BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

After a two-year absence due to COVID-19 precautions, the Upper Lehigh Lions Club will stage its annual festival and craft show in the grove at Neffs Union Church.

Activities begin July 29, with refreshment stands opening at 5 p.m.

The Mud Flaps will be on stage 7-10 p.m.

The 25th annual craft show will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 30, Admission is free. About 75 crafters have reserved spaces for the show.

The Large Flower Heads will entertain from 7-10 p.m. July 30.

Lion Tom Kerr reports great food will be available throughout the event.

Menu includes turkey and pork barbecues, hamburgers, hot dogs with toppings, sausage sandwiches, French fries, pierogies, haluskies and drinks. There will also be a bake sale.

On Saturday morning, coffee and doughnuts will be available. The refreshment stands open 10:30 a.m. with hot food that may be purchased throughout the day and evening.

Lion Diana Haines reports a variety of crafters from the Lehigh Valley and out of town will be set up at the show.

Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll probably find it here.

Crafts include jewelry, oven towels and blankets, crocheted items, seasonal woodcraft, silk floral arrangements, handmade ceramic vases and bowls, handpainted glass, sport and child-themed lap quilts, hand thrown pottery, corn hold games, gifts inspired by nature, and more.

Haines said some artisans have been setting up here for many years, while others are new.

Proceeds from the festival are directed to various charities.

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If you need something different to think about during the hot summer, Union Lutheran Church and Union United Church of Christ are having Christmas in July worship services on July 24, only five months ahead of Christmas Eve.

Union Lutheran’s service will be at 9 a.m. Union UCC’s will be 10:30 a.m.

Union UCC will be collecting socks, underwear and T-shirts for men, women and children of all ages, an opportunity to provide “holiday” gifts early to people in need.