of Phoenixville, PA.
The fast-moving flood event transformed lives and households within a
matter of hours. Homes and cars were destroyed, residents were without
power and essential supplies in the days that followed and now, more than
a month later, many residents of Mont Clare and Port Providence are still
digging out. Heroic efforts to raise funds and coordinate assistance were
quickly established however, the damage caused by Hurricane Ida was so
momentous that a group of Chester County businesses were inspired to
organize a benefit concert to raise additional funds.
The Concert for Canal Relief is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday,
October 26, and will feature performances by some of the region’s most
beloved musical acts, including Cliff Hillis, The Holts, The Mighty
Manatees and Ben Arnold.
“All of these artists have strong followings all along the Schuylkill River,
and they all jumped at the opportunity to help,” said Corey Reid, Sales
Manager for Sly Fox Brewing Company. Sly Fox and its advertising agency
partner Virtual Farm Creative (VFC), planned the one night event with
Phoenixville’s iconic Colonial Theatre and the Schuylkill Canal Association
(SCA), an organization dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and restoring
the Schuylkill Canal and its surrounding lands
