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🐥🎉 Bethlehem New Year Traditions, Potential SnowStorm, Pet Mill Bans & Community Closures

Issue #044- January 2nd, 2024

Author

Bethlehem Local Buzz
02 Jan

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

❄️🚨  Lehigh Valley on Alert for Potential Major Snowstorm This Weekend
🎊🐖 Ringing in the New Year with Pennsylvania Dutch: Pork and Sauerkraut Tradition
🐥🎉 Peepsfest 2023 Lights Up Bethlehem with Giant Chick Drop and Festive Cheer
🚗🏗️ Bethlehem's Walnut Street Garage Closes for Redevelopment: A New Vision for Downtown
🐾 🗳️ Bethlehem Takes a Stand Against Pet Mills with Upcoming Council Vote
⛪️ 🚧 Historic Bethlehem Church Closes After Catastrophic Water Main Break
🎭 This Week’s Events, Daily Quotes, Trivia, and More!

“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.”

- Vern McLellan

Lehigh Valley on Alert for “Potential Major Snowstorm” This Weekend ❄️

The Lehigh Valley region is on alert for a possible major snowstorm this weekend, following a tranquil start to the New Year. The National Weather Service reports uncertainty about the storm's nature, with potential for rain or mixed precipitation. The forecast leading up to the weekend includes light rain and snow flurries, with changing temperatures. Residents are advised to stay updated on the evolving weather conditions.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition for New Year’s Day dining, and what does it symbolize?

(Answer at bottom of Newsletter)

Peepsfest 2023 Lights Up Bethlehem with Giant Chick Drop and Festive Cheer

Peepsfest 2023, held at Bethlehem's SteelStacks campus, was a sold-out event that drew families from across the region for an early New Year's celebration. The festival, known for its 400-pound illuminated Peeps chick drop, is a collaboration with Just Born Quality Confections and has become a beloved tradition in Bethlehem. The event offers a family-friendly atmosphere and celebrates the city's confectionery history.

Bethlehem’s Walnut Street Garage Closes for Redevelopment: A New Vision for Downtown

The Walnut Street Garage in Bethlehem is set to close on January 3, as plans for its demolition and redevelopment are underway. The new design, to be discussed by HARB (Historical Architectural Review Board), includes a taller structure with fewer parking spaces, retail areas, and potential residential space. The closure and redevelopment have raised concerns among residents and businesses about the impact on the community.

Bethlehem Takes a Stand Against Pet Mills with Upcoming Council Vote

The Bethlehem City Council will soon vote on a law to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet mills. Proposed by Councilmember Grace Crampsie Smith, the ordinance aims to combat the issues arising from commercial breeding facilities. It encourages pet shops to collaborate with animal rescue organizations. The council will transition to new members during this session, with the ordinance being a key item on the agenda.

Trinity Episcopal Church Faces Closure Due to Flood Damage

Credit: Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, PA (FB)

Trinity Episcopal Church in Bethlehem (44 E. Market St) has closed following a water main break that caused significant flooding and structural damage. The basement and lower levels were inundated, leading to cracks in the walls and other damages. Structural engineers have recommended keeping the church closed for a thorough assessment and necessary repairs. This is the second major water main break affecting the church in six years.

This Week’s Bethlehem Area Events…

Tues Jan 2

Wed Jan 3

Thurs Jan 4

Fri Jan 5

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The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

The Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day is rooted in symbolism, with pork representing forward movement and sauerkraut symbolizing wealth. Alternatives like lentils, greens, cornbread, ring-shaped cakes, and noodles are also considered lucky, while certain foods like beef, poultry, shellfish, and white foods are avoided due to their negative symbolism.

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