RECIBE EL AÑO NUEVO CON EL POLLITO MÁS DULCE DE LA CIUDAD

Peepsfest® ilumina el cielo con dos noches de fuegos artificiales

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ¡Despida el año 2022 a lo grande! Ya están a la venta las entradas para el PEEPSFEST®, un evento familiar organizado por ArtsQuest y Just Born Quality Confections el viernes 30 y el sábado 31 de diciembre. Traiga a toda la familia para celebrar con estilo dulce en el campus de SteelStacks de 3:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m. Este evento pago se llevará a cabo al aire libre con diversión y fuegos artificiales después de la caída anual del pollito PEEPS®. Si desea un complemento especial a la tradición anual, inscríbase en una sesión de patinaje en la pista de hielo The Ice Rink at SteelStacks auspiciada por el hospital Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Puede comprar las entradas y acceder a otra información en steelstacks.org/PEEPSFEST.

Las entradas para el festival al aire libre de este año se pueden comprar por $5 por persona, son limitadas e incluyen bolsas de golosinas de Just Born Quality Confections para todos los niños menores de 12 años, un cupón para canjear un kit de s’mores gratuito para todos los niños menores de 12 años, estaciones de degustación de PEEPS® y espectáculos musicales en vivo. Toda la familia podrá disfrutar también de actividades como la búsqueda del tesoro de PEEPSFEST® (PEEPSFEST® Scavenger Hunt), la Torre inclinada de PEEPS® (Leaning Tower of PEEPS®), Cornhole (lanzamiento de sacos), Jenga y artesanías de grupos locales de todo Lehigh Valley.

Ambas noches, el enorme pollito de PEEPS®, con un peso de 400 lb y una altura de 4 pies y 9 pulgadas, descenderá para la cuenta regresiva del Año Nuevo a las 5:30 p. m., seguido de un impresionante espectáculo de fuegos artificiales.

Este año, el viernes 30 de diciembre, vuelve la carrera y caminata familiar PEEPSONALIDAD (PEEPSONALITY Family Fun Run & Walk). Inscriba a toda la familia para que se pavonee de su Peepsonalidad por el terreno de SteelStacks. Por $5 adicionales al precio de entrada, las familias pueden participar en la carrera anual, ingresar antes al evento, acceder a degustaciones de sabores únicos de PEEPS y de sacarse fotos exclusivas con las mascotas de Lehigh Valley.

Haga más memorable un día mágico en familia deslizándose por el hielo real de la flamante pista de hielo SteelStacks. Por $10 adicionales al precio de entrada, las familias pueden reservar una sesión de patinaje entre las 3 p. m. y las 4:30 p. m. ambos días.

¿Quiere ganar una competencia de dulces? Ya están a la venta los kits de caramelos del Concurso de Dioramas PEEPS de Lehigh Valley (Lehigh Valley PEEPS Diorama Competition) de Just Born Quality Confections. Piense en una idea y empiece a crearla utilizando todos los dulces disponibles en el kit. Los kits se pueden recoger a partir del 7 de noviembre en Banana Factory de 8:30 a m. a 8:30 p. m., de lunes a viernes. La inscripción para recibir los kits termina el 11 de diciembre. Las fotos de los dioramas deben inscribirse en línea antes del 12 de diciembre. El ganador recibirá un paquete de caramelos cortesía de Just Born Quality Confections. Se podrá ingresar a la galería en línea hasta el sábado 31 de diciembre.

Acerca de Just Born Quality Confections:

Just Born Quality Confections es una fábrica de caramelos de propiedad familiar desde hace tres generaciones cuyo propósito es aportar dulzura a la vida de las personas. Just Born es el fabricante de algunas de las marcas más queridas e icónicas de Estados Unidos: PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® y GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. En 1923, el fundador, Sam Born, abrió una pequeña tienda de caramelos en Brooklyn, Nueva York, donde comercializaba la frescura de sus caramelos hechos en el día con un cartel que decía “Just Born” (Recién nacido). Junto con los cuñados de Born, Irv y Jack Shaffer, la empresa prosperó y, en 1932, trasladó sus operaciones a Bethlehem, PA, donde ha progresado hasta convertirse en una de las mayores empresas de caramelos de EE. UU., haciendo algo por la comunidad, cuidando el medio ambiente y creando una cultura donde la que la gente quiere trabajar. Para obtener más información, ingrese a https://www.justborn.com/(y vea la variedad de caramelos y artículos de marca de alta calidad en https://www.peepsandcompany.com/) Síganos: facebook.com/JustBornInc, twitter.com/JustBornInc.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH SONG

2023 dance card filling up fast at SteelStacks

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The new year is around the corner and brimming with musical possibilities! Celebrations, tributes and musical journey performances will warm up the cold winter months at the SteelStacks campus. Tickets for ArtsQuest Members are now on sale and will go on sale for the general public on Friday, Nov. 4 at steelstacks.org. For more exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Circle donor today. 

