Chances are, if you are from Muhlenberg Township or the surrounding areas, you are familiar with the name Dean Patton, as well as the history of the Fairgrounds as a race track. Both of these local staples have come together for a once-in-a-lifetime exposition inside the Muhlenberg Community Library and are on display until May 6, 2023.
Dean Patton Sports Photography uses incredible shutter speeds to create frozen moments in time of race cars on the track or flipping in mid-air. His art is known for his beautiful local captures of landscapes and features from Jim Dietrich’s Park in Muhlenberg to the battlefields of Gettysburg. Dean’s photography display invites you to relive the World War II weekends with images from this annual popular event at the Reading Airport.
There is more history in store, thanks to a generous loan of speedway memorabilia and preserved photos from The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979 in Muhlenberg. It was a half mile dirt race track which featured a series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours, Monday-Thursday, 10am – 8pm and Saturday, 9am – 4pm. Muhlenberg Community Library is located at 3612 Kutztown Road in Laureldale. A Meet and Greet artist reception with Dean Patton will take place Tuesday, April 11 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Enjoy an informal gathering with light refreshments during this free event.
