114th Annual Roseto Big Time Celebration

ROSETO- The 114th annual Roseto Big Time Celebration runs nightly Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28. The festival is held on the grounds of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and begins nightly at 6 PM. Traditional foods, rides, games and entertainment are part of the celebration. There will be a $15 ride special on Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 10 PM. Saturday night will feature a fireworks display at 11:45 PM. The festival wraps at 2 PM on Sunday with a religious procession down Garibaldi Avenue, in Roseto.

Wednesday, July 25& Thursday, July 26

6-9 PM- $15 ride special

Friday, July 27

7:30-11 PM- “Festa Musica d’Italia" with Sal Panto

Saturday, July 28

6:30 PM- Coronation of Celebration Queen Amanda Impeciati at Church Plaza followed by a parade led by the Slate Belt Band down Garibaldi Avenue in Roseto

7:30-Midnight- “Festa Musica d’Italia" with Sal Panto & Jillian

11:45 PM- Fireworks

Sunday, July 30

2 PM- Religious Procession

10th Annual Slate Belt Heritage Days

BANGOR- The tenth annual Slate Belt Heritage Days will be celebrated Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 in Bangor’s downtown area. The festival is sponsored by Bangor Borough, Bangor Main Street Program and the Bangor Business Association. The festival commemorates the rich cultural diversity of the Slate Belt area. Tributes will be made to the founding ethnic groups of German, Cornish, Italian, Scotch/Irish, and Welsh. A variety of ethnic food and craft demonstrations will provide ample entertainment during the two-day event.

New to the festival this year is the Historic Homes, Horse & Carriage Ride from 11 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. Take a horse and carriage ride through the streets of Bangor. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Steckel’s Jewelry and Miller’s Paint Store or the day of the event at the Borough Authority Lot.

The events begin at 9:30 AM and conclude at 4:30 PM each day. Programs are available at several business locations throughout the Slate Belt. A variety of activities are planned with old favorites and new events to tickle the fancy of young and old. In addition to ethnic food samples, the new events will include the Dream Kids kicking off Saturday, benefits the Dreams Come True program; Braided Rugs, the Henry Gun Exhibit provided by the Jacobsburg Historical Association, Wheat Weaving, Bobbin Lace Making, Balloons the Clown, “Snakes up Close” by Carbon County Environmental Education Center and Sheep Herding. To end the day Sunday at 4:30 PM, “Our Heritage of Worship” a service of worship through music, scripture and prayer using Cornish, English, German, Italia, Scotch-Irish and Welch Heritage.

The popular Heritage Day bus tours are back and will begin on Saturday at 10 AM. The “Slate Belt Sampler Tour” includes Dally’s Slate Quarry, Jayne Mansfield Grave and Weona Park Carousel. The 1 PM tour, “200 Years Ago in Plainfield Township,” includes Keller Farm, St. Peters Lutheran Church and Cemetery. The 1 PM tour on Sunday includes “The Jane Mansfield Story,” Family Homes in Pen Argyl, Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, Fairview Cemetery, Weona Park and Slate Belt Heritage Center.

Don’t miss these informative, picturesque tours. Each tour is $5 per person and tickets may be purchased in advance at Merchants National Bank (Bangor) and Bray’s News Store or call by calling 610.863.0315. Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at the Elks Lodge and The HUB.

Tatamy Historical Society Annual Car Show

The Tatamy Historical Society is holding their annual Tatamy Historical Car Show on Sunday, July 29 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The event is sponsored by Breidingers’ Auto Parts and Tire and will be held on Broad Street in Tatamy. The first 175 pre-registered automobiles will receive a commemorative dash plaque and the club with the most pre-registered automobiles will receive $100. Show entries can register the day of the show for $10. Show classes will be Truck, Street Rod Through 1949, Custom 1950-Present, and Stock Classes of 1903-1944, 1945-1950, 1951-1959, 1961-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989 and 1990 to present. The show will also feature food and entertainment. For more information, call 610.258.3380 or 610.759.6268.

59th Annual Plainfield Farmers Fair

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP- The 59th annual Plainfield Farmers Fair will be held Tuesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 28. The fair is held on Route 191 in Plainfield Township at the intersection of Route 191 and Kesslersville Road. For a complete list of events and directions, visit www.PlainfieldFarmersFair.com.

