Christkindlmarkt to Host Nearly 80 Artisans & Vendors Oct. 8-Nov. 29

Holiday-themed gifts, delectable seasonal treats and more available at holiday market during its 8-week run

BETHLEHEM, PA—Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial® will host a diverse array of nearly 80 artisans, both annual favorites and exciting new vendors alike, during its eight-weekend run Oct. 8-Nov. 29. Whether you want to get your holiday shop on, eat some delectable holiday foods or taste handcrafted wines and liquors, the event will offer something for all tastes.

BG Silversmiths, owned by the Gebhart family, offers handmade argentium sterling silver, 14K gold filled and gemstone jewelry. While Sandi Gebhart operates the company now after her husband Barry’s passing, BG Silversmiths has a true passion for metal in its roots. Barry was a former Bethlehem Steel worker, like his father and grandfather before him, but expressed his creative side through jewelry design and music. The Gebhart family has been in the handmade silver business since 1969.

Drakesflakes will be at Christkindlmarkt for one weekend only, Oct. 15-18, to offer their contemporary designer snowflake ornaments and jewelry named after cold, snowy places all over the world. Based in the peaceful Pocono Mountains, this craftsman strives to create distinctive and eye-catching products.

Stroopie’s, a Lancaster-based company, will offer your own little piece of Christmas to take home and eat. Their specialty is the stroopwaffle, a thin, flakey waffle with a delicately sweet, caramel layer between. It wouldn’t be Christkindlmarkt without this authentic, seasonal treat enjoyed by all ages.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem will feature 60 artisans and vendors each weekend, with some on-site for all eight weekends and others appearing for only a week or two. New artisans will join the list regularly, making for a different shopping experience each weekend.

The list of vendors by section is:

SECTION 1

Arose from the Ashes Designs**
Walnutport, PA
Custom cutting boards, wood turned bowls, engraved wood pictures and coasters; wood turned snowmen
Weekends: 1-4

Bacon Jams
Fun, fine foods from bacon jams to rubs
Weekends: All

Bath Bombs Baby**
Port Monmouth, NJ
Bath bombs and shower steamers
Weekends: All

Bdazzle Jewelry**
East Petersburg, PA
Handmade jewelry and accessories/scarf curl
Weekend: 3

Donegal Square/McCarthy’s RedStag Pub
Bethlehem, PA
Knitwear and accessories from Ireland and Scotland, as well as Celtic jewelry including the locally inspired Star of Bethlehem with a Celtic twist; also offering carryout products from the bakery at McCarthy’s Pub and Whisky Bar
Weekends: All

Dragon Studios**
Fallston, MD
Pen & ink watercolor drawings
Weekends: 4-7

Finneran Jewelry**
Baltimore, MD
Upcycled jewelry handmade from vintage tea & cookie tins
Weekends: 5-8

FireDogsArt**
Hellertown, PA
Fractal-burned wood home décor and jewelry
Weekends: All

Georgie LeHoop Drum Artist**
Saint Clair, PA
Paintings created playing drums; utilizing drum set equipment. Made on old records, symbols and classic canvases.
Weekends: 5-8

Goldnik Inc.
Gemstone jewelry set in sterling silver
Weekends: All

Groff’s Candies LLC**
Lancaster, PA
Homemade chocolates
Weekends: 5-8

Groundhog Blues Pottery**
Reeders, PA
Hand-thrown and sculpted stoneware, functional pottery and animal sculptures
Weekends: 1

High Strung Guitar String Jewelry**
Hamilton, NJ
Guitar string jewelry and gifts that rock
Weekends: 7 & 8

Hunterdon Wood Stools**
Asbury, NJ
Personalized engraved wood stools and children’s furniture
Weekends: 3-8

Keystone Farms Cheese
Handcrafted artisan cheese
Weekends: All

Lisa McGraw**
Whitehall, PA
Original designs, hand screen printed on apparel
Weekends: 1-4

Nazareth Ceramic Center**
Nazareth, PA
Vintage-style ceramic Christmas trees & ceramic Christmas décor; needlework butterflies.
Weekends: All

Richard Kelly Screen Printing**
Morgantown, PA
Screen printed artwork
Weekends: All

Scentsy
Wickless candles & scented fragrance waxes
Weekends: All

Snugpups**
Spinnerstown, PA
Handmade fleece, wool, denim, canvas dog coats
Weekends: All

Stroopies, Inc.
Lancaster, PA
Stroopies-cinnamon waffle with homemade caramel inside
Weekends: All

The Ornament Guy**
Allentown, PA
Unique, hand-painted Christmas ornaments
Weekends: All

West Wind Jewelry**
Dickson City, PA
Handmade semi-precious gemstone jewelry
Weekends: 1-4

Woosch Soaps and Lotions**
Kunkletown, PA
Aloe Vera and vegetable glycerin skin care products
Weekends: 3-6

