Easton Celebrates Its Heritage July 8

30th Annual Heritage Day reenacts first reading of Declaration of Independence

Visitors to Easton this weekend will feel as if they have been transported back to the Revolutionary War time period during the city’s 30th Annual Heritage Day Sunday, July 8.

Heritage Day began in Easton in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It commemorates one of the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, which took place July 8, 1776, in what is now Centre Square. These first public readings constituted America’s first celebrations of the Fourth of July.

The reading will be reenacted by Adam Howard at noon on the steps of the Bachmann Publick House, complete with a town crier, cannons, colonial dress and games. Following the reading, Revolutionary War living history encampments will be held at Riverside Park. The day will culminate with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Other events during the day include: an antique car show, a craft show, historic walking and trolley tours, live music, and children’s entertainment.

Also, the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, 101 South Fourth Street, will be hosting “Pink Lemonade on the Porch” from 12 – 4 p.m. and a lecture, “The Grasshopper War,” at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ned Heindel. Reservations for the lecture are required. Call 610-253-1222.

Heritage Day events are sponsored by TRACC, Easton Hospital, Easton Coach, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, and the City of Easton. The festivities are also part of July’s First Weekend in Easton.

Heritage Day Events

• 10:30 a.m.: Interfaith Worship Service – St. John’s Church, Fourth and Ferry streets
• 11:30 a.m.: Procession to Bachmann Publick House – Second and Northampton streets
• 12 p.m.: Reading of the Declaration of Independence
• 12:30– 5 p.m.: Revolutionary War Living History Encampment – Riverside Park
• 12:30– 5 p.m.: Antique Car Show – first block of Northampton Street
• 12:30– 5 p.m.: Crafters – Larry Holmes Drive
• 1-5 p.m.: Historic Trolley and Walking Tours – various locations
• 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Entertainment Schedule

City Band Wagon, Sitgraves Street and Larry Holmes Drive:

• 1 p.m: Emerald City celtic eclectic band
• 3 p.m.: Main Street Cruisers golden oldies band (formerly Mid-Life Crisis)
• 5 p.m.: Trophy Husbands
• 7 p.m.: Joyous

Riverside Amphitheater, Spring Garden Street and Larry Holmes Drive:

• 1 p.m.: Naked Jake Band
• 3 p.m.: Okie Duke Back Again
• 5 p.m.: Cimarron country group
• 7 p.m.: Lucky Seven

Circle Stage, Northampton Street and Centre Square:

• 1 p.m.: Acoustic duo Jim Batchelor & Allen Troxell
• 3 p.m.: Michael Sherer sings Sinatra

Children’s Stage, Scott Park and Larry Holmes Drive:

• Strolling performers: 1- 5 p.m. Dapper Dan “the Clown,” 5-9 p.m. Clancy D. Clown and Lolli
• 1 p.m.: Air Calliope
• 2 p.m.: Magic by George Reiger
• 3 p.m.: Gruppo Folkloric Mexicano Dancers
• 4 p.m.: Al Grout, juggler and magician
• 5 p.m.: Broadway Rhythm & Dance Company
• 6 p.m.: Red Dragon Karate School
• 7 p.m.: Magic by Tom Yurasits