Celebrating artists from the Lehigh Valley and beyond for a half century, “Art in the Park” returns to West Park, 16th and West Turner streets, Allentown, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sept. 13.

More than 130 artists are expected to exhibit and sell a variety of works, from original ceramics, drawings, prints, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture and weaving to art made from recycled or re-purposed materials.

This year, there will be 30 first-time participants. Six featured artists will be giving live demonstrations.

Joining the artists in Allentown’s oldest park, which opened in 1908, are arts-related community groups and food and drink vendors.

Performances on the iconic West Park Bandshell include those by the Allentown Band, El Sistema Lehigh Valley Orchestra, Church of the Mediator Choir, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Community Music School, Macungie Minstrelaires, Repertory Dance Theatre, William Allen High School Dance Department, William Allen Marching Band and the Sweet Adelines.

The annual arts festival began in 1975 as a grassroots effort led by Allentown resident Betty Helwig, a passionate advocate for the arts. Peggy Egolf, a teacher at Allentown Central Elementary School, took the reins after Helwig’s death in 2008. Egolf and her husband Robbie continued leading the event until she died in 2017.

Allentown Art Museum curator Dr. Christine Oaklander then picked up the torch. She introduced a jury system, cash prizes and other innovations to appeal to a wider audience.

Arts advocates Alan Younkin and Michael Schelp have enthusiastically co-chaired “Art in the Park” since 2022.

“Over the decades, ‘Art in the Park’ has become more than an art show. It’s become a symbol of Allentown’s creative spirit, a gathering place for generations and a celebration,” says Younkin.

Across the street from West Park, the Allentown Masonic Temple, 1524 W. Linden St., will commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening by offering free guided tours of its architecturally-historic Lodge building.

“Art in the Park,” presented by the West Park Civic Association, is free and open to the public and is held rain or shine.

Information: www.art-in-the-park.org

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com