** All Handmade

SECTION 2

Baltic Amber
Russian Nesting Dolls
Weekends: All

BG Silversmiths**
Bethlehem, PA
Handmade argentium sterling silver, 14K gold filled and gemstone jewelry
Weekends: All

Breezy Meadows Farm**
Perkasie, PA
Handcrafted wool items using wool from our pampered sheep flock
Weekends: 4 & 5

drakesflakes**
Canadensis, PA
Metal snowflake ornaments and jewelry
Weekend: 2

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
New Tripoli, PA
Handcrafted, premium spirits using select grains sustainably grown on Lehigh Valley farms
Weekends: All

Fire Light Glass & Design**
Bethlehem, PA
One of a kind, kiln formed artwork and stained glass
Weekends: 1-4

Green Kamikozees**
Bowers, PA
Unique handmade pickle products
Weekends: All

Groundhog Blues Pottery**
Reeders, PA
Hand-thrown and sculpted stoneware, functional pottery and animal sculptures
Weekends: 3 & 4

I See Spain
Ceramic food grating plates and bowls
Weekends: All

Jim Kerr**
Elmer, NJ
Handmade birdhouses and princess pine table décor
Weekends: 5-8

Kim O’Hara Designs**
Sparta, NJ
Nature-themed and rustic ornate-style ceramic jewelry
Weekends: 3, 4, 8

Me & My Dog Pet Bakery, LLC**
Jamison, PA
All natural, handmade gourmet dog treats
Weekends: All

Mediterra**
West Chester, PA
Creating beautiful kitchenware from sustainably harvested olive trees
Weekends: 1-3

Moon Mountain
Apparel
Weekends: All

On Lilac Lane**
Reading, PA
Handmade signs made from new and reclaimed wood
Weekends: 2, 5, 7

Pottery by Bachert**
Zionsville, PA
Unique and functional stoneware and horsehair pottery
Weekends: All

Primo Potpourri**
Toms River, NJ
Potpourri
Weekends: 5-8

Quilts by Kate**
Avondale, PA
Quilted objects for the home
Weekends: 5-8

SAW Family Creations
Hand painted and hand carved ornaments made out of Christmas tree trunks
Weekends: All

Scrolling It Out Woodworks**
Milton, DE
Personalized icicle ornaments
Weekends: All

Sue’s Favorite Things**
Bangor, PA
Gourds crafted into small, medium and large seasonal ornaments
Weekends: All

Sunflower Trading Hat Company
Hats from around the world
Weekends: 3

Tiebro Handmade Bow Ties
Maplewood, NJ
Handmade bow ties, some from repurposed silk fabrics
Weekends: 5-8

Wellington Metal and Gem**
Palm, PA
Hand forged sterling silver jewelry
Weekends: 6-8

Woodsmith of Naples, Inc.**
Yalaha, FL
Handcrafted wooden centerpiece lanterns
Weekends: 4-8

Ye Olde Toffee Shoppe
Handmade English toffee
Weekends: All

** All Handmade

SECTION 3

AstroVinylArt**
Schwenksville, PA
Original custom carved vinyl records
Weekends: All

Beef Jerky Outlet
Beef jerky snacks
Weekends: All

Beth Rice**
Perkasie, PA
High-end doll clothing and accessories for 14″ dolls
Weekends: 4 & 5

Dash ‘N Drizzle**
Milford, CT
Aged balsamic vinegars, infused extra virgin olive oils, gourmet sea salts
Weekends: All

Franklin Hill Vineyard
Bethlehem, PA
Locally grown wines and gift boxes
Weekends: All

Hillbilly’s Jerky
Pre-packaged beef jerky
Weekends: All

Groundhog Blues Pottery**
Reeders, PA
Hand-thrown and sculpted stoneware, functional pottery and animal sculptures
Weekends: 6 & 8

Little House Candles
New Egypt, PA
Hand-poured, hand-crafted, custom fragranced candles
Weekends: All

Ludlow Farms Home Décor**
Perkasie, PA
Home décor from wood and textiles: bowls, cutting boards and runners
Weekends: 4 & 5

Myriad Mirage**
Nyack, NY
Handcrafted real botanical jewelry
Weekends: 5 & 7

Our Woods Maple**
Hopatcong, NJ
Pure single source maple syrup & products
Weekends: 3 & 8

PH Secrets
Herbal products designed for a healthy body and mind
Weekends: All

Sherry Goeben’s Fine Art
Middleburg, PA
Fine art drawing and painting
Weekends: All

Social Still
Bethlehem, PA
Hand-crafted local spirits
Weekends: All

Sports and More Apparel
Sports apparel
Weekends: All

Sportula & More
Sports-themed spatulas and garden metal art
Weekends: All

The Lazy Dazey**
Dingmans Ferry, PA
Handmade, original design, crochet, jewelry, dreamcatcher, art
Weekends: All

The Peanut Principle**
Albany, NY
Gourmet peanut butter
Weekends: All

Whisker Biscuits
Handmade dog treats
Weekends: All

Wicked Buy/Bottle Refab**
McClure, PA
Glassware and candles made from upcycled beer, wine & liquor bottles
Weekends: All

Your Birth Moon
Moon phase jewelry
Weekends: All

** All Handmade

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem presented by Univest Financial®, takes place at SteelStacks, located at 645 E. First St., Bethlehem. Event dates, hours and ticket prices are as follows:

Tickets:

Thursdays: $9
Fridays: $10
Saturdays: $10
Sundays: $10
Children ages 2 and under are free.

