BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The beautiful music that reflects the sense of community at Musikfest was heard once again.
It was before the start of Friday evening’s opening ceremonies under the expansive Festplatz tent on the city's north side that marked the official start of the 10-day festival’s 42nd year.
It was before Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds addressed the gathering to say Musikfest is about so much more than food and drink and music.
"Musikfest can serve to lift ourselves to be the best we can be.”Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds
His voice filled with energy, Reynolds defined the annual celebration as proof positive how a community can come together for one another.
“Our greatest day is when we can spend time with one another,” Reynolds said. “It’s about enjoying each other’s company and letting that vibe take us to another place.
"Musikfest can serve to lift ourselves to be the best we can be.”
And in one snapshot moment, it did.
‘Kindest thing I'll see all day’
Outside the tent along food vendor row, fest-goers were enjoying the array of food and drinks — hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, desserts, snacks and more. A feast for the palate.
Beneath the tent and at the end of one of the many long tables, a gentleman was eating one of four slices of a margherita pizza from Pat’s Pizza & Bistro.
Just then, a man who appeared as if good fortune had long treated him like a stranger stopped and looked down at the three remaining slices in the box.
“Where’d you get that?” the visitor said.
“You want a slice?” the man replied.
The visitor nodded and the man invited him to sit with him.
“Sir, I’d like you to have that last slice. Go ahead, take it.”Musikfest visitor sharing his pizza
As they ate, not much was said. The visitor finished his slice and sheepishly peered at the remaining two slices. His pride taking a backseat to hunger.
“You want another?” the man said.
The visitor nodded and began eating another slice — folding it in half and chewing it with the few teeth that remained.
“Sir, I’d like you to have that last slice,” the man offered. “Go ahead, take it.”
The visitor took it, nodded a thank you and practically inhaled it.
The man then wished the visitor well and walked away.
A woman seated with a man at a nearby table remarked, “That’s the kindest thing I’ll see all day.”
‘Some years, mother nature is with you’
On the stage, ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert did the usual. She thanked public and private funding partners, elected officials and volunteers for making Musikfest a reality once more.
She declared Bethlehem, “The best damn city in America.”
The annual Marcincin Awards were presented to ABARTA Coca-Cola, EPAWA Weather Consulting and Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, longtime business supporters of Musikfest.
The awards were renamed in 2018 in memory of former Bethlehem Mayor Paul Marcincin, who was instrumental in establishing Musikfest.
Rainy weather has played havoc with Musikfest in recent years. Last year, remnants of Hurricane Debbie reduced visitors by 300,000 from the year before.
As always, the possibility of rain was a concern again this year.
Hilgert was scheduled to begin the opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m.
At 5:28, the sun suddenly broke through.
“Some years, Mother Nature is with you,” she said, smiling. “Some years, she’s not. Sometimes, good things happen.”
A lonely man with a full belly would not disagree.
