EASTON, Pa. — Easton will celebrate its place in history among the locales where the Declaration of Independence first was read when it again holds Heritage Day on Sunday, July 7.
Extending the July 4 holiday through the weekend, Heritage Day will return to Centre Square from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. to honor the city’s history and celebrate a sense of family-friendly community.
Local lore and cultural festivities will abound, with plenty of re-enactments, artistic showcases and musical performances across two stages.
"There's such a rich history in Downtown Easton and the community as a whole, and so I've been able to highlight some of the key buildings that are such a part of our amazing architecture, and also the history that's connected to them."State Representative Robert Freeman
“Many cities are rich in history but Easton is incredibly proud to hold a place in our nation’s story that is shared by only two other cities," city Director of Special Events and Promotions Marcy McKinney said.
"Heritage Day is not just about honoring the past, it’s about celebrating the progress and growth we have made over the past 247 years.
"This day brings our community together to rejoice in all walks of life that built this city and create a welcoming community for all who live here or visit."
“I always liked the historic aspect of Heritage Day," Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.
He said that in the midst of the festivities, he hopes visitors will take in the historical elements of the festival.
"As a former history teacher and a lover of the colonial history of the city, it's our opportunity to showcase the city as a historic town," Panto said.
History, heritage and shopping
Highlights for the event, which is produced by the Greater Easton Development Partnership in conjunction with the City of Easton, include a reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon at the Heritage Stage on Centre Square and North Third Street.
The Heritage and Star-Spangled stages throughout the day will offer “a melodic journey spanning genres,” organizers said, with such as the Serafina Salvaterra, SwingTime Dolls, Bev Conklin and BC Blue, and A Few Good Men.
Younger attendees can enjoy kid-centric activities as diverse as time-period escapades fostered by the Sigal Museum and the National Canal Museum and face painting and goat snuggling sessions — both of which are free.
Appreciate the art of historic craftsmanship? There will be plenty of blacksmiths, quill writers, limners (portrait and miniatures painters) and fiber artists on hand to display their quality wares.
Shopping will be available at F+V Design Studio, Collective Curiosities, Aromatic Fashion, AromaTheraPutty, The Fresh Soap, Melmos Dog Treats, TR Historical, Crochet Creations by KG and Chena Love One Permanent Jewelry.
And being that Heritage Day is first and foremost a celebration of Easton’s lauded history, fanatics can enjoy all sorts of immersive tours exploring that rich tapestry.
'Such a rich history'
Guided walking tours of Historic Downtown Easton with state Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, will set off from the Information Tent in Centre Square at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Freeman said he's “been a history buff since the fourth grade,” and got degrees in history and political science from Moravian College. He said he loves to take Eastonians and visitors on the tour to explore local landmarks.
“There's such a rich history in Downtown Easton and the community as a whole. And so I've been able to highlight some of the key buildings that are such a part of our amazing architecture, and also the history that's connected to them."State Rep. Bob Freeman
“There's such a rich history in Downtown Easton and the community as a whole," he said. "And so I've been able to highlight some of the key buildings that are such a part of our amazing architecture, and also the history that's connected to them."
History buffs also can check out iconic landmarks such as the 1753 Bachmann Publick House, the 1833 Mixsell-Illick House and the Jacob Nicholas House.
The Sigal Museum offers a glimpse into Northampton County’s storied past, from pre-European settlement to colonial days. Admission is $5.
And what kind of party would it be without food and drinks? Vendors will offer up a smorgasbord of traditional and international cuisine, beverages and desserts.
Available will be Island Noodles, Greek Street, Duchess Cookies, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market, Betty’s Old Fashioned, Frozenlandia, Sweet Treats Funnel Cake Bar and Tierra de Fuego.
Fireworks will once again be set off from Hackett Park.
'Soak in some culture'
The city will offer flat-rate parking for $10 at the Third Street Garage behind City Hall, in addition to the Fourth Street Garage behind Easton Public Market.
City officials are encouraging locals to consider walking or biking to Heritage Day, considering limited metered parking and street closures.
“If you want to understand the challenges that we face in the current day, you really have to go back to the root causes of a society and how it emerged. And that's where history plays a very vital role,”Bob Freeman
It also provides a pleasant way to “soak in some culture along the 1.5-mile Karl Stirner Arts Trail from 13th Street into Downtown Easton,” according to the GEDP.
Heritage Day sponsors include the City of Easton, Service Electric, Gross McGinley, Northampton Community College, Lehigh Valley Health Network, City Entertainment Systems, Smirnoff Ice, Astound Broadband and Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society.
And while the past is the premier element of Heritage Day, the learning opportunities presented at the event also can help residents and visitors understand and affect change in their current state, Freeman said.
“If you want to understand the challenges that we face in the current day, you really have to go back to the root causes of a society and how it emerged," he said.
"And that's where history plays a very vital role."