Dates and Hours:

Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 8-Nov. 29 (closed Thurs., Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving)
Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

For the complete list of vendors and to purchase tickets, visit www.christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt/.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem Holiday Market Opens Oct. 8 at SteelStacks

Photo by Kim Kanuck

Event Transforming into 8-Week Outdoor Market Running Through Nov. 29; Tickets Go on Sale This Week

BETHLEHEM, PA–Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, the popular holiday market that takes place in the Christmas City each autumn, returns for its 28th year with an all-new outdoor format featuring 60 artisans and vendors per weekend, as well as food and dining options, St. Nicholas and the return of popular German ornament manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt. The market, presented by Univest Financial®, will be open Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 8-Nov. 29 (closed Thanksgiving). Tickets for the first two weekends will be available Sept. 23, 10 a.m., to ArtsQuest Members and go on sale Sept. 25, 10 a.m., to the public at www.christmascity.org; additional on-sale dates will be announced soon.

Named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice competition, Christkindlmarkt is known for its unique holiday shopping experience featuring dozens of artisans offering thousands of unique, handmade gifts and holiday items.

For 2020, the event has undergone a major transformation. Gone are the four large tents on SteelStacks’ PNC Plaza and in is a spacious, new layout highlighted by artisans and artists’ huts spread across the SteelStacks campus, coupled with the unique holiday décor and lighting of Rileighs Outdoor Décor. When the market opens in autumn, it will offer a fall festival flair, while November’s arrival will usher in a variety of holiday programming as it takes on the feel of an outdoor German market.

Attractions and Vendors

From stunning fine art photos of the Christmas City to handmade Moravian glass stars, Christkindlmarkt 2020 will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that focuses on handmade gifts crafted by local and regional artisans, as well as holiday décor and collectibles offered by some of the region’s top Christmas vendors. Artisans appearing at the market in October will feature autumn-themed gifts and home décor, while merchants taking part in November will offer a variety of fine art, gifts and collectibles perfect for the holidays.

Germany’s Käthe Wohlfahrt, one of Christkindlmarkt’s main attractions, will be on hand for all eight weeks, marking its 21st straight year at the event. Renowned for its exquisite, handmade nutcrackers, incense smokers, pyramids, schwibbogens and wood, glass and pewter ornaments, the company offers more than 2,000 products, making it a popular destination for patrons.

Also joining Christkindlmarkt 2020 are local favorites such as Domaci, Donegal Square & McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery. While many artisans and vendors will be in attendance all eight weeks, participating vendors will change regularly, offering patrons a different experience every weekend. The full list of vendors will be announced later this month.

“Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem was founded in 1993 to support tourism, crafters and the many small businesses based here in Bethlehem,” says ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert. “Over the years, the event has certainly grown, but one thing has remained the same – people look forward to visiting the market and Bethlehem every fall, especially as Christmas approaches, because of the Christmas City’s authentic celebration of the holidays.

“This year, more than ever, it’s important to support these crafters and businesses, the majority of whom have been hit hard by pandemic-related restrictions and closures, so we are excited that we have been able to transform Christkindlmarkt into an authentic outdoor market and provide an opportunity for local artisans and vendors to support their livelihood. The City of Bethlehem has worked closely with us to implement CDC and Department of Health safety guidelines in a way that will still deliver a wonderful experience for patrons and a respite from the challenges of this year by celebrating the holidays with family and friends.”

Once the calendar flips to November, Christkindlmarkt will take on a distinct holiday feel as the event celebrates St. Nicholas’ arrival on Sat., Nov. 7. The jolly, old man will be on hand for special story times and socially distanced photos on Saturdays, while Sundays will feature new virtual “Cooking with St. Nicholas” events for families via Zoom.

“We look forward to serving as the presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt for the third consecutive year,” says Annette D. Szygiel, executive vice president and chief experience officer at Univest Financial. “At Univest Financial, we seek opportunities to allow our communities to enjoy the arts and culture of our local region. It is exciting that this favorite annual tradition can continue thanks to the efforts of the ArtsQuest team who adjusted the approach of the event and established protocols to ensure the safety of visitors.

“For more than 144 years, Univest has been dedicated to supporting our local communities and we have remained steadfast to that even during the pandemic. We are proud to continue this partnership because making these investments during uncertain and vulnerable times is a testament to our corporate values.”

