On Sept. 17, the Emmaus Heritage Alliance will hold its annual Heritage Festival on the grounds of the Emmaus Historical Society, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 218 Main St.

The Alliance is celebrating 30 years as a forum for historic issues within the borough. It was created in 1992 by former borough council member Rick Zayaitz as a way for local historic groups to meet and discuss common goals. It has since become a valuable tool for planning events and promoting the heritage of Emmaus.

The festival will include inside and outside displays of its member groups, good food, entertainment and children’s activities. It will also include demonstrations such as weaving, blacksmithing, candle making, PA long rifle lore and animals and hands-on children’s activities by the Wildlands Conservancy.

The alliance is partnering on that same day with the Emmaus Main Street Partners’ “Farewell to Summer” event downtown. Heritage Alliance members include the Emmaus Historical Society, Shelter House Society, Knauss Homestead Preservation Society, the 1803 House, the Emmaus Public Library, Emmaus Moravian Church and the Emmaus Main Street Partners.