The North Catasauqua Borough office will be closed July 3 in observance of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

The office will reopen 8 a.m. July 6. Contact the borough office at 610-264-1504 if you have any questions.

Regular trash and recycle collection will take place in the borough July 6. Trash and recyclables should be placed outside Sunday evening.

***

This Fourth of July, whether you are from small Town USA, rural or big city America, we come together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Fifty years ago, I remember celebrating America’s bicentennial. It was a time of pure pride, unity, fun and happiness.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it is my hope that everyone can come together as one, be proud and happy that we are Americans, and enjoy all that comes with being an American. It is a time to set aside our differences, unite as one community and remember our strength has always come from our ability to stand side by side. Let us honor the generations who sacrificed for our freedoms by celebrating with gratitude and joy.

We are part of an incredible, ongoing story. Be proud of where we come from, be happy that we are Americans, and take time to deeply enjoy all the blessings that come with our great country.

***

The Catasauqua and North Catasauqua J4 patriotic celebration is set for July 4. The rain date will be July 5.

The celebration will begin with the reading of the Declaration of Independence 10 a.m. at the George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets, Catasauqua. The opening ceremony is set for 1 p.m. at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. The event will include food trucks, music, craft tables, flea market vendors, a dunk tank, a magician and children’s games hosted by the YMCA.

There will be a boys/girls basketball doubleheader 11 a.m. and noon on the basketball courts.

The mega Catasauqua High School class reunion will bring together graduates from every class, teachers and staff.

The evening will include music by Third Hand Band 1-4 p.m. and Flirtin’ with the Mob performing 7-9 p.m.

The event will also include a cornhole tournament. Participants are limited to the first 20 paid teams.

The holiday drawing will take place 4 p.m., and student essay winners will be announced 6:45 p.m. at Alumni Field.

A fireworks display will go off around dusk. The fireworks can be viewed from the Alumni Field football stadium, 850 Pine St., or in the borough looking east toward the stadium.

Volunteers are needed. If interested, email cattyareaJ4@gmail.com.

Visit the J4 website, cattytest.my.canva.site/catasauquaj4committeefor, all of the latest information.

***

Join the community as the 250th anniversary of American independence is commemorated at the historic George Taylor House.

The event takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4 at the historic house.

Experience a day of history, patriotism and community featuring a living history timeline, house tours, the reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Bachmann Players, Brandywine Colonials Fife & Drum Corps, Catasauqua choir and bell choir, historical displays and demonstrations, family- friendly activities and more.

***

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will host a fish for free day July 4 to allow anyone to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.

***

The free summer concert series continues with The Castaway Band 6:30-9 p.m. July 8 at the park. Bring your lawn chair.

For more information, call borough hall at 610-264-1504.

***

The sixth annual Jess Fin Fest will take place 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 11 at the park. The main attraction of the event is the coed volleyball tournament and cornhole tournaments.

Other activities include a basket raffle, deejays Johnzy and PK from KJ Lehigh, tournament shirts and Jess Fin Foundation apparel for sale, food, Lehigh Valley Homebrew craft beer and the Inside Scoop ice cream. Kids can enjoy the playground.

The Jess Fin Fest proceeds fund brain tumor research and grants for local individuals diagnosed with brain cancer. It is in memory of Jess Finlayson, a Northampton volleyball coach and eighth-grade math teacher who lost her battle to brain cancer in 2021.

***

A Catasauqua-area summer pub crawl will be held 5 p.m.-midnight July 11. The event includes drink specials at every stop.

Establishments in Catasauqua and North Catasauqua will be participating. You must be 21 years of age and older to participate. Passports for a chance to win prizes can be picked up at participating locations.

For more details, visit the Catasauqua Pub Crawl Facebook page.

***

The zoning hearing board will be meeting 5:30 p.m. July 15 for a public hearing. The applicant, APW Holdings LLC, is appealing the denial of a zoning permit for properties at 408 and 410 Buttonwood St. The applicant seeks to construct an accessory apartment, which may only be permitted by special exception under the zoning ordinance.

The meeting will be held in the lower-level basement meeting room at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.

For questions, call the borough office at 610-264-1504.

***

Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St., is selling Challenge Coins for veterans. There is a cost, and coins may be purchased at either the Legion or at the tent at the July 4 event.

Veteran Challenge Coins are custom- designed medallions that represent a veteran’s service, unit or specific achievements. They serve as symbols of pride, recognition and camaraderie. These coins can commemorate special events, missions, anniversaries or meetings with leaders, and they are highly valued for their sentimental significance within the veteran community.

For more information, call 610-264-1606 after 4 p.m.

***

Don’t forget to display your American flag the week of July 4 and America 250.

If you would like something to be included in the North Catasauqua column, submit it to me at least two weeks in advance, especially if a certain date is involved with your submission. I can be reached by email at ncatacentennial@aol.com.