Emmaus

250th celebrated July 24-26

The Borough of Emmaus, Emmaus Main Street Partners, the Emmaus Historical Alliance and numerous other local groups, will host the Emmaus 250 Celebration July 24-26.

The festival will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with live music, historical experiences, family activities, local food vendors and a drone and laser light show.

The celebration will transform borough streets, historic sites, parks and public gathering spaces into destinations for residents and visitors.

The celebration begins 5 p.m. July 24, with an opening ceremony at the borough’s gateway entrance near the Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St. The ceremony will feature the unveiling of a new borough welcome sign, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence by the local Girl and Boy Scout Troops and a special presentation by the Emmaus Veterans Committee. Following the ceremony, the Main Street Cruisers will perform at the Triangle beginning 6:30 p.m. Food vendors will be available throughout the evening.

Festivities continue July 25. Main Street will close between Second and Sixth Streets 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attractions will include craft vendors, food trucks, local business activities, children’s attractions and a car show along Jubilee Street hosted by Mopar Madness. Live entertainment throughout the day will feature performances by the Macungie Band, Castaway Band, Stacy Gabel Band and the M80 Party Band.

A major focus of the weekend will be celebrating Emmaus’ historic roots. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore local landmarks including the Knauss Homestead, The Shelter House, the 1803 House and more with a complimentary shuttle service connecting the sites. The Emmaus Historical Alliance will also host its annual Heritage Festival in conjunction with the Emmaus 250 Celebration, offering living history experiences to bring the borough’s early Moravian heritage to life through demonstrations by blacksmiths, potters, candlemakers, reenactors and other traditional artisans.

A drone and laser light spectacular will be held at the Emmaus High School football stadium.

On July 26, the celebration moves to Emmaus Community Park beginning with a community worship service 9:30 a.m. The service will feature the Emmaus Moravian Brass, community singing and special readings.

Following the service, visitors can enjoy an afternoon and evening of entertainment featuring Kendal Conrad, Reservoir Hill Country Band, and the Mahoney Brothers.

Visitors will also find food vendors, family activities like bounce houses and a petting zoo, community organizations and discounted admission to the Emmaus Community Pool.

Visit facebook.com/emmaus250 for additional event details, schedules, updates and announcements.