EASTON, Pa. — While everyone knows Easton has plenty of heart, the city exceeded expectations for their “Love, Easton”Campaign by more than double the love.
The program, which encouraged residents and business owners to craft their own unique hearts with a goal of ensuring one for each resident, 28,127 in total, has led to a whole lotta love, as more than 63,000 symbols of affection adorned windows throughout February.
Downtown Easton business owners Ron Morris and Ken Jones Jr. initiated the campaign as a Mercantile Home Community Art Project on Jan. 6, rallying the community to showcase their vibrant and creative spirits.
The Mercantile Home, situated at 140 Northampton Street, is known throughout the city as “a lifestyle brand that showcases artisan jewelry, clothing, art, candles, ceramics, and more, all handmade by skilled crafters.”
The Greater Easton Development Partnership said it was thrilled to announce that “The response was nothing short of extraordinary."
"From residents to businesses, students to families, individuals from all walks of life participated, contributing hearts of various shapes, sizes, and materials including paper, clay, knitted and crocheted fabrics, painted rocks, felt, and more” on Thursday afternoon, the partnership said in a release.
From the Free Bridge on the city’s eastern edge to Fifteenth Street in the West Ward, and from the top of Cattell Street on College Hill to the peak of St. Johns in the South Side, Easton became a “tapestry of love” and unity.
“The camaraderie among the business and property owners in Easton was clear and visible during this heartwarming community art project. This effort provided our volunteers with many opportunities to engage with business owners and solidify relationships that truly bring soul and connectedness to our Main Street district and beyond. Residents and visitors alike sincerely appreciate and value the positive energy our business owners bring to Easton's Downtown Life."Main Street Manager Kim Kmetz
Beyond a celebration of joy and camaraderie, “Love, Easton” proudly featured what makes the city truly unique: the people and their devotion to their historic metropolis.
“The camaraderie among the business and property owners in Easton was clear and visible during this heartwarming community art project," Main Street Manager Kim Kmetz said.
"This effort provided our volunteers with many opportunities to engage with business owners and solidify relationships that truly bring soul and connectedness to our Main Street district and beyond.
"Residents and visitors alike sincerely appreciate and value the positive energy our business owners bring to Easton's Downtown Life.”
The current count for hearts sits at 63,077 and growing, “far surpassing the initial goal,” she said.
Organizers praised more than 25 volunteers who invested over 300 hours to make the effort possible. Community members came together at 20 heart-cutting parties to exercise their creativity, and Lafayette College’s Landis Center led the pack of heart-makers.
But the love wasn’t relegated just to the city — the furthest submission traveled all the way from Anchorage, Alaska, according to the GEDP.
As the campaign comes to a close on Saturday, March 9, the “Love, Easton” team has been reflecting on and celebrating the outpouring of joy, unity, and a renewed sense of pride in the city.
“It’s a giant love letter, an art project that represents, in a big way, the kindness, creativity and good vibes for which Easton has become known,” Morris, who co-owns the Mercantile Home, said.
