The Catasauqua Area School District administration and board recently shared details leading up to the annual Turkey Day game between Catasauqua High School and Northampton Area High School.

It was noted this is the 102nd game between the two schools but also marks 100 years since the first game was played. Reportedly, the schools played each other twice in 1925 and 1926, the first two years.

This year’s game is set for 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at Catasauqua’s Alumni Field on Pine Street.

Leading up to the game, a number of activities and festivities are planned. The Powder Puff game was played Nov. 16 at NAHS.

This year’s Bury the Hatchet gathering is set for 6-9 p.m. Nov. 25 at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, 2110 Canal St., Northampton.

On Nov. 26, CHS will hold its annual pep rally, starting 9:30 a.m. CASD families and community members are invited to attend the event.

A change to festivities this year is the cancellation of the bonfire, usually held the day before the game outside Sheckler Elementary School and the district administration offices on North 14th Street. The district reported the permit was declined by Catasauqua Fire Department for a number of safety reasons, which were detailed and explained in a communication from fire Chief Rich Hertzog. Some of the reasons included the size of the intended fire compared to available resources to extinguish it if weather conditions make the fire unmanageable; proximity to the Federal Aviation Administration restricted area fence line and dried brush; the site is in direct flight path of a runway, which may affect air traffic; a potential strain on resources and manpower since it is the day before a holiday; and more.

“In the future, if the school district would like to continue the bonfire event, I would suggest locating to an area more suitable,” Hertzog said in his communication. “I am highly concerned that, in the past, we have chased down embers as far away as Race Street and even the roof of the school building.”

Tickets for the game are now on sale in the CHS athletic office. If purchased in advance, adult tickets are $6 and students and seniors are $3. All tickets sold at the game will be $7. There is no charge for current CASD students.

During the board of education meeting held Nov. 11, one of the student representatives noted the students are excited for the game and events leading up to it. In the spring, there were discussions about potentially canceling the rivalry game, largely citing potential safety concerns. After many discussions with students and community members, the board voted 6-2 at the May 6 meeting to retain the game.