Slate Belt Boys Youth Basketball Camp at Pius X High School

Slate Belt Boys Youth Basketball Camp will be held from 8 AM to 12 PM, Monday, 30 through Thursday, August 2 at Pius X High School in Bangor. The camp is open to boys in grades 3-8. The cost of the camp is $75 and includes a camp t-shirt. To register, call George Hicks at 610.863.7590.

Annual St. Rocco’s Festival

The annual St. Rocco’s Festival will be held from Thursday, August 9 to Sunday, August 12 on the grounds of St. Rocco’s Roman Catholic Church in Martins Creek. The old-time Italian festival has become famous for its great food, entertainment, rides, games and devotion to the 14th Century saint who devoted his life to caring for the ill along the Italian-French border. The St. Rocco’s parish was established in the 1930’s and has become a popular attraction in the area. Each year thousands from the area, and outside the area, attend the festival. Please call 610.258.9059 for more information.

Weona Park Hosting Kandida and Musical Auditions

Weona Park is hosting musical auditions on Saturday, July 28 at the band shell. Knitter Records is in search of lead vocalists, bands, backup singers and song writers. The winners will be part of Kandida’s upcoming CD to be released this fall. Following the auditions, Kandida will perform on stage at 4 PM. Part of concert proceeds will be donated to charity. For more information or concert tickets, call Kandida at 484.707.8188.

Desire Performing at Wind Gap Summer Sounds

Wind Gap Summer Sounds Concert Series will feature the doo-wop group, Desire, at 6 PM on Sunday, July 29 at Wind Gap Park. The group will perform hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Future concerts include the eight-piece Duke Ellington Legacy Band with Edward Ellington and soloist Nancy Reed on August 12 and the final concert on August 26 features The Dream Kids from Nazareth.

Attend a Bangor Block Watch Meeting

The Bangor Block Watch meets at 7 PM on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Slate Belt Heritage Center located at 30 North First Street in Bangor. For more information, call 610.588.7028, email BlockWatch@epix.net or visit www.BangorBlockWatch.org.

Dental Van Returning to the Slate Belt in August

Families First has announced that St. Luke’s Hospital and Bethlehem Partnership’s free mobile dental office will visit the Slate Belt in August. The dental van will be stationed at Plainfield Elementary School from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10. Slate Belt children ages 3-18 are invited to take advantage of dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, cavity filling and baby tooth extraction. All participants must have pre-registered by Wednesday, August 1. For more information, contact Bonnie Richardson at 610.863.2263 or richardsonb@epix.net.

Bangor Football 4-Man Scramble Golf Outing

The Bangor Slaters football program is sponsoring a 4-man scramble golf match on Sunday, August 5 at Cherry Valley Golf Course. The cost is $280 per foursome which includes greens fee, cart, beverages and lunch following the match at the Bangor Jacksonian Club. Prizes will be awarded during lunch and there will be a raffle. The match begins with a shotgun start at 8 AM. Rosters and money are due by July 30. For more information, call Carol Strohe at 610.588.5105.

Mt. Bethel Fire Company Holding 3rd Annual Carnival

Mt. Bethel Fire Company is holding their 3rd annual carnival from Thursday, August 2 through Saturday, August 4 on the fire company grounds on Route 611 in Mt. Bethel. The carnival hours are 6-10 PM Thursday and Friday and 4-10 PM Saturday. Thursday features a $15 ride special from 6-9 PM. Live entertainment is planned for each night. Led Foot performs Thursday from 7-10 PM, Stampede on Friday from 7-10 PM and Phoenix from 6-9 PM on Saturday. The carnival features food, games, rides and more. For more information, call 570.897.6919.

Slate Belt COG Cancels July Meeting

The Slate Belt COG has canceled its monthly meeting for July. The meetings will resume on Wednesday, August 22 at the old Washington Township municipal building located on Route 191 in Flicksville. For more information, visit www.SlateBeltCOG.org.