The Food and Music

As with past years, Christkindlmarkt will feature a variety of delicious food, including holiday fare like strudel, German bratwurst and Christmas cookies. As they arrive, guests will find offerings from area food trucks at the event’s entrance, while inside patrons can visit the Christkindlmarkt Food Court featuring a special holiday themed menu created by the Levy Culinary Team at SteelStacks. People who purchase food will also be able to eat in the event’s Biergarten, offering a diverse array of beers including Yuengling Hershey Chocolate Porter, as well as hot toddies and other beverages.

Come November, Christkindlmarkt will offer a new “Outdoor Dining and a Show” experience, complete with a special holiday dining menu, on SteelStacks’ Air Products Town Square. Two different seating sessions – 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and 1:45-4 p.m. – will be offered and artists set to take the stage include Dolcetto, Joy Ike and Craig Thatcher & Nyke Van Wyk. Parties who want to attend the “Outdoor Dining and a Show” events will need to make a separate advance reservation; complete details on the series will be announce in October.

Tickets & Admission – NEW FOR 2020!

For the safety of all patrons, staff and volunteers, Christkindlmarkt will not sell “any-day” general admission tickets for 2020. Instead, patrons must purchase admission tickets in advance for the date and time they wish to attend the market.

Tickets will be sold for designated admission times starting every half hour to reduce lines and wait times, as well as help ArtsQuest staff and volunteers ensure safe, smooth flow into and through the event. ArtsQuest staff and volunteers will be stationed at the entrance to each Christkindlmarkt section to ensure the maximum capacity for each area is not exceeded.

Patrons are expected to wear their personal protection masks and face coverings unless they are eating and drinking; all city and state social distancing and COVID-19 safety regulations will be in effect. Individuals who walk up to Christkindlmarkt without an admission ticket will only be permitted to buy tickets to a session that has not reached its capacity limit.
Admission ticket prices are as follows; children ages 2 and under are free:

Thursdays: $9
Fridays: $10
Saturdays: $10
Sundays: $10

Christkindlmarkt Dates and Hours:
Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 8-Nov. 29
(closed Thurs., Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving)
Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem presented by Univest Financial®, takes place at SteelStacks, located at 645 E. First St., Bethlehem. Patrons can park for free in the parking lots on First Street.

Safety Guidelines and Regulations

The health and safety of our patrons, vendors and everyone attending Christkindlmarkt is of the utmost importance to ArtsQuest and we have established a number of best practices and procedures based on guidelines from the CDC, City of Bethlehem and our state. These include practicing safe social distancing; requiring staff, volunteers, vendors and patrons to wear facemasks in all indoor and outdoor areas except when eating and drinking; following event capacity guidelines established by the Commonwealth; and greatly expanding and enhancing our cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout the event.

All vendors are also required to adhere to all safety guidelines put in place for the event. Complete details on COVID-19 health and safety practices for ArtsQuest and our patrons can be found at www.steelstacks.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/OutdoorEventsGuidelines.pdf.

In addition to Univest Financial®, partners helping make Christkindlmarkt possible include Bazella Group, Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., Crayola, D. G. Yuengling & Son, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), NJM Insurance and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, along with media partners 69-WFMZ-TV, 99.9 The Hawk, 100.7 WLEV, Cat Country 96, Adams Outdoor, B104, NewsRadio 790 WAEB, 95.1 WZZO and Tri Outdoor. Additional details on Christkindlmarkt 2020 will be announced throughout the fall. For tickets and more information, visit www.christmascity.org.

ArtsQuest Celebrates Rocky Horror Picture Show 45th Anniversary with Outdoor Screenings Sept. 25 and 26

BETHLEHEM, PA – We’re calling all Janets, Brads and creatures of the night to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as ArtsQuest presents special outdoor screenings of the beloved cult classic, complete with a socially distanced shadow cast performing on stage, at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Sept. 25 and 26 at 10 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will play on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks’ outdoor screen, features the theatrics of the Spaced Out Sensations shadow cast. Reservations for 6-foot by 6-foot squares, good for a group of up to four people in the same party, are $25 ($17.50 for limited view) and on sale now HERE. Time Warp safely from your socially distanced square and bring chairs, blankets and whatever else you need to make yourself comfortable for a colorfully spooky night.

Spaced Out Sensations will also be selling prop bags at the screenings. Please note that balloons, confetti (or anything containing confetti) and toilet paper are not permitted. Food and beverages can be ordered at the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn.

For the safety of patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.

‘Last Cast 25’ to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of Steelmaking This Fall

Photo by Edward Leskin

Steelworkers’ Reunion Party, Public Art Project, Steelworker Speaker Series & More Highlight Events and Programs Through November

BETHLEHEM, PA—A Steelworkers reunion party, public art project featuring Bethlehem beams, the opportunity for students to discover local history from steelworkers, and the creation of a new children’s book that tells the story of a ‘Tug’ tractor that pulled buggies at Bethlehem Steel are among the highlights of the “Last Cast 25” initiative this fall commemorating the 25th anniversary of the last time steel was made at the iconic Bethlehem Steel plant.

