Get Out: Labor Day Weekend

Called the “working man’s” holiday, Labor Day signifies the end of summer. It’s meant to give men and women in the labor force a well deserved breather that marks the halfway point between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. So, live it up.

The Great Allentown Fair is a tradition even older than Labor Day itself, which was first celebrated in 1882. In its 159th year, the Great Allentown Fair offers so much more than a trade show, including concerts, amusement park rides, animal exhibits and so much more to entertain the whole family. 

kicks off festivities on the South Side of Bethlehem with the September theme “University City.” The SteelJam Festival is a new tradition at the SteelStacks complex in Bethlehem, celebrating music and the arts on the South Side, held through the Labor Day weekend. 

Running tandem with the SteelJam Festival, the Eco-Film Festival will attract the environmentally conscious or concerned individuals who want to get the scoop on eco-issues and discuss their concerns with an expert. For a movie with more of a political edge, the LEPOCO Peace Center is hosting its monthly Popcorn and Politics film series.

If you just want to kick back with a brew and a hot dog to watch a game, the IronPigs are in town for two more games against the Buffalo Bisons. A day out at the ol' ball game might be just the thing for all those in the labor force who work so hard, and it won’t put too big of a dent in your paycheck.   

Whatever you do, don’t work too hard this weekend and take a break. It’s a long way until Thanksgiving. 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND PICKS

THE GREAT ALLENTOWN FAIR (LEHIGH VALLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY)

• WHERE/WHEN: Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown, Friday – Sunday, noon – 11:00pm & Monday, noon – 10pm.
• WHY GO: For 159 years, the Allentown Fair has been attracting visitors for its amazing agricultural attractions and entertainment. Some of the highlights are the Big Cath Encounter Show and Exhibit, Robinson’s Pig Paddling Porkers and Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show.  Don’t miss out on the big-name entertainers playing in the Grandstand:

Sugarland with Special Guest Sarah Bareilles, Friday, 7pm.  Tickets… $59; $39

Marc Anthony, Saturday, 7:30pm, $49, $69 and $85.

Big Time Rush with Hot Chelle Rae, Sunday, 7pm,  $35; $20.

• COST: Admission, Persons 12 & over $6, under age 12 Free, Premium Prepaid Parking $25. All entertainment is included with fair admission EXCEPT rides and games on the Powers Great American Midway and shows in the Grandstand.

FIRST FRIDAY (BANANA FACTORY)

• WHERE/WHEN: Third Street, South Side, Bethlehem, Friday, 6pm – 9pm.
• WHY GO: The theme for September is “University City,” celebrating the culture, arts and businesses of Bethlehem. Be sure to check out the Banana Factory Artists Annual Exhibition.  The featured artists are Bruce Ward and Rigo Peralta. First Friday has events up and down Second, Third and Fourth streets as well as Polk and Morton. 
• COST: FREE!

STEEL JAM FESTIVAL (ARTSQUEST)

• WHERE/WHEN: SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Friday, 5pm – 11pm, Saturday, 11am – 11:30pm and Sunday & Monday, 11am – 11pm.
• WHY GO: This is a four-day celebration of live music with more than 50 performances both indoor and outdoor within the Steelstacks Campus. There are activities for kids, and local nonprofits will be given space to showcase their services and programs. If you got rained out of Musikfest, this is a great comeback for music and art in the Bethlehem festival scene.
• COST: Tickets, Adult $35 non-member/ $30 member single day; Kids ages 6 – 12, $5, Kids under 6 are Free;  Adult $85/$70 event pass, Friday only $25/$20. Prices are for tickets purchased at the gate. Presale discounts available at Artsquest.

ECO-FILM FESTIVAL (ARTSQUEST)

• WHERE/WHEN: Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, 101 Founder's Way, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, Friday, 8pm, Saturday, 1pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm & Sunday, 2pm and 4:30pm.
• WHY GO: Because you just can’t get enough information about climate change, fracking and other environmental concerns, the Eco-Film Festival delivers three days of environmentally focused documentaries that will feature a talkback with local experts after each show. Films include No Impact Man, Flow, Farmageddon, Forks Over Knives, Split Estate and Gasland.
• COST: Admission, $7.50; $4.75. Free with SteelJam wrist band.

POPCORN AND POLITICS FILM SERIES (LEPOCO PEACE CENTER)

• WHERE/WHEN: 313 W. 4th Street, Bethlehem, Friday, 7pm.
• WHY GO: There is nothing that says pacifist more than peace and popcorn. Join LEPOCO to view the award-winning film Arna’s Children, documenting the work of legendary activist Arna Mer Khamis, advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people and founding a theater group at a refugee camp in Jenin. 
• COST: Call LEPOCO at 610-691-8730 for more details.

LEHIGH VALLEY IRON PIGS VS. BUFFALO BISONS (BASEBALL)

• WHERE/WHEN: Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown, Friday, 7:05pm & Saturday, 6:35pm.
• WHY GO: Saturday is fan appreciation night and each night’s game will end with fireworks. Join the home team for its finale of the 2011 season.
• COST: Tickets, Field Level $9, Grass, $6