EASTON, Pa. — One of Easton’s most beloved little festivals will return to the city this weekend, promising “a vibrant atmosphere, flavorful cuisine, and joyful spirit.”
Lebanese Heritage Day kicks off Saturday, with the parish community of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church as host of the cultural event that has been a presence in the city for four decades.
Hours for the festival, in the church parking lot at S. Fourth and Ferry streets, run from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 2, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, rain or shine.Lebanese Heritage Day
The signature summer event may not have the publicity of Easton's Garlic Fest or Bacon Fest, but thousands of visitors each year come out to enjoy the culture and, of course, the food.
And as Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone puts it, if you grew up in Easton, you know all about Lebanese Heritage Day.
“Anybody growing up here in Easton has a relationship with Lebanese Heritage Day,” Pintabone said.
“Having Lebanese roots through my mother, the food, the music, the people… It just does something different to you.
"But even if you don’t have any of that, and you’re not of Lebanese heritage, every year when this comes around, the city knows. The entire city looks forward to it.”
Hours for the festival, in the church parking lot at S. Fourth and Ferry streets, run from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 2, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, rain or shine.
Festivities — and food
Festivities will begin each day with a mass inside the church — set for 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. All visitors are welcome to attend.
Guests can enjoy the sounds of traditional Lebanese music, including Kalem Issa on Saturday and Eddie Osama on Sunday.
Children’s ethnic dance troupes also will perform both days, displaying traditional routines steeped in movement, music and Lebanese heritage.
Authentic Lebanese recipes such as creamy hummus, zesty tabouli, grilled shish kabobs and savory chicken with garlic sauce are just some of the delectable dishes available from vendors.Lebanese Heritage Day
Families are encouraged to visit the festivities, which will feature children’s games, activities, souvenir shopping and more, with credit and debit cards accepted by many of the vendors.
And then there’s the Grand Raffle Prize, which amounts to $10,000 this year.
But of course, one of the biggest highlights of the festival is the food.
Authentic Lebanese recipes such as creamy hummus, zesty tabouli, grilled shish kabobs and savory chicken with garlic sauce are just some of the delectable dishes available from vendors.
Pintabone said he looks forward to enjoying some authentic Lebanese food handmade by experts in the church kitchen. He said he’ll be certain to get himself some stuffed grape leaves and kibbeh.