Last Cast 25, which includes both in-person and virtual programming and events throughout the fall, is presented through a partnership between Bethlehem Area Public Library, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Lehigh Valley Public Media, the National Museum of Industrial History, Steelworkers’ Archives, Wind Creek Resort and ArtsQuest.

Launching Sept. 26-27 with the Steel Weekend at the National Museum of Industrial History, Last Cast 25 will feature a series of events and programs that tie arts, music, education and culture to the rich history of the Bethlehem Steel, paying homage to one of the region’s largest employers in the 20th century and the second largest steel manufacturer in the nation. The Bethlehem plant, which employed more than 30,000 people at its height, was instrumental in manufacturing steel for much of the Manhattan skyline, Madison Square Garden and artillery and ships in the two World Wars.

November 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the last steel made in Bethlehem. Nov. 18, 1995 was the last cast of iron from a blast furnace in Bethlehem and the Basic Oxygen Furnace, which converted iron into steel, shut down shortly afterwards. The Electric Furnace Melt Shop was the last steelmaking shop to end melting on Nov. 22, 1995.

“Bethlehem Steel’s ‘last cast’ holds a symbolic place in the hearts of many steelworkers and community members. It’s an indelible final chapter in the history of a storied company,” says National Museum of Industrial History President and CEO Kara Mohsinger. “While the plant’s final days were a sad time for Bethlehem, we’re glad we can come together now, 25 years later, and remember the worldwide impact Bethlehem’s steelworkers had on our town and our country.”

Confirmed Last Cast 25 programs and events so far include:

Screening of “Bethlehem Steel: The People Who Built America
Sept. 16, 7 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Public Media

Lehigh Valley Public Media presents the EMMY Award-winning documentary “Bethlehem Steel: The People Who Built America,” which tracks the amazing history of Bethlehem Steel from a booming multi-national company to a historic landmark in south Bethlehem. Meet the workers who helped build America and discover the legacy left behind by the corporation. Includes a panel discussion with former Bethlehem Steel CEO Hank Barnette, former Bethlehem Mayor Don Cunningham and the National Museum of Industrial History’s Andria Zaia. Visit PBS39.org/Screenings to learn more.

“The First Cast”
Sept 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
National Museum of Industrial History

Join the National Museum of Industrial History as it unveils its miniature iron melting furnace and holds its first public casting demonstration. The afternoon-long event will culminate in a molten iron pour around 3 p.m., during which commemorative Last Cast 25th Anniversary medallions will be created. This once-in-a-lifetime event will take place on the Museum’s outdoor plaza and is weather dependent.

“Faces of Steel”
Starting Sept. 26
SteelStacks Campus

Last Cast 25 will honor the men and women who worked at Bethlehem Steel Corp with a photo gallery shared online at steelstacks.org and via the outdoor screens on the SteelStacks campus. The community is invited to submit photos of family members and friends who worked at Bethlehem Steel digitally through Sept. 18, 5 p.m., at www.steelstacks.org/lastcast25/. Submitted photos will be displayed as part of the virtual ‘Faces of Steel’ photo gallery at www.steelstacks.org/lastcast25/. In addition, images will be displayed on the outdoor LED screen at Lehigh Valley Public Media Sept. 26-27 as part of the National Museum of Industrial History’s Steel Weekend and as part of the Last Cast 25 Steelworkers Reunion Party Oct. 3 at SteelStacks.

Steelworkers Reunion Party
October 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
ArtsQuest Center’s Air Products Town Square

Bethlehem Steel’s workers and their family and friends are invited to gather on the Air Products Town Square for a 25th anniversary reunion featuring lunch and the opportunity catch up with old friends – socially distanced of course. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bethlehem Beam Project – “Look for the I-s that built the sk-I-es”
November 2020 Through 2021
Throughout Bethlehem

ArtsQuest, National Museum of Industrial History and various other organizations and businesses are collaborating to host a public art project featuring the iconic Bethlehem Beams. Beams will be featured throughout the North and SouthSides of Bethlehem to commemorate the 25th anniversary. The beams, which come from Martin Tower, will be divided into benches and decorated by local artisans, as well as youth. The beam project will start this November, so be on the lookout for the “I-s that built the sk-I-es.”

Steelworkers’ Archives Exhibition & Activities
Throughout Fall
Steelworkers’ Archives

The Steelworkers’ Archives is displaying images from its permanent collection including steelworker portraits and images from the Bethlehem plant, as well as offering film viewings, open-air presentations and stories by former steelworkers. There will also be a printed guide for all visitors that covers the events and exhibition.

