The City of Powell is beginning to get into the full swing of the fall season with a simple, and heartwarming, harvest tradition: a bonfire.

This Saturday, the Powell Police Department and the Liberty Township Fire Department will be hosting the community bonfire from 6 to 8 p.m. This annual celebration will be staged at Village Green Park, over by 47 Hall Street in downtown Powell.

“My favorite part of the bonfire is the atmosphere,” said Megan Cavanan, the director of communications for the Powell City Council. “It is the perfect event for autumn — a roaring bonfire, neighbors socializing, apple cider, music, laughter, and more. I always love experiencing the sense of community that is felt during the bonfire.”

Canavan has been the head of communications and social media for Powell City Council since April 2003.

The community bonfire, or “the bonfire” as called by the locals, was first established in 1997 to bring Powell residents together.

In addition to Powell inhabitants, members of the Powell City Council, police division, and fire department come to the bonfire to mingle and connect with locals. Local businesses and companies also pitch in to help bring the bonfire to life through food donations and sponsorships.

“It is a way for the community to come together and interact with their local police and fire departments,” Canavan said. “For families, it is a fun atmosphere with free hot dogs, apple cider and doughnut holes, music and more.”

Though the bonfire has been around for 20 years, fresh talent and entertainment for the fall event is at a constant demand, allowing smaller bands and groups to test their tunes on a new audience.

One such band, a mother-daughter singing duo called Mamma & Me, will be performing live on the Technicare Stage for guests.

“We are very excited to play at the bonfire event this year,” says Debbie Brennan, the “mamma” of the band with daughter Maddie. “Powell is a wonderful community and we are honored to have been asked.”

The Brennan family, with husband Matt Brennan part time on the keyboard, has been singing mostly progessive rock covers in small gigs for five years, performing in local restaurants like Local Roots and Vittoria Ristorante & Bar. The Brennans also own and operate Brennan Music Studio in Powell. Both Debbie and Maddie Brennan teach piano lessons, among a variety of musical instruments, to Powell residents and musicans.

Visitors to the community bonfire will be provided a smorgasbord of fall treats, including free marshmallows to be roasted over a blazing fire.

Other benefactors and sponsors of the event include Mount Carmel Health, Amber Elizabeth Photography, Technicare, Comfort Xpress, the Olentangy Rotary Club, Living Hope Church, and the Powell Sertoma Club.

For information, visit cityofpowell.us.