Six Things to do This Weekend

Now that everyone is back to school, it is time to buckle down and get those thinking caps on. While you may just be thinking about yourself, this weekend’s activities will encourage you to take a look at the other side of the fence and your own community as well.

The lecture series at Penn State Live Campus will engage the over 55 crowd with an interesting lecture on the Muslim perspective and experience pre- and post-9/11. 

Take a cultural tour of Greece at for the Greek Food Festival taking place this weekend.

If an education of the Blues is what you are looking for, you can find one at The at the SteelStacks Campus on SouthSide Bethlehem. Featuring the best in local and national Blues talent, you will be able to distinguish your Delta Blues from your Chicago Blues after this three day festival.

You can help lower-income children in the Lehigh Valley get a head start by attending the on Friday Night. The event features dinner, dancing and an auction to help fund Head Start and early education programs through Community Services for Children.

Take your child to the at the Fowler Center for the Saturday program, reading books, participating in activities and meeting the Cat in the Hat.

For those in the Coopersburg area, is not only a fun day but an opportunity to meet over 40 community organizations that will host exhibits. Crafters, art exhibits, food, live music and activities for the kids make it a fun event for the family.

WEEKEND PICKS

S.A.G.E. LECTURE SERIES (PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY)

• WHERE/WHEN: Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus, Room 135, 2809 Saucon Valley Rd, Center Valley, Friday, 10:30 a.m.

• WHY GO?:  No notes, no test just an engaging college lecture and intellectual discussion for those over 55. The topic of discussion is Being a Lehigh Valley Muslim, pre- and post- September 11, 2001. A three-member panel will share their experience followed by questions and answers.   

• COST: Individual lecture, $15; includes coffee, lecture and lunch afterward. To register contact Carol Buddock, 610-285-5059.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL (ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH)

• WHERE/WHEN: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1607 W. Union Blvd. Bethlehem, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday noon – 6 p.m.

• WHY GO?: Have a cultural experience without ever leaving the Valley with a little taste of Greek tradition. Enjoy music, dancing and Church tours as well as the best Greek food in town from Moussaka, Soutzoukakia to Kourambiedes and Baklava.

• COST: See Menu, $10 - $12 per platter, ala carte $2 - $8.

BLAST FURNACE BLUES FESTIVAL (STEELSTACKS)

• WHERE/WHEN: SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday &  Sunday, noon – 11 p.m.

• WHY GO?:  All weekend its red hot blues. See the best in local talent – Craig Thatcher, Donovan Roberts, the BC Combo — and renowned  national blues acts take – Mississippi Heat, Dana Fuchs and Chicago Blues All Starts and so much more. 

• COST: Tickets, Friday only $20 advanced, $25 at gate; Single Day Pass $30/$35, Event Pass $55/$65, Kids 6 – 12 $5, Free for children under 6. ArtsQuest members receive $5 discount. Ticket price includes all programming in the Musikfest Café, Air Products Town Square and Levitt Pavilion.

SAFESTART INAUGURAL CHILDREN’S BALL (COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN)

• WHERE/WHEN: Saucon Valley Country Club, 2050 Saucon Valley Rd, Bethlehem, Friday, 6 to 11 p.m.

• WHY GO?: This is a gala event featuring an auction, dinner and dancing to the live music all to the benefit of Head Start programs and early childhood learning programs in the Lehigh Valley.  It is for a  great cause and it is a great night out.

• COST:  Tickets are $175, black tie preferred, proceeds benefit Community Services for Children.

SATURDAYS AT THE READING ROOM (COPS N’ KIDS)

• WHERE/WHEN: Reading Room 511, E. Third Street, 4th floor, Bethlehem, Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon.

• WHY GO?: Read with the Cat in the Hat as volunteers from the Allentown Civic Theatre brings the words of Dr. Seuss and his most beloved character to life. Activities include choral speaking, word games, rhyming and movement for ages preschool to grade 5.

• COST: Free, preregistration required. Call (610) 861–5526.

20TH ANNUAL COOPERSBURG COMMUNITY DAY (COOPERSBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

• WHERE/WHEN: Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park, Third Street, Coopersburg, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• WHY GO?: Come downtown for a day of free activities and munchies with crafters, artists, activities and a giant Flea Market. Be sure to check out the Life Size Candy Land game, the rock wall, the antique horse drawn carousel and the petting zoo.  Exhibitors from community organizations and local live music as well as a landing appearance by the LVHN Medevac make it a one stop. non-stop family fun day

• COST:  FREE.