Last Cast 25 Community Art Juried Exhibition
Nov. 6-Jan. 3, 2021
The Banana Factory

As part of Last Cast 25 and InVision, the Banana Factory Arts Center is hosting a digital exhibition focused on photography and photo-based artwork featuring Bethlehem Steel. Jurors for this exhibition are National Museum of Industrial History’s Glenn Koehler, former Bethlehem Steel worker and photographer Bruce Ward and ArtsQuest’s Nicole Gencarelli. Works will be juried on artistic and technical merit for inclusion in this digital exhibition. The public can submit work through Oct. 11 at fest.formstack.com/forms/last_cast_25_community_art_juried_exhibition. For more information, email visualarts@artsquest.org.

Steelworker Interviews
Throughout November
Steelworkers Archives and National Museum of Industrial History

Steelworker Interviews, hosted by the National Museum of Industrial History in collaboration with the Steelworkers’ Archives, is an opportunity for the innovators of the future to learn from the steel workers of the past. This is a weekly opportunity throughout November for classrooms and online learners to virtually interview a steelworker, ask questions live and hear personalized stories from the Bethlehem Steel days. This program will be free of charge, held during school hours and open to all educators or students interested in joining. Registration, dates and times will be announced soon – for more information contact NMIH Director of Education and Community Partnerships Amber Emory at aemory@nmih.org.

Additionally, Bethlehem Area Public Library and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites will collaborate to release a limited series podcast of the interviews, which will be available to the public. Students can continue their Last Cast experience with prerecorded art-making projects inspired by the Bethlehem Steel and facilitated by the Banana Factory.

“Tug” Children’s Book
Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL)

The Bethlehem Area Public Library and the National Museum of Industrial History are publishing a children’s book in conjunction with Last Cast 25. Tug, which tells the story of a real tractor (made by TUG Technologies Corp.) that pulled buggies at Bethlehem Steel, was written by BAPL children’s librarian Catherine McCafferty and illustrated by Jim Atherton. Tug lives at the museum today as a working artifact. It’s a charming story that provides an inside look at the Steel and teaches in a way that is accessible to the youngest readers. To celebrate the book launch, Tug will be read by a member of Steelworkers’ Archives at “Storytime with a Steelworker.”

“Memories of Steel” Speaker Series
Dates TBA
Steelworkers’ Archives

The Steelworkers’ Archives Speakers Bureau will present “Memories of Steel” Saturdays and Sundays this fall on the plaza outside the National Museum of Industrial History. This speaker series of captivating presentations will combine plant history with steelworker stories. Presentations are free and open to the public. Masks and social distancing required; designated outdoor seating is limited but you can bring your own chair.

Taking place from September through November, Last Cast 25 is a series of events designed to honor and remember the rich history of Bethlehem Steel, with last manufactured steel 25 years ago in fall 1995. Partners collaborating on the initiative include Bethlehem Area Public Library, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Lehigh Valley Public Media, the National Museum of Industrial History, Steelworkers’ Archives, Wind Creek Resort and ArtsQuest.

Additional details on Last Cast 25 will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/LastCast25.

Community Invited to Submit Photos of Bethlehem Steel Workers for ‘Last Cast 25’ Celebration This Fall

BETHLEHEM, PA—Starting today through Sept. 18, the community is invited to submit photos of family members and friends who worked at Bethlehem Steel Corp. as part of the ‘Last Cast 25’ commemoration taking place this fall to honor the 25th anniversary of the last time steel was manufactured at the Bethlehem plant.

Submissions for the ‘Faces of Steel’ display are being accepted digitally through Sept. 18, 5 p.m., at www.steelstacks.org/lastcast25/. All photo submissions should include the person’s hometown, dates worked at Bethlehem Steel and primary title or role at the company. Photos should be high-resolution images of at least 4 inches x 6 inches and 300 DPI in one of the following file formats: jpeg, tiff, bitmap or PDF file.

Each submitted photo will be displayed as part of the virtual ‘Faces of Steel’ photo gallery at www.steelstacks.org/lastcast25/. In addition, images will be displayed on the outdoor LED screen at Lehigh Valley Public Media Sept. 26-27 as part of the National Museum of Industrial History’s Steel Weekend and as part of the Last Cast 25 Steelworkers Reunion Party in October on the Air Products Town Square at the ArtsQuest Center. Details on the reunion party will be announced in the near future.

Taking place from September through November, Last Cast 25 is a series of events designed to honor and remember the rich history of Bethlehem Steel, with last manufactured steel 25 years ago in fall 1995. Partners collaborating on the initiative include Bethlehem Area Public Library, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Lehigh Valley Public Media, the National Museum of Industrial History, Steelworkers’ Archives, Wind Creek Resort and ArtsQuest.

Additional details on Last Cast 25 will be announced in the coming weeks.

ARTSQUEST’S 10th-ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST SET FOR SEPT. 26-27

German Food, Live Music & Family Fun Highlight In-person & Virtual Programming

BETHLEHEM, PA–Oom-pahs, bratwurst, dachshunds and the legendary Hasselhoff-off highlight the 10th Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Sept. 26-27. This year’s event will feature in-person programming at SteelStacks as well as virtual programming, offering Oktober-festivities for all.

