• Local Festivals

  1. Seiple Farms Fall Festival

     • Dates: Weekends through Oct. 29

     • Activities: Hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn mazes, farm animals, pony rides, amusement rides, food trucks, vendors.

     • Website: seiplefarms.com/autumn/

  2. Hausman Fruit Farm Fall Festival

     • Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29

     • Activities: Free admission, hayrides, pony rides, corn maze, live music, food and drink options.

     • Pricing: $2 to $5 for kids' activities, optional wristbands available.

  3. Bethlehem Running Festival

     • Dates: Oct. 21-22

     • Races: 5K, 10K, half-marathon, fundraiser walk for American Cancer Society.

     • Start/End: South Bethlehem’s SteelStacks, courses around the city.

  4. ChiliFest

     • Date: Oct. 21, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

     • ChiliFest in the SouthSide Arts District is an annual festival celebrating the flavor of our local community through food and fun.

     • Activities: Chili tasting from local restaurants, people's choice voting, entertainment.

  5. Harvest & Haunts Fall Festival

     • Date: Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

     • Activities: Vendors, crafters, historical tours, ghost tours at George Taylor House in Catasauqua.

  6. PA Bacon Fest

     1. Dates: Nov. 4-5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

     2. Activities: Bacon-flavored foods, pig and weiner dog races, contests, live music, 5K race, and more.

• Macungie Minstrelaires upcoming production “A British Invasion”. Show dates are October 27 & November 3 @7:00pm and October 28 & November 4 @2 pm & 7pm at Lower Macungie Middle School. A portion of proceeds will go to The Kindness Project (LV). Tickets are available at www.macungie-minstrelaires.org, at 484-353-2331 or at the door.

  Grim's Orchard & Family Farms

  Grim's Fall Festival is the Lehigh Valley's premiere fall harvest experience! Through October 29.
  grimsorchard.com/fall-attractions/

• The Great Pumpkin Fest
  Great Pumpkin Fest at Dorney Park offers one-of-a-kind Halloween events for kids and families! Through October 29.
  discoverlehighvalley.com/event/the-great-pumpkin-fest/55642/

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Wet Weekend is on its Way

Autumnal weather has arrived in our area, and meteorologists predict a shift from dry conditions to stormy weather over the upcoming weekend. This translates to yet another rainy and blustery weekend for residents of southeast Pennsylvania, courtesy of two distinct low-pressure systems impacting the region.

According to the National Weather Service, wet and windy conditions are anticipated to descend upon the area starting Saturday, possibly persisting until midday Sunday. Northwest winds are expected to intensify, potentially reaching gusts of around 40 miles per hour or even higher near the coastal areas.

Hazmat Incident At PA Daycare Prompts Evacuation

On Wednesday, a hazmat incident at Kids Corner in North Whitehall Township led to the evacuation of the Lehigh Valley daycare. Emergency services were summoned around 10:30 a.m. following reports from employees feeling unwell, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The building was swiftly evacuated, and hazmat teams conducted air quality tests. As a precautionary measure, five adults and eight children were transported to the hospital, as reported by WFMZ. Further details about the incident were not immediately provided.

When will peak fall foliage arrive in the Lehigh Valley?

This year's fall foliage season has arrived in the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, and "leaf peepers" may be in for a more colorful show than last year. Despite a dry start to summer, there was enough rain to create good conditions for fall colors. Experts expect foliage to be very vibrant this season, with peak colors arriving in mid- to late October. The PA Department of Natural Resources recommends checking state parks and forests once peak happens. While an early drought threatened colors, timely rains brought relief. Visitors bureaus are reporting high interest in foliage tours. Though weather could affect timing, foliage reports will help visitors plan trips to see nature's autumn show. Overall, conditions seem right for a beautiful display this fall foliage season.

The Future of the Route 22 Expansion

The Lehigh Valley's Draft Long-Range Transportation Plan is gearing up for significant enhancements, set to be officially adopted in October. A substantial portion of the budget, totaling over $172 million, is allocated for widening efforts spanning from 15th Street to Airport Road. Specifically, approximately $34.2 million is designated for the segment between the Lehigh River and Airport Road, slated for improvement between 2029-2036. Additionally, a substantial sum of $138 million is earmarked for the entire stretch, focusing on developments between 2036-2050.

Over the past decade, a substantial investment of $166 million has been injected into various initiatives. Notable endeavors include a $93.7 million overhaul and widening of the Lehigh River Bridge, a $15.2 million upgrade to the bridge and ramps at the MacArthur Road/Seventh Street interchange, and $57 million directed towards essential maintenance and resurfacing projects. The focus remains on maintaining and enhancing the existing infrastructure, underlining the region's commitment to sustainable growth and development.