Join the birthday bash in honor of the androgynous icon and ledged – David Bowie with haZy cosmic jive Saturday, Jan. 7. The Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling will be rocked by the dynamic Philadelphia-based haZy cosmic jive who delivers a high energy live-tribute to Ziggy Stardust with classics and deep cuts alike. haZy cosmic jive is a project of Zeek Mitchell (Z) who is surrounded by some of the Philly area’s unique and top musicians who have blended with a special alchemy.

Singer/Songwriter Neko Case will bring her powerhouse vocals to the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling Wednesday, Jan. 25. Neko’s music spans a broad spectrum, from longing to malice. Her lyrics evoke worlds, imagining a woman pilot ready to die, a serial killer, a murdered child and a tornado, just for starters. The American singer has released several albums starting in 1997 with The Virginian to 2018’s Hell-On. In addition to her own successful solo projects, Case is a member of the Canadian indie rock group The New Pornographers. Case has worked with musicians from Tom Waits to Andrew Bird to Jakob Dylan and Sarah Harmer to name a few. Case’s music has been featured on television scores including Boardwalk Empire and True Blood. *$1 per ticket will go toward Peer Solutions to support their positive youth leadership and development program designed to prevent harm before it begins and engage lifetime ambassadors of positive change. *

Americana folk artist Patty Griffin will be joined by special guest Raul Malo in the Musikfest Café Wednesday, Feb. 1. Texas based Grammy award winner Griffin focuses her art on exploring the intimate moments and universal emotions that bind us all together. Griffin has released more than a dozen studio and live albums beginning with her 1996 debut Living with Ghosts to her most recent record Tape: Home Recordings and Rarities (now available for pre-order). Her music has been featured on television, off-Broadway and soundtracks including One Tree Hill, Bones, Smallville, Supernatural and Haunting of Hill House. Griffin’s story-style songs have been extensively covered by artists across multiple genres including The Chicks, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler and Kelly Clarkson. Grammy award winner Raul Malo, will join Griffin in the Musikfest Café. The Mavericks front man blends neotraditional country rock and Latin rhythms to create his unmistakable grooves.

On Saturday, Feb. 11 feel the spirit of the Man in Black with Cash Unchained – The Ultimate Johnny Cash Experience in the Musikfest Café. Take a seated journey through the catalogue of one of the most celebrated American music figures of this century. This nationally sought-after band has toured across the U.S. sharing the sounds of the legendary Johnny Cash from his early days with Sam Philips at Sun Records to his last offerings working with Rick Rubin at American.  

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE SWEETEST CHICK IN TOWN

Peepsfest® lights up the sky with two nights of fireworks

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Close out 2022 with a bang! Tickets are now on sale for the family-friendly PEEPSFEST® hosted by ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31. Bring the whole family to celebrate in sweet style at the SteelStacks campus from 3 – 6 p.m. To celebrate Just Born Quality Confection’s 100th anniversary, attendees will get a sneak peep of the tasty new flavor offerings that are hitting store shelves for the 2023 Easter season! This ticketed event will be hosted outside featuring fun and fireworks following the annual PEEPS® Chick drop. Looking for an extra special addition to the annual tradition, register for a skate session at The Ice Rink at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Tickets and additional details can be found at steelstacks.org/PEEPSFEST.

This year’s outdoor festival tickets can be purchased for $5 per person, are limited and include Just Born Quality Confections goodie bags for all children younger than 12, one coupon to redeem a free s’mores kit for all children younger than 12, PEEPS® sampling stations and live musical performances. The whole family can also enjoy activities like the PEEPSFEST® Scavenger Hunt, the Leaning Tower of PEEPS®, cornhole, Jenga and crafts by local groups from around the Lehigh Valley.

On both nights the massive PEEPS® Chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing 4 feet and 9 inches tall, will descend for the countdown to the New Year at 5:30 p.m., followed by a stunning display of fireworks.