Highlighting the 2020 Oktoberfest are “Outdoor Dining with a Show” experiences Sept. 26-27 on the Air Products Town Square at SteelStacks where guests can listen to German-style music while enjoying a menu that features offerings like a loaded potato pancake covered in corned beef brisket, fried sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Rueben-style dressing, and Schweinshaxe (roasted pork shank) served over browned butter spaetzle and cabbage. Guests can finish it all off with apple strudel from Mattie’s Strudel Haus and ice cream from the Bethlehem Dairy Store.

Seating on the Town Square is by reservation only with tables good for up to four people in the same party. Two seating sessions – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. – will be offered both days. Table reservation price is $10 and ArtsQuest Members can make reservations starting tomorrow, 10 a.m., while the public can make reservations starting Sept. 11, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest. Guests must wear facemasks both indoors and outdoors unless eating and drinking and all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines are in effect.

On Sept. 26, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band will perform on the Town Square’s Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage. This traditional German brass oompah band performs everything from standard German Oktoberfest tunes to pop covers that everyone knows.

The popular Polkadelphia takes the Town Square’s Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage Sept. 27. Whether rocking out at the local biergarten or strolling through the bustling tents at an Oktoberfest, this band always brings the ‘haus’ down.

Oktoberfest fans looking to pick up their bratwurst, strudel and other Oktoberfest favorites to take home can do so by visiting the four food vendors taking part in the “Oktoberfest To-Go” Food Service and Biergarten on PNC Plaza at SteelStacks. Featured vendors are Karl Ehmer, Heaven on a Bun, Waffle de Lys and Heidi’s Strudel & Island Expressions. Beverages including Yuengling Oktoberfest, Hofbräu and more will be available for guests to purchase to enjoy with their food if they opt to sit in the Biergarten.

“Having proudly sponsored Oktoberfest in recent years, your neighborhood airport was committed to ensuring its successful takeoff in 2020. Whether with food, music or cultural entertainment, everyone needs an escape from present challenges, and this amazing event certainly provides that energy-driven destination for in-person or virtual attendance,” says Lehigh Valley International Airport Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt.

Other Oktoberfest highlights include:

Dragtoberfest – Sept. 26, 8:30 p.m. (in-person)
Tickets: $12/$10 students & seniors/$9.50 ArtsQuest Members

The Lehigh Valley’s favorite drag queens are back for some fierce and socially-distanced performances at the base of the blast furnaces. Join Elektra Fearce St. James, Georgia Versace Couture and Clan Ann (Sharron Ann Husbands and Carol Ann Carol Ann) – who many of you might recognize as our Golden Girls Drag Show actors – for a night of great fun and faces. Tickets will be available starting Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Virtual Hasselhoff-off – Sept. 24, 8 p.m. (live via Zoom & Facebook Live)

No pandemic can dampen Germany’s love for the greatest performer of all history, David Hasselhoff. We return for year five of finding the best Hoff in the land complete with the slow-motion virtual beach run!

Virtual Weiner Dog Parade

Everyone love the dachshunds at Oktoberfest. This year, these loveable dogs will strut their stuff in our virtual parade. Proud owners are encouraged to dress them up in their favorite costumes and create home videos, which they then submit to our Oktoberfest judging panel. The judges will review all the submissions and announce the ‘King and Queen’ via Zoom and Facebook live Sept. 27, 2 p.m. Registration opens Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest and cost is $25 ($22.50 for ArtsQuest Members); prizes will be awarded in different categories.

Oktoberfest Steinholding Competition (virtual & in-person; finals Sept. 27 at SteelStacks)

The U.S. Steinholding Association and ArtsQuest are once again partnering on this competition where participants hold steins full of beer at arm’s length for as long as they can. Preliminaries will take place virtually via Zoom starting Sept. 16, while the semi-finals are set for Sept. 26 at SteelStacks and the final competitors will battle it out at SteelStacks on Sept. 27. Winner takes home $250 and a berth in the U.S. Steinholding Association 2020 National Remote Steinholding Championship. Registration is $40 and includes an official stein; register starting Sept. 10 at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Family Fun (in-person)

Including free art kits for kids, an in-person workshop at the Banana Factory and a Chalk the Walk Coloring Contest on Sept 26, 2-5 p.m., at SteelStacks.

Virtual Oktoberfest 5K

The popular Oktoberfest 5K goes virtual, with all proceeds from the event going to support the nonprofit ArtsQuest, which presents Oktoberfest. Register at www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

Official Oktoberfest hours for SteelStacks activities are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is also supported by D.G. Yuengling & Son, Kistler O’Brien and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.

