ARTSQUEST HOLDS SEPT. 11 PATRIOT DAY CEREMONY, DISPLAY

The presentation of the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 on the SteelStacks campus.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest will mark the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 with a display honoring first responders and a presentation of the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on the SteelStacks campus on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez will be featured speakers. There will also be a moment of silence to honor our nation’s fallen.

“We are grateful for our neighborhood heroes who have served and continue to serve our community,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Their work often goes unnoticed and we want to take this time to show our appreciation. It is important to come together as a community to remember the sacrifices made in the last two decades.”

Bob Novatnack, former Bethlehem Fire Department Chief and current Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Bethlehem will be presented with the ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award. This award, created in 2016, commemorates his career servicing our community as a first responder. Four ArtsQuest volunteers, who have devoted their time to their community, not just at ArtsQuest events, but by committing acts of bravery and courage, have been honored in the past.

Members of the community submitted photos of family members, neighbors and friends who have served or are currently serving their communities as first responders for Our Hometown Heroes – First Responders, presented by Embassy Bank. These banners will be on display throughout the SteelStacks campus.

Following the ceremony, a free concert from vocalist and lyricist Hannah Gill will take place on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage, presented by Coordinated Health, now part of Lehigh Valley Health Network. Food and beverages will be available on-site at the Mack Truck Stop and Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.