The newly refurbished Hillside Miniature Golf and Ice Cream held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony June 30 at 3219 Cherryville Road, Allen Township.

A brief presentation was held at the ceremony, involving the Hillside team, family members and owners, members of Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, Allen Township representatives and elected officials. Nicole Miles, a manager of affiliated Chambers, oversaw the event.

“This is not what I expected at all as far as turnout today,” one of the owners, D.J. Shetayh, said. “We are really grateful to everyone who showed up for your support today.”

He continued to thank the Chamber, Allen Township and elected officials for their support. Special recognition was given to the staff members who worked hard to prepare for the reopening.

“We’d also like to thank the Hess family for the contributions made on behalf of Dorothy Hess for the renovations on the project,” he added.

Dorothy Caroline Becker Hess built Hillside in 1959 with her husband, Jerome, making it the oldest standing miniature golf course in the Lehigh Valley. After her death earlier this year, contributions, care of Schisler Funeral Home, Northampton, could be made toward the restoration of Hillside to its former glory.

Shetayh thanked his family for their hard work and support through the long process of getting the eatery and miniature golf course up and running. He explained this is a family-run business, and he has enjoyed meeting the families who come in and share their memories of Hillside through its many years of operation.

He expressed his hope they will all be making new memories “one scoop and one putt at a time.”

The miniature golf course includes a unique and challenging 18-hole course, a brand-new club house serving food and beverages and a clear view of the mountains, with outdoor seating.

The ice cream shop will offer 28 flavors of locally made hard ice cream, milk shakes, unique treats and more.

There is also event space available for special occasions and private parties.

Julian Guridy, representing state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, mentioned he had been to many openings, and this was the best turnout he’d ever seen. He also shared Miller’s disappointment in not being able to attend.

Miller issued a commendation, as did Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, state Sen. Zach Mako, R-183rd, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who were also unable to attend the event. They all praised the huge effort put into the renovation and preparations for the opening.