SteelStacks Favorites Perform in October as Part of ArtsQuest’s ‘Outdoor Dining and a Show’ Series

Photo by Ted Colegrove

Renowned tribute acts to cover classics by The Allman Brothers, Billy Joel and Journey

BETHLEHEM, PA–Jam out to classic hits at SteelStacks, complemented by outdoor dining on the Air Products Town Square, this fall as ArtsQuest serves up an array of dynamic tribute acts and Lehigh Valley favorites throughout October. Tributes include Steal Your Peach, playing hits by The Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead; The Stranger, belting out classics by Billy Joel; and Frontiers, rocking Journey’s greatest hits. Celtic and world music sensations Scythian and the popular Sofa Kings are among the other acts that will take the stage this fall.

Patrons interested in attending these “Outdoor Dining and a Show” experiences must make reservations in advance, either at a table on the Air Products Town Square in front of the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage, or on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn, where they can listen to the music from the Community Stage and view the performance on the Levitt Pavilion’s outdoors screen. Reservations go on sale to ArtsQuest Members starting Sept. 9, 10 a.m., and the public Sept. 11, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org/events/food/.

Both table and lawn spot reservations are good for single parties of up to four people, with campus attendance limited to ensure proper safe social distancing and follow all CDC, state and city health & safety guidelines. Air Products Town Square guests can enjoy dinner available from the ArtsQuest Center menu. Levitt Pavilion lawn spots will be spaced accordingly to follow safe social distancing and food and beverages can be ordered via the Mack Truck Stop and bar on the lawn.
Shows, dates and reservation prices are:

Steal Your Peach
Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.
$30 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Mike Santoro of The Stranger – A Billy Joel Tribute
Saturday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m.
$60 for Town Square Table and $15 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Frontiers – The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band
Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Scythian
Sunday, Oct. 11
$65 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

The Uptown Band
Friday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
$30 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

The Sofa Kings
Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m.
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Philadelphia Funk Authority
Sunday, Oct. 18, 4 p.m.
$40 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Craig Thatcher Band – Eric Clapton Retrospective
Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 for Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

Live at the Fillmore – Allman Brothers Band Tribute
Saturday, Oct. 24
$50 for Town Square Table and $10 Levitt Pavilion Lawn Spot

For more information, CLICK HERE.

ArtsQuest Patriot Day Ceremony Honoring First Responders Streaming Live
Sept. 11

Rev. Herbert G. Gates III to be honored with 2020 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, PA—The public is invited to join ArtsQuest virtually in honoring our region’s first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel during Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be streamed live for everyone to view from home.

As part of the presentation, ArtsQuest will present its 2020 First Responder Valor Award to Bethlehem’s Rev. Herbert G. Gates III.

Gates has lived a life of servitude, starting with his service in the U.S. Army from 1966-’68, with 6.5 months spent in South Vietnam. Gates served in churches in the West Pennsylvania Conference for more than 30 years. He has also led bible studies and taught Sunday School in several churches, and now holds regular support groups at Bethany U.M.C. Since moving to Bethlehem in 2007, he has served as an Associate Chaplain and a Pulpit Supply for six years in regional Evangelical Lutheran Churches. He currently serves as Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Associate Chaplain, where he brings comfort and support to patients and their families in dire times.

Gates has volunteered at ArtsQuest for more than a decade as an ArtsQuest Ambassador, Musikfest Site Supervisor, Christkindlmarkt Site Supervisor and ticket-taker at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. In recognition of his efforts to minister patients, their families and staff, as well as his dedication to our community, ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem City Council member J. William Reynolds will present Gates with a glass sculpture hand-blown by the artists at the ArtsQuest Glass Studio at the Banana Factory.

ArtsQuest is also honoring regional first responders for their courage and sacrifice for our community by displaying “Our Hometown Heroes” banners on the fence lining 1st Street and Founders Way, as well as via an online gallery. Singer and guitarist Seth Witcher will present the National Anthem.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/festivals/patriotic-holidays/patriot-day/.

ArtsQuest Presenting Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Outdoor Movie Series Starting Sept. 8 at SteelStacks

New Movie Series Airing Classics like ‘Pitch Perfect,’ ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Mean Girls’

BETHLEHEM, PA—Starting Sept. 8, SteelStacks will present the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Movie Series featuring a string of family-loved classics. Grab your PJs and your BFF for cinematic, socially-distanced fun Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in September, along with a special Saturday showing Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.

With the Levitt Lawn Slumber Party Series, groups of up to four in the same party can reserve a 6-foot by 6 foot, socially-distanced square on the Levitt Lawn to enjoy their favorite films under the stars. Reservations are $20 and $15 for spots that offer limited views of the screen; they are available starting today at www.steelstacks.org.

Food and beverages will be available for sale at the Mack Truck Stop. For the safety of our patrons and staff, mask wearing, social distancing and all CDC, state and city health and safety rules and regulations apply.

Movie titles and dates are:

Sept. 8 – Bring It On (20th Anniversary)
Sept. 15 – Pitch Perfect
Sept. 22 – Legally Blonde
Sept. 29 – Grease
Oct. 3 – Mean Girls (8 p.m. start)

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org.