With summer events like country fairs and fireworks displays in full swing throughout the Lehigh Valley, the July 19 Hellertown Council meeting looked to continue the fun straight into the autumn, as several community events were approved without objection to be held in the borough.

Joining the meeting via Zoom to provide details regarding and seek approval for the events were the familiar faces of Jessica O’Donnell and Lauren Bertucci with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

O’Donnell addressed the meeting first, thanking borough council, staff and administration for supporting the Chamber’s ongoing Music in the Park summer concert series. Speaking on the heels of the prior evening’s performance by The Large Flowerheads, which according to O’Donnell was attended by upwards of 1,000 people at Morris J. Dimmick Park, she specifically gave a “special shoutout to Barry (Yonney) and his team” at the Public Works department for keeping the park looking fabulous.

O’Donnell also promoted some topics of interest for small businesses and patrons in the borough. Restaurant Week, a popular event for local eateries which occurs in the summer and again in the winter, will kick off Sunday, July 25 with 17 businesses participating, she said, encouraging the community to check out its “delicious meals and awesome deals.”

Lastly, she shared some details on the upcoming Northampton County Small Business COVID Relief Grant Program. The program, developed by county Executive Lamont McClure in collaboration with the GLVCC, encourages local businesses to apply for grants which can provide up to $15,000 in funds meant to make up for pandemic-related expenses and losses, she said.

This particular round of funding will only be available to businesses which did not receive relief through this program in 2020 at the moment, but qualifications will likely be expanded in the future, O’Donnell added.

Bertucci was up next, with an emphasis on upcoming social events, particularly fundraisers, being planned in the community.

Bikes and Brews/Pedal for a Purpose, which was initially being planned for 2020 but deemed unable to be held due to COVID, was her first proposal. The event, held in partnership with Saucon Valley Bikes, is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:15 through 7:30 p.m., at the Water Street Park pavilion. Lost Tavern Brewing is offering one free beer per guest, and upon unanimous approval from council will be selling drinks, as well.

Bertucci also sought approval to resume the annual Pints for a Purpose fundraiser. The previous version of the event, held in 2019 also in conjunction with Lost Tavern Brewing, benefitted Dewey Fire Co., she said. For this year’s edition, she proposed “spreading the love” with proceeds benefiting the Hellertown Police Department.

Bertucci said the event will feature food trucks, raffles and a dunk tank – which she suggested Mayor David Heintzelman and council president Thomas Rieger might occupy – and is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event was also met with unanimous approval from the council.