EASTON, Pa. — One of Easton’s biggest and most beloved events, Heritage Day, is coming back again this July, but it’s made a move to Saturday.
Greater Easton Development Partnership confirmed the tradition, which honors Easton’s role in the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, will take place on Saturday, July 12, instead of Sunday, when it was routinely held.
As for the traditional fireworks show, details are up in the air, with organizers saying they have yet to decide on whether they will be held this year.
In 2023, the city shifted the launch point for fireworks from the riverfront to Hackett Park, sparking some fiery responses from residents.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. defended the move was partially motivated by a shooting which took place on the 100 block of Northampton Street during the 2022 Heritage Day, though organizers said that was not the only reason.
The event features a full day of family-friendly programming, including historical reenactments, music, local vendors, and educational experiences throughout the Downtown.
Residents and tourists can reflect on the city’s rich history via a series of exhibitions, walking tours, digital offerings, and performances shared by regional historical, cultural, and educational institutions, organizers said.
A market older than America
The day begins at 9 a.m. in Scott Park with a special edition of the Easton Farmers’ Market, which will celebrate its 273rd birthday – the oldest continuous open-air market in the country it outdates.
In addition to the full lineup of vendors, the market will also welcome 10 guest vendors.
Easton Area Public Library will be joining the market as a featured Community Tent, and there will be a special Art Tent activity that includes making “Birthday Bags” for local food banks and community centers led by CAW Workshops.
The festivities continue at Scott Park Stage at 10 a.m., with guest speaker Chief Barbara Bluejay Michalski from the Lenape Cultural Center followed by celebratory music from Lilly Moss Acoustic Trio at 11 a.m.
Around 11 a.m., the market will lead a community march, complete with fife and drum, from Scott Park to Centre Square.
Changing of the flags
At Centre Square, historical performances will be led by Chris Black, with a pre-show set for 11:30 a.m., and wrapping up with a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon. A symbolic flag change follows, swapping out the British flag for the Easton flag.
Starting at 10 a.m., local museums and historical sites will open up to the public, inviting visitors to explore on their own with maps and self-guided tour itineraries.
Organizers are also exploring interactive additions like an audio tour and a Historical Scavenger Hunt, where participants can collect stamps or punch cards at each site for a chance to win raffle prizes. Winners will be drawn in Centre Square around 3:30 p.m.
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees are encouraged to roam Downtown Easton and enjoy activations hosted by historical organizations and local businesses.
Vendors will begin operating in Centre Square during that time, offering food, beverages, and handmade goods through 8 p.m., reminiscent of the historic Great Square market.
Heritage Row, along West Northampton Street, will host additional historical and cultural organizations, providing educational and interactive exhibits for guests of all ages.
As the sun sets, Main Stage music programming will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m., featuring three live bands and a festive, community-wide atmosphere in Centre Square, according to organizers.
Heritage Day 2025 also marks the kick-off for Lehigh Valley 250, an organization set to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 in the Lehigh Valley.