Mack Workers Go on Strike

Members of the United Auto Workers Union in Macungie joined nearly 4,000 fellow members in walking out of Mack Truck facilities across the United States Monday morning.

The car horns blared in the Lehigh Valley. That is how some drivers showed their support for striking UAW members in Macungie. The members usually help build the iconic brand of 18-wheelers at the Mack Truck facility there. However, union workers at all company plants nationwide walked out just days after union leaders and the company came to a tentative agreement for a new contract.

An Allentown man will serve 20-40 years in prison for a deadly shooting in the city.

Raymond Bryan Gourgue, 36, was convicted in July of third-degree murder for gunning down 43-year-old Jose Bermudez of Allentown on May 14, 2021.

Gourgue fired four shots into Bermudez’s back during an altercation on the 100 block of North Hall Street. Prosecutors had sought a first-degree murder conviction. Gourgue was sentenced Wednesday by Lehigh County Judge Robert Steinberg.

A 21-year-old man faces charges alleging he killed an 18-year-old in a shooting last week in Allentown.

On Tuesday morning, Lehigh County detectives charged Ethan Nicholas Bastien with homicide, alleging he fatally shot Sian Cartagena on Oct. 2. She died from her injuries two days later. Lehigh County First Assistant District Attorney Gavin Holihan said Bastien had previously been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault in the shooting.

Cartagena, of Allentown, was shot about 5:40 a.m. in a home in the 2000 block of West Green Street, according to the Lehigh County coroner’s office. She died from her injuries Wednesday afternoon at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

Emmaus 42, Easton 14 Boys Football 10/6/2023

In a commanding performance at Cottingham Stadium, the Emmaus Green Hornets secured a significant victory, defeating Easton Area 42-14 on Friday night. Jasiyah Banks led the charge with three rushing touchdowns, while Josiah Williams showcased his versatility with both running and passing plays.

In the second half, Emmaus dominated. Their offense surged, extending the lead to 35-6 with three touchdowns in the third quarter. Josiah Williams connected with John Wassel for an 18-yard touchdown pass, while Banks secured his third rushing touchdown from 11 yards. Cael Kratzer further contributed with a remarkable 51-yard touchdown reception, showcasing the team's prowess.

Williams sealed the victory with one final score, rushing for five yards. He ended the night with 181 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 57 rushing yards with a touchdown, highlighting his all-around performance in Emmaus' impressive win.

Emmaus 3, Parkland 0 Boys Soccer 10/11/2023

In a spirited match against Parkland, Emmaus experienced a mix of triumph and missed records, ultimately leaving Memorial Field at Emmaus High School with a 3-1 victory. The Trojans managed to break Emmaus' streak of shutouts, ending a remarkable 16-game run just 2:06 before the game concluded. Emmaus was on the verge of setting a state record for consecutive shutouts, having outscored opponents 80-0 during the streak. Despite this, the Hornets held their ground, claiming the top seed for the EPC tournament.

In the first half, Parkland had some control over the game, but Emmaus goalie Colin Wilson thwarted their efforts. Emmaus struggled against Parkland goalkeeper Zach Ironside until Ryan Kiernan assisted Elijah Miller, breaking the deadlock and giving Emmaus a 1-0 lead. The second half was dominated by Emmaus, with two goals scored in a span of five minutes. Canyon Reinhardt set up Kai Mattern for a goal, extending their lead to 2-0. Reinhardt then secured his second assist, finding Ethan Ervin, who struck a left-footed shot from 25 yards out, sealing the match at 3-0.

Emmaus Girls Field Hockey Wins Finish 1-0 10/10/2023

In a thrilling Eastern Pennsylvania Conference field hockey clash at the Green Hornets’ Memorial Field, Emmaus and Parkland fans painted the atmosphere in Christmas colors. Emmaus declared it a Green Out, urging supporters to wear green, while Parkland followers responded with a Red Out, donning red attire. What unfolded was an Autumn Classic, a nail-biting contest lasting almost 60 minutes. As the game seemed destined for overtime, Emmaus' Autumn Held shattered expectations, scoring the winning goal just 4.2 seconds before the buzzer. This dramatic moment not only secured Emmaus a 1-0 victory but also clinched the top seed for the EPC playoffs, starting on Saturday.

Trivia - To Keep You Entertained

“When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.” Nora Ephron

Two windmills are standing on a wind farm. One asks, ‘What’s your favorite kind of music?’
The other replies, ‘I’m a big metal fan.’

One billion years ago, days were only 18 hours long.

John Heisman (of trophy fame) coined the term “hike” and split the game into 4 quarters.