LET’S ‘FEST, LADS AND LASSIES!
It is the most anticipated two weeks of the year. Besides Christmas, it is the city of Bethlehem’s claim to fame. It is time for MUSIKFEST! “The Best Music Festival in North America” according to USA Today, and certainly the largest, Musikfest, established in 1984, hosts hundreds of thousands of people every year. With roughly 300 free live performances, Musikfest is straight-up affordable fun. And 65% of the musical acts every year are Lehigh Valley locals! It is a phenomenal opportunity to highlight local talent as well as local business. As our business owner Neville Gardner said in an interview with ArtsQuest (the Lehigh Valley’s leading nonprofit organization for art, culture, and educational programs located amongst the towering steel stacks of the former Bethlehem Steel), “As a historic Bethlehem business owner, I’m delighted that Musikfest will be happening again this summer. I believe that Musikfest has been one of the greatest marketing devices for small businesses in Bethlehem and we look forward to the influx of visitors again this August.”
And alright, so maybe it isn’t known just for the music… There is also the iconic Musikfest mug, newly decorated, produced, and sold every year. The mug is large enough for about two drinks, and can be refilled at various locations all over the city. 2021’s fesitval design is contrived of beautiful poppies and daisies that our wonderful visual merchandiser has incorporated into Donegal Square’s current window displays. Inside our store, I have had the pleasure of meeting dozens of families and friends, all with their own Musikfest stories and traditions. I have met couples from all across the country, many of which have been attending the festival every year to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, or just sweet sentiments. “Every year for 30 years, we always stop in here. It is our favorite spot to visit.”, says a couple from New Hampshire. “We got our engagement rings in here during Musikfest 10 years ago!”, says a couple from Idaho. “This festival was the first thing we did as a new family, after our twin daughters were born…now they are both married and have kids of their own!”, says a couple from New Jersey. These smiling faces and similar stories are amongst the many reasons we here at Donegal Square and McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub look forward to Musikfest.
There is one week left for lots of merriment, festival foods, and beer…or whatever your drink of choice. At Donegal Square we have extended our store hours and will be open Monday-Wednesday 10 am – 8 pm, and Thursday-Saturday 10 am- 9 pm, then open for Muiskfest’s final day, Sunday, August 15th 10 am – 7 pm. Come on in, make sure your drink is covered, and check out our sales. And when your mug needs a refill, or your stomach is a-grumblin’, head on up to our iconic McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub.
