Steelstacks parking requires a short walk from a free lot to the ArtsQuest Center. That's usually part of the fun. That fun became a challenge in the bone-chilling cold of Peeps Fest 2013, in which snow and winds conspired to interrupt any merriment. But even Mother Nature should know that it's next to impossible to keep kids from having a blast. If their smiles are any indication, the fifth annual Peeps Fest was a roaring success. It was easy on the wallet, too, as most of the events for free. Here's how it worked.
Parents and kids would go outside for free stuff until the first signs of frostbite began to appear. Then they'd crowd into the PBS studio, Event Center, and Visitor Center to warm up and get more free stuff. You'd be shocked at the number of 3 year-olds who sat quietly through a very dry Bethlehem Steel documentary at the Visitor Center. It had seats and was warm. But once they'd thaw, they'd be outside again.
Outside, people would line up for blocks for free stuff, which could be a refrigerator magnet or tote bag.
Then it would be back inside to warm up. Breanna Good, age 6, and brother Blake, age 4, spent some time inside the Coca Cola Ski Chalet, made of Coca Cola cases.
Back out in the cold, Krystal Elphinstone, age 13, and mother Jennifer, toast up smores.
Sure, there were sled dogs and even penguins, but these kids were more entertained by the railings.
Back inside, wood turner Ed Youtz mesmerized kids with the simplest of toys, spinning tops. Jackson Polansky, age 7, watched every turn of the wheel.
Back outside, Linken Parry, age 4, and Sera Schmauder, age 7, meet Frosty the Snowman.
Inside or out,everyone warmed up when Starfish began playing and Peeps danced on stage.
Festivities ended when a 30-pound peeps chick descended from the old steel works.
one of these days this will all be John's
ReplyDeleteThis is a political blog, but this entry has nothing to do with Parks' successor. You cheapen yourself with snide comments like that on a story about a positive event, and one dedicated to our children.
ReplyDeleteCool stuff and priced right. Good on Bethlum.
ReplyDeleteSo why weren't there fireworks at midnight in Bethlehem?
ReplyDeleteThere were fireworks at 5:15 pm. It was set earlier for the kids. In fact, my assignment was to get a few pictures of the kids as they watched the fireworks. I blew it. The fireworks were being set off at Sand Island, and I was unable to get any good shots in front of the kids. This would be easy for Dana Grubb or many other good photographers, but I never thought about side shots until it was too late. I could have taken shots of the actual fireworks, but that tells no story.
ReplyDeleteit really is a nice, family friendly event for the lehigh valley.
ReplyDeleteI have taken my son there for the last 3 years and he has really enjoyed it.
One of the nice things about living in the lehigh valley
It just didn't feel like New Years without the fireworks
ReplyDeletePermit for that open fire?
ReplyDeleteIf you are referring to the smores, that was no open fire, although it had the look.
ReplyDelete"It just didn't feel like New Years without the fireworks"
ReplyDeleteI personally don't like midnight fireworks on NY Eve. It just encourages people to stay out longer and drink more. I like the idea of doing something for the kids. I believe Easton does it earlier than midnight, too.
This company is wonderful. Unknowing to most of us , they accommodated and shipped a large amount of food for local animal shelter on very short notice with their tractor trailer truck from Phila.- free. We all should support their activities .They are a big supporter of the 'Sigal' , Northampton County Genealogical Society in Easton also. Peeps, everywhere!I'd put them on my fire truck to show support for them.
ReplyDelete