Returning this year Friday Dec. 30 is the PEEPSONALITY Family Fun Run & Walk. Register the whole family to strut their Peepsonality around the SteelStacks campus. For a $5 ticket upgrade families can enjoy the annual run, early entry to the event, access to unique PEEPS sampling flavors and exclusive photo opportunities with Lehigh Valley mascots.

Make a magical family day more memorable by gliding across the authentic ice of the brand-new SteelStacks Ice Rink. For a $10 ticket up grade, families can book a skate session between 3 and 4:30 p.m. on both days.

Looking to win a sweet competition? Just Born Quality Confection’s Lehigh Valley PEEPS Diorama Competition candy kits are now on sale. Decide on an idea and start creating using all the sweets available in the kit. Kits can be picked up starting Nov. 7 at the Banana Factory from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Registration for kits close Dec. 11. Dioramas photos must be entered online by Dec. 12. The winner will receive a Candy Prize Package courtesy of Just Born Quality Confections. The online gallery will be on display through Saturday, Dec. 31.

¡DECOREN STEELSTACKS CON RAMAS DE ACEBO!

El tesoro navideño, Christkindlmarkt, vuelve el 18 de noviembre

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Ya están a la venta las entradas para Christkindlmarkt, presentado por Univest Financial®. La tradición navideña vuelve en su 30.ª edición durante cinco fines de semana, desde el viernes 18 de noviembre hasta el domingo 19 de diciembre. Este año, para celebrar la tradición navideña con tres décadas de historia, ArtsQuest estrenará The Ice Rink en SteelStacks, presentada por Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, una auténtica pista de hielo construida en el terreno de Levitt desde el martes 22 de noviembre hasta el domingo 1 de enero. Puede comprar las entradas para el Christkindlmarkt y la pista de hielo en Christmascity.org.

“La Navidad en la Ciudad de la Navidad es una época mágica del año y estamos encantados de formar parte de la rica tradición navideña de Bethlehem”, dijo Kassie Hilgert, presidenta y directora general de ArtsQuest. “Con el paso de las décadas, diferentes proveedores, artistas, artesanos y comercios se unieron a nuestra gran familia, ofreciendo artículos únicos y una experiencia de compra festiva única. Hemos tenido la suerte de contar con mucho apoyo y entusiasmo de la comunidad en torno a la alegría de Christkindlmarkt y esperamos ofrecer una mejor experiencia con la pista de hielo en SteelStacks esta temporada festiva de fin de año”.

El Christkindlmarkt, inspirado en la tradición alemana, ha sido declarado uno de los mejores mercados navideños del mundo por Travel + Leisure y uno de los mejores mercados navideños de Norteamérica por el concurso anual 10Best Readers’ Choice de USA TODAY. Acérquese al mercado para saber si está en la lista de los niños malos o de los buenos visitando a San Nicolás. Cree recuerdos y manualidades con temática navideña con toda la familia en Crayola Creativity Station (Stand de Creatividad de Crayola). Siéntese con los niños y vea cómo se esculpe un trozo de hielo ante sus propios ojos. Entre en calor con la emocionante experiencia de crear su propia obra de arte en vidrio en ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience o compre el adorno perfecto para el árbol hecho a mano por la artesana alemana de primer nivel, Käthe Wohlfahr.

“Univest Financial se complace en volver a patrocinar Christkindlmarkt”, dijo Annette D. Szygiel, vicepresidenta ejecutiva y directora de Experiencia de Univest Financial. “Mientras regresamos con entusiasmo a nuestras tradiciones más queridas, patrocinar este evento anual es una gran manera de unir a la comunidad, a la vez que apoyamos a los artesanos y pequeñas empresas locales. Univest se dedica a retribuir a las comunidades a las que sirve y estamos agradecidos por la oportunidad de asociarnos con ArtsQuest para apoyar las artes en Lehigh Valley”.

Este mercado montado en temporada es conocido por su experiencia única de compras navideñas, donde le espera el regalo perfecto. Compre ese regalo único que mamá siempre quiso a una de las docenas de artesanos y minoristas. Disfrute de la comida de temporada con strudel caliente, bratwurst alemán, buñuelos de manzana y poutine bien caliente. C

Llene el día de espíritu navideño con un delicioso Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter de Frosty’ s Pour Bar, una copa de vino tinto local de Franklin Hill Vineyards, una muestra de Apple Jack rústico de Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, un cóctel Sasquatch de Social Still o un chardonnay frío de Vynecrest para inspirar sus compras.

