Lehigh Valley InSite

VeloFest 2012

On the morning of Cinco de Mayo, I attended VeloFest at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. It was and most likely will remain the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. And it’s right here on the west side of Lehigh Valley in Trexlertown, Pa.

I showed up 15 minutes before the gates opened and the line was already snaking through the parking lots. There was the smell of someone cooking breakfast on a grill, the smell of bacon is just good. Anyway, there’s no shock at the line or interest, as I mentioned before the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. This is a big deal.

VeloFestLogo2012

Sure, the middle of March felt like the middle of Summer and the weather in April has been erratic at best, but I promise Summer is right around the corner. In fact, we’re giving away five passes to VeloFest 2012 on May 5th. Yeah, that’s right… start your Cinco de Mayo off right with largest outdoor cycling marketplace in the country!

So in preparation for this VeloFest and this coming season, I invite you to take a look back with me.

2012 - To Do List

In 2012, one of my personal New Year’s resolutions is to travel more. Another resolution is just the opposite; to stick closer to home and get to the events that are happening right in my backyard.

With that, here are my top 5 things that I’m looking forward to this year in Lehigh Valley.

Chewie-and-Yoda

This past weekend, superheroes, stormtroopers, kids, adults and even a wookie invaded Lehigh Valley. Yes, it was the Great Allentown Comic Con. Two days full of fun for the child in your family as well as your inner child.

Saturday, I sat in on a few panels, the first of which was “Comic Greats and Legends.” Tom Smith, Niel Vokes and Bob Hall spoke of their work in the industry as well as the changes happening within it. My second panel of the day was the 501st Legion, a garrison of Stormtroopers who told us stories about, well, being stormtroopers. They also provided insight into how they make their armor and weaponry. So day one was wonderful, full of great stories and comics and trade paperbacks purchased. All done, right?

Bethlehem's Doggy Day

Lehigh Valley is home to many special events in the fall, although one of my favorite events took place this past Saturday in Bethlehem; the 4th Annual Doggie Day. This event is special to me because my life is controlled by a six-year-old Welsh Corgi named Snickers.

Saturday’s event featured a marketplace with a variety of canine vendors, ranging from rescue organizations to pet photographers. It was a great opportunity to visit with these worthwhile companies and learn a little more about their mission. I was even able to spend some quality time with employees of A Furry Tail Come True, a doggie daycare where Snickers is a client.

View from the top of Bear Creek

This past weekend in Lehigh Valley was perfect; mainly because of the weather, but also because my wife and I didn’t have any plans. This gave us the opportunity to plan a getaway in our own backyard at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie.

Over the past several years we have visited Bear Creek many times to take advantage of their hiking trails, outdoor recreation and restaurants. However, this time we were going to combine all three of them with a stay at their gorgeous hotel and an Oktoberfest.

Celtic Classic

Did you notice the sun came out in Lehigh Valley on Saturday and Sunday? That was great news for people who had gotten a case of cabin fever. It was also good news for Celtic Classic; one of my favorite festivals.

I have been going to Celtic Classic for about 10 years and have always enjoyed seeing Bethlehem turn green for a weekend. The festival has so many great features, so I decided to share my Top 5 highlights from this year’s Celtic Classic.

September 23, 24, 25 - 2011

I’m a huge fan of Bethlehem; the city really embraces the festival spirit, and it gives visitors to Lehigh Valley a great opportunity to experience the culture and charisma of the town.

Last year, I attended my first Celtic Classic. After experiencing a few rounds of Musikfest, I knew a bit about how Bethlehem ‘Fests operate, but that’s as far as my expectations took me.

Great Allentown Fair

The last summer hurrah for Lehigh Valley is always The Great Allentown Fair. Being a parent, that signifies that school is just days away. That is enough to make me happy, let alone knowing the class acts that will be performing, the smell and tastes of great food, the extraordinary competitions taking place from livestock judging to culinary delights, and of course the people watching.

I made it to the fair twice this year and each proved to be well worth it. First, it was for Night Ranger, Foreigner and Journey, who were performing outside in the grandstand area. We didn’t have the best seats in the place, but the music could be heard no matter where you sat. I would have to say that Foreigner ruled the roost that night. I thought it would be Journey, but the new singer just can’t do justice compared to Steve Perry.

VegFest

Where’s the beef? I can tell you it wasn’t at the inaugural event that took place this past Saturday in Lehigh Valley.

Bethlehem Vegfest was held at the South Bethlehem Greenway from New to Webster Street and it was free to attend.