39th annual Musikfest debuts
Published August 09. 2022 11:35AM
by Nate Jastrzemski njastrzemski@tnonline.com
Musikfest 2022 officially kicked off at Festplatz Friday evening under a sweltering tent and threatening storm clouds.
Officials, visitors and residents were eager to begin the 10-day music and food celebration that had been relegated to low-volume and virtual events during the worst of the pandemic.
Despite this, ArtsQuest estimates more than $2.2 million people managed to participate in the 2020 event, with a more conventional 1.1 million in real-life attendance in 2021.
Officials also announced D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc, Heaven on a Bun and La Mega Radio have been honored with the annual Paul Marcincin Award, named for the former mayor, for their longtime support of Musikfest and the community.
PRESS PHOTO BY TAMI QUIGLEY As Mother Nature turned up the temperature, local food vendors turned up the flavor Aug. 6 at Musikfest, as vendors and guests were in full festing mode at the event that has been a dynamic part of summer in the Christmas City since 1984. Festing is in full swing in the Industrial Colonial Quarter. See our Musikfest opening coverage on page A4.
Press photo by lori Patrick Martin Guitar Co. President and CEO Thomas Ripson delivers the D10-E Martin Guitar to Jordyn Jones of Quakertown. Jones won this year's Musikfest raffle sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Highmark's Vice President of Eastern Commercial Markets John Lufburrow announced the winner. The Martin Guitar Road Series Sweepstakes sponsored by ArtsQuest and Martin Guitar winner will be announced on Aug. 14.
Central Moravian Church Pastor Hopeton Clennon offers a prayer of joy and gratitude in the hearts of community members and the countless visitors to the city for the event. “Let there be courtesy and compassion, and may we have cooler days, calm winds, and clear skies.”
“Let's hear that again!” ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert asks for the crowd to applaud the many volunteers and partners who make Musikfest possible.
Senator Lisa Boscola says she attends Musikfest every year, and she's certainly not alone. “Hi mom!” she shouts.
Mayor William Reynolds, saying he's eager to join the merriment, delivers maybe the shortest speech of his career. “This week let's remember what Bethlehem is all about. We can come together and be friends. Let's have a great week for arts and culture in the city. Let's Fest!”
ArtsQuest Board Chair Vicki Doulé took charge in March of 2020, and with the worst of the COVID pandemic behind us, is now finally able to see a proper Musikfest fulfilled. PRESS PHOTOS BY NATE JASTRZEMSKI
The Big Easy Easton Brass Band marches and dances through the main tent at Festplatz, officially starting off the 39th annual Musikfest.