El mercado estará abierto de viernes a domingo las dos primeras semanas (del 18 al 20 y del 25 al 27 de noviembre) y de jueves a domingo las tres últimas (del 1 al 4, del 8 al 11 y del 15 al 18 de diciembre). Estará abierto de 10:00 a. m. a 6:00 p. m. los jueves y domingos y de 10:00 a. m. a 8:00 p. m. los viernes y sábados.

La pista de hielo de SteelStacks abrirá sus puertas desde el martes 22 de noviembre hasta el domingo 1 de enero y contará con hielo fresco que se mantendrá durante todo el día para ofrecer una experiencia de patinaje al aire libre como ninguna otra en Lehigh Valley. Para comprar entradas para The Ice Rink en SteelStacks, visite ChristmasCity.org.

VETERANS DAY COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

Join veterans for live and virtual conversation about their service

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— The community is invited to this year’s Veterans Day commemoration sponsored by Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries on Friday, Nov. 11.Beginning at 10 a.m. retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and head of Lehigh University’s Veterans Association, Frank Gunter, will host “Coffee & Conversation: Reflections of Three Generations,” at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema at SteelStacks followed by a screening of Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film “Dunkirk”. This commemorative event be held in person and stream live on the SteelStacks Facebook page and website,  Phoebe Ministries’ Facebook page and website, and Embassy Bank’s Facebook page.

“We’re forever grateful to our partners Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries for a shared commitment to our annual Veterans Day commemoration here at ArtsQuest,” said ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert. “Our servicemen and women have made so many sacrifices for our freedoms. We’re honored to join with our partners and thank Embassy Bank for this again providing the opportunity to recognize and personally engage with our Lehigh Valley veterans.”

The hourlong in person and streaming event features Colonel Gunter interviewing multi-generational veterans, including U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Richard Schimmel, U.S. Army Specialist 5 Richard Bealer and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steve Ondrusek, who will share their personal experiences of the World War II, Vietnam and Middle East Conflicts. Following the free program, guests in attendance are invited to stay for a live screening of Nolan’s film.

“Embassy Bank is so proud to partner with ArtsQuest to support this type of programming. It is important for conversations like these, filled with wisdom and experience, to be shared with our community,” said David M. Lobach, Jr. Chairperson, President, and CEO Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley. “The gesture of showing gratitude and thanking veterans for their service costs nothing to the extender but means so much to the recipient. This event provides an opportunity the extend that gratitude to those who have served our nation and learn from the experiences they share with the entire community.”

Featured Veterans

Steve Ondrusek served for 28 years (1981-2009 in Iraq and Afghanistan) in the U.S. Army. He trained as an Army Ranger at Fort Benning in Georgia and served in this capacity in the Persian Gulf War during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert and Operation Desert Sabre. After that, he served at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania, where he trained the National Guard and supported their deployment in the War in Afghanistan. After his service, Steve worked for Bamburger’s Inc. as an HVAC specialist. In 2017, he joined the Phoebe Allentown staff as an HVAC Specialist. He was then promoted to maintenance manager of the Environmental Services department. Ondrusek, and his wife of 37 years, Ann, live in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. They have three children.

Richard “Dick” Schimmel joined the U.S. Army in 1940 and was assigned to the 580th Signal Aircraft Warning Company (1940-1945 Hawaii, South Pacific) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. He worked as a plotter and switchboard operator at an information center at Fort Shafter, just east of Pearl Harbor. The center took calls from Oahu’s mobile radar stations. Schimmel was the fifth person to know that Japanese planes were coming to Pearl Harbor Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. Several months after the Pearl Harbor attack, Schimmel was assigned to set up an information center on Maui. After that, he spent six months on Guangzhou (formerly Canton) Island, north of American Samoa, where he endured three bombings by the Japanese. He then returned to Hawaii. After his service, he worked at Sears in various capacities for more than 40 years. He and his wife, Yolanda, who died in 2010, were married for 63 years and had two sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Schimmel is a resident of Miller Personal Care at 19th and Chew on the Phoebe Allentown campus.

Richard “Mr. B” Bealer joined the U.S. Army in 1969 (1969-1971 Vietnam and Germany) and trained at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia before being deployed to Vietnam as an U.S. Army Corps Engineer. His job was to repair and maintain construction equipment which were important to integrate new road surfaces and construct bridges. After his service, he returned home and worked for Keystone Cement for 30 years. He served 35 years as a volunteer Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife have been married for 50 years and have two daughters, one son and five grandchildren. He is now retired but continues to work part-time as a member of the Event Services Department for ArtsQuest.

