Catasauqua Borough opened the Fourth of July celebration with its traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence at the George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets. This marked the 10th year for the reading.

This year’s reader was the Rev. Joshua Knappenberger, director of the Liberty Bell Museum, Zion’s Church, 622 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, and guardian of one of the area’s most precious historical assets.

The historical re-enactors lent a sense of authenticity to the program.

Band Master Kenneth Serfass led the Antebellum Marine Band in playing tunes for the event. The Antebellum Marine Band is comprised of working adult musicians and select high school-age musicians from the Lehigh Valley and Southern California.

Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 provided the honor guard and ceremonial detail for the event.

Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops provided ice cream treats.

Brenda Wieder, George Taylor House curator, organized the event.

After the event, guests lined up to take tours of the George Taylor House, one of the few remaining residences of a signer of the Declaration of the Independence in the country.