The 55th Annual Muhlenberg Summer Festival begin a four-day run Aug. 17, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg (LVH - Muhlenberg) in Bethlehem. The festival is held on the north side of the hospital campus near Routes 22 and 378.

The festival, one of the hospital’s largest fundraisers, has raised millions of dollars during its long history to support services at the LVH - Muhlenberg campus. The first festival was held before ground was broken for what was to become Muhlenberg Medical Center.

Each night of the four-day festival includes activities for children in “Kiddie Land,” such as balloon creations, face-painting, and a duck pond. There’s good, crafts and free entertainment.

Aug. 17 opening-night activities includes one-price ride tickets from 5-10 p.m., and the sounds of Common Bond. For the third year in a row, there’s a one-price ride ticket 5-10 p.m. Aug. 18 and noon - 5 p.m. Aug. 20. The Saturday one-price ride tickets include an entry for a bike drawing. In addition, a cash raffle will be drawn at the end of the night Saturday for the grand prize of $500. A performance by Tower Suite starts at 1 p.m. Aug. 20, followed by The Large Flowerheads taking the stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 20.

Other free entertainment will be provided by the Philadelphia Fund Authority, 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band on Friday, at 7 p.m. Aug. 19.

The free admission, nightly entertainment, amusement rides, ethnic and American foods and one of the area’s largest juried arts and craft shows make this event a great place to take the entire family.

Artisans and craftspeople from around the United States join local exhibitors, offering hundreds of hand-crafted items ranging from oil and watercolor paintings to wood carvings and paper jewelry. Crafters and their creations are screened and selected based on specific criteria.

Other attractions and activities include attic treasures, MORA Club book sale, bake sale and bingo. This year’s festival also will take on a patriotic look as one of the new attractions will be a display of military vehicles. In addition, the Bethlehem Police Department Mounted Patrol horses will make an

appearance.

55th Annual

Muhlenberg Summer

Festival hours:

Aug. 17: 5 - 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 18: 5 - 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 19: 5 - 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 20: noon - 10:30 p.m.

Entertainment

Aug. 17

5 - 10 p.m.: One-price ride tickets

7 p.m.: Common Bond

Aug. 18

5 - 10 p.m.: One-price ride tickets

7 p.m.: Philadelphia Funk Authority

Aug. 19

7 p.m.: Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band

Aug. 20

Noon - 5 p.m.: One-price ride tickets

1 - 4 p.m.: Tower Suite

7 p.m.: The Large Flowerheads

Information: LVHN.org/summerfestival, 610-402-CARE