DECK THE STEELSTACKS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY!

Yuletide treasure, Christkindlmarkt, returns Nov. 18

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Tickets to Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial® are now on sale! The holiday tradition returns for its 30th year for five weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 19. This year to compliment the three-decade long holiday tradition, ArtsQuest will debut The Ice Rink at SteelStacks, presented by Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, an authentic ice rink constructed on the Levitt lawn from Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan. 1. Tickets for both Christkindlmarkt and Ice Rink may be purchased at Christmascity.org.

“Christmastime in the Christmas City is a magical time of year and we’re delighted to be part of the Bethlehem’s rich holiday heritage,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “Through the decades, various vendors, artists, crafters and retailers have become a part of our extended family, offering one-of-a-kind items and a unique festive shopping experience. We’ve been fortunate to have such great community support and excitement surrounding the merriment of Christkindlmarkt and look forward to offering an enhanced experience with the Ice Rink at SteelStacks this holiday season.”

The German-inspired, tented Christkindlmarkt has been named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice annual competition. Come to the market to find out if you are on the Naughty or Nice with a visit to St. Nicholas. Create memories and holiday-themed crafts with the whole family at the Crayola Creativity Station. Grab a seat with the kids and watch as a chunk of ice is sculpted into shape before your very eyes. Warm up with the thrilling experience of creating your very own glass artwork at ArtsQuest Hot Glass Experience or purchase the perfect handcrafted tree ornament from Germany’s premier crafter, Käthe Wohlfahr.

“Univest Financial is excited to again serve as presenting sponsor of Christkindlmarkt,” said Annette D. Szygiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Univest Financial. “As we excitedly return to our favorite traditions, sponsoring this annual event is a great way to bring the community together while also supporting local artisans and small businesses. Univest is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with ArtsQuest to support the arts in the Lehigh Valley.”

The seasonally constructed market is known for its unique holiday shopping experience where the perfect present awaits. Buy the unique gift that mom always wanted from one of the dozens of crafters, artisans and retailers. Enjoy the Season’s Eating with warm strudel, German bratwurst, apple dumplings and piping hot poutine.

Keep the day filled with holiday spirits with a delicious Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter from Frosty’ s Pour Bar, a glass of local red from Franklin Hill Vineyards, a taste of rustic Apple Jack from Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, a Sasquatch cocktail from Social Still or chilled chardonnay from Vynecrest to inspire your shopping spree!

The market will be open Friday – Sunday the first two weeks (Nov. 18 – 20, 25-27) and then Thursday – Sunday the last three weeks (Dec. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18). Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Ice Rink at SteelStacks opens Tuesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Jan.1 and will feature fresh ice maintained throughout the day to deliver an outdoor skating experience like no other across the Lehigh Valley. To purchase tickets to The Ice Rink at SteelStacks visit ChristmasCity.org.

PROST!

Food, fun and brews at the heart of ArtsQuest’s fall favorite

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The fall skies might have been fickle during opening weekend, but ArtsQuest’s 12^th annual Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), welcomed nearly 40,000 people who eagerly donned lederhosen and imbibed hops throughout both October weekends. Along with food, fun and brews, the annual festival hosted a variety of local businesses, performers, and vendors at the SteelStacks campus.

“We’re always eager to host this area favorite,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer of ArtsQuest. “Our annual Oktoberfest continues to grow because of our great corporate and community partnerships. It’s the dedication and work we do collectively that ensures people of all ages have a great time enjoying this popular festival and sharing this celebration of our German heritage.”

During the course of the outdoor festival, attendees enjoyed multiple October themed beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Logyard, Victory and Troegs, as well as hand-brewed creations in the Brewer’s Village featuring a plethora of craft IPAs, ales and lagers. Unique retailers and crafters set up shop at the German dubbed crafters village — Künstler Markt.

Hungry festival goers enjoyed fare favorites from over a half dozen vendors including Karl Ehmer’s Smoked Meats, Heaven on a Bun, Heidi’s Strudel, and newcomers Bacon on a Stick. According to food and beverage vendors, sales were up from 2021 despite the first weekend’s chilly overcast weather.

