Published August 23. 2023 10:30AM
by Ed Courrier Special to The Press
Everything was just peachy at the 2023 Peach Festival held at the Knauss Homestead, 152 E. Main St., Aug. 5. There was good weather and a great turnout despite competition from Musikfest and nearby Das Awkscht Fescht.
Upwards of 600 people attending the free annual event enjoyed live music by the Galena Brass, art activities offered by the Emmaus Arts Commission, wine and cheese tastings and tours of the log house, clad with wood siding, built by third generation Knauss family pioneer Heinrich Knauss in 1777. His father Sebastian, along with neighbor Jacob Ehrenhardt, founded the Moravian “congregational village” of Emmaus.
Several descendants of the pioneering Knauss family were in attendance, Center Valley author and illustrator Ashley Reigle held readings of her children’s book “Draw Away the Drizzle” and more than 45 vendors and artisans sold food, handcrafted items, artwork and fresh produce, including locally-grown peaches.
For $2, attendees could tour the homestead and Emmaus Community Gardens by horse drawn carriage provided by Steiner Artisan Farm.
The Peach Festival was hosted by the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society in partnership with the Borough of Emmaus. For more information, visit knausshomestead.org.
The Galena Brass plays German polkas in the Knauss Homestead barn's courtyard. From left are Matt Nieznay, Rob Ford, Mark Benson and Tom Weidner.
Rich and Tricia Knauss, of Lancaster, peddle handcrafted wooden spoons, rolling pins and bowls at their Peach Fest tent. Born in Mertztown, Rich is a descendant of the Knauss family pioneers.
With a steady hand and attention to detail Robert Maletsky, a Knauss descendant, works on one of his Pennsylvania Hex signs.
Press Photos By Ed Courrier At left, Julie Nieznay, of Douglasville, checks out knitted apparel at Emmaus crafter Debbie McGinley's booth.
April Hausman sells peaches to Lorraina Whitters, of Salisbury Township, for the customer's daughter and son. Hausman Fruit Farm is located in Coopersburg.
From left, Addie Reinhold, Emmaus Arts Commission President Lindsey Kleinberg and her daughter, Emma are at a craft station in the Knauss Homestead barn.
