Press photo by Michael HirschAs the new school year starts and summer winds down, we take a look back at some of the highlights of the summer of 2026. At the America250 celebration held in South Whitehall Township in June, historic reenactors Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps from Topton performed.

Press photo by Lisa DraperCamper Scheer creates her infringer to help protect her ideas at Parkway Manor Camp inventions in June.

Press photo by Sharon SchrantzA butterfly bush at the home of Sara and Kirk Brown on Vista Terrace in Orefield attracted visitors to the Parkland Garden Tour.

Press photo by Lisa DraperBrother and sister Efstratios and Nikoleta Teloniatis display various Greek desserts and a cake celebrating their parents’ grand opening of Upper Macungie Tavern.

Press photo by Ed CourrierFrom left, JuxtaHub resident artist Rhiannon Davis, Lisa Caruso, Kelsey Eck and Ryan Olszewski compete during the Pottery Throw Down in the Ceramics Studio as part of JuxtaHub’s July 14 opening reception for “The Color of Stories” exhibit featuring the work of several local artists. At back, JuxtaHub Programming Assistant Molly Olszewski (Ryan’s daughter) emcees the event before announcing Quakertown-based potter Eck as the winner with 13 pots thrown.

Press photo by Lou WheelandSkyla Bellevue practices CPR on a mannequin as Ethan Lin awaits his turn during the Upper Macungie Township Jr. Academy held the week of July 12-17 throughout the township.

Press photo by Lisa DraperPeace Camp teen participants Gabriela Romo and sisters Arianna and Anjanette Mensah create a peace star.

Press photo by Lou WheelandLeila Torres and mom Annabeth Santiago, and dad Sgt. Alex Torres, South Whitehall Township Police Department, visit the South Whitehall Township National Night Out at Covered Bridge Park Aug. 4.