For Jeff Terleski, owner of Island Expression/Heidi’s Strudel, Oktoberfest went great. “ArtsQuest is a great organization to partner with,” said Terleski. “The event is growing every year, there is so much to do with all the different games and entertainment.” Terleski said his most popular items this year were the warm strudel, hand-twisted pretzels and the newest addition – Papa Sarges Homemade Pierogies. “The pierogies were a huge hit,” Terleski said.

Oktoberfest 2022 Highlights

ArtsQuest hosted the experiential dining experience PierogiPalooza for the second year during both Saturdays of the festival. Attendees purchased passports and sampled their choice of six pierogi creations at different locations in the ArtsQuest Center.

This year’s Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship produced in partnership with the U.S. Steinholding Association and presented by Samuel Adams, culminated with Jillian Matthews of Bangor and Samuel Raup of Bethlehem winning the Sunday finals, each earning a spot in the National Steinholding Championship.

In the Oktoberfest Arena PNC Plaza, 135 four-legged racers competed in the much-loved dachshund races during the festival. The Hasselhoff-off contest returned, with competitors stepping out in their best Hasselhoff duds.

The ever-entertaining Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniel’s returned this year. So widely-popular, it was moved from the arena to the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling on both Saturday nights. Other activities included axe-throwing, Karaoke with Royal and the Kong Pong Tourney presented by Yuengling.

Live musical performances occurred in the festivals Biergartens, Arena and the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The Wonton Soups opened this year’s Oktoberfest while John Stevens Polka Band, The Beautiful Distortion, Melody Cruz, Big Bone Daddy, Acoustic Kitty Project, Regina Sayles and The BriTles brought nonstop entertainment throughout Oktoberfest.

ALL SEASON SUNFLOWER ON DISPLAY AT STEELSTACKS

SunFlower sculpture artist Alyssa Imes will host in-person talk Sunday  

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— You can now enjoy a touch of summer all year long at the SteelStacks campus thanks to a recent installation of Sculpture Artist Alyssa Imes’s newest work SunFlower at the Visitor Center presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. During the Steel Weekend, Imes will host an in-person, on-site artist talk at noon on Sunday, Oct. 16, to introduce and discuss her larger than life flora.

“ArtsQuest is thrilled to launch this annual sculpture program to celebrate the Steel Weekend and Steelworkers Reunion event,” Lisa Harms, ArtsQuest’s Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education said. “Public art projects like these give us the opportunity to offer powerful visual experiences in our community that are accessible to everyone. Imes’ SunFlower uses steel in its structure, which is a nod to the site of the sculpture and the impact of steel on our local history. The fiery oranges used in her piece evokes the molten metal that was once poured from the blast furnaces, which now stand as a dramatic backdrop to the SteelStacks campus. The sculpture emits a powerful energy that creates an interesting contrast to the industrial landscape. We are excited for the public to see this work of art in person.”

At the October 16 on-site artist talk, Imes will discuss her creative process in creating the more than four-foot-tall mixed media flower. According to Imes, SunFlower was created during the darkest time of Covid Pandemic. The bright colors bloom and explode while the petal-like shape form to create a giant loom for knit fabric planes of color. Imes was selected out of six artist submissions from across the country who applied for the Sculpture at SteelStacks exhibition. SunFlower is the latest installation in exhibition series. The first sculpture, Optic Wall by Emil Lukas, was installed on site from 2017-2021.

Each year ArtsQuest and the Steel Weekend Arts Sub-Committee send out a national call to experienced professional sculptors, students and emerging artists who were invited to submit their work for the annual Sculpture at SteelStacks exhibition. The outdoor display is featured at the entrance of the former site of Bethlehem Steel, where the work will be visible to over a million people annually. The annual program includes educational and community outreach events such as artist talks, public art walking tour and an artist-led knitting loom that will be hosted in spring of 2023.

Artist Bio – Alyssa Imes grew up in Emmitsburg, Maryland and currently lives in Knoxville, MD. She received her undergraduate degree from Shepherd University in 2018. During her time in undergrad, she used mediums of knitted fibers and communal cast iron. She graduated with her MFA from University of Maryland in May 2022. She has a small cast iron furnace named Phil-US she has used for more than 10 pours at various universities, museums and historical sites. Currently her work has transitioned from heavy iron work to light fiber works. Through the years of her art practice, her work reflects on ideas of growth after trauma and inspired by the connections she makes with people.

For more information on Steel Weekend and Steelworkers Reunion weekend visit: https://www.nmih.org

For a full schedule of current and upcoming Art Exhibitions visit:  https://www.bananafactory.org.