Slate Belt Museum Holding Book Signing & Slate Presentation

The Slate Belt Museum is hosting a book signing and slide presentation on how slate has been used in fine art and folk art on Sunday, July 29. Authors Judy and Ted Buswick will talk and show samples of slate art at the Museum at 1:30 PM. The presentation is free and open to the public. A portion of the sale of the authors' book, Slate of Hand: Stone for Fine Art & Folk Art, will benefit the Museum. The Buswick's, natives of Massachusetts, have done extensive research into the uses of slate both in the Slate Belt and Vermont, as well as in North Wales, particularly the Welsh towns of Bangor and Bethesda. They will be appearing at the Museum in conjunction with the Slate Belt Heritage Days, held from July 27 through July 29. The museum is located at 2214 North Delaware Drive in Mt. Bethel, on Route 611just north of the Route 512 intersection. For more information call Walter Emery at 570.897.6181.

Pius X High School Accepting 2007-2008 Registration

Pius X Junior/Senior High School is now accepting registration applications for the 2007-2008 school year. To obtain a registration form, schedule a tour, and/or to have your child spend a day to shadow a Pius student, please call 610-588-3291. The school is located at 580 Third Avenue in Bangor across the street from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Grace UMC Hosting Slate Belt Overcomers in Christ

Grace United Methodist Church is offering a Christ-centered recovery program for people struggling with co-dependency, addictions and other issues. The program is held at the church each Wednesday at 7 PM. Grace United Methodist Church is located at 404 East Mountain Avenue in Pen Argyl. For more information, call 610.863.4811 or email graceumc@epix.net.

St. John’s United Church of Christ Holding Pastie Bake

St. John’s United Church of Christ will be holding a pastie bake on Wednesday, August 1. To place an order, call 610.588.1782. The pasties will be available for pick up at the church between 12 and 2 PM on August 1. St. John’s United Church of Christ is located at Third and Market Streets in Bangor.

Upper Mt. Bethel Township Planning Bus Trips

Upper Mt. Bethel Township is sponsoring two bus trips during the upcoming months. The first trip is to the Bronx Zoo on Saturday, September 15. The bus departs for New York at 10 AM and returns home at approximately 8 PM. The cost is $15 per person and reservations must be made by August 15. The second trip is New York City for a Christmas show and holiday sights. Reservations must be made by November 1.

Nazareth High School Class of 1955 Holding Reunion

The Nazareth High School Class of 1955 is reuniting for a clambake at 12 PM on Thursday, August 16 at Bady’s Grove in Wind Gap. There will be food and beverages throughout the day. The bake begins at 5 PM with choices of strip steak, lobster or chicken. Call Charlie Henry at 610.252.8795 or Jane Roberts at 610.759.3847 to make reservations.

Area Teen Swimming Miles Against Cancer

Stephen Weinstein is swimming 15,000 lengths of a pool, equaling 208 miles, while being supported by the American Cancer Society in order to raise money for the Relay for Life Whitehall. He began June 5 and finishes August 5.

Weinstein, 2006 Perkiomen graduate attending the University of Pittsburgh, says, “I am often asked why am I choosing to swim laps and why so many laps? It would seem that most people at the very least know one other person who’s family has been impacted by cancer. Personally, my mom has recently battled through breast cancer and my uncle is dealing with advanced brain cancer.”

The American Cancer Society is as much about providing money for research as it is about giving people hope. The American Cancer Society provides a 24-hour hotline to answer any questions a person might have about cancer. They also provide drivers to take people to their Chemotherapy or doctor appointments.

Weinstein is swimming so many laps because he hopes to inspire people to donate. He has been swimming 2.5 hours a day at the Jewish Community Center pool and by the end of his journey, he will have swam from New York City and back.

Weinstein is asking for any and all donations that people can afford. A person can either donate by the lap or just make a flat donation.

“Anything helps,” says Weinstein, “I would love to put together a large sum of money not because it will instantly cure cancer. I want to raise as much as possible to inspire.”

With help from the community, Weinstein wants to create a story to inspire people; to prove fighting cancer is possible.

Weinstein states his motto is “Complacency is the worst part. Once a person gets cancer there is nothing you can do except encourage them as much as possible. There is no other way to make their struggle easier—all a person can do is have hope and be optimistic.” Weinstein went on to say “Cancer is not unbeatable; you can ask Lance Armstrong that, you could ask my mom.”

To donate visit www.teamneptune.org.

Northampton County 4-H Fair

The Northampton County 4-H Fair will be held Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12 at the Northampton County 4-H Center. The public is welcome to attend and see 4-H youth from across Northampton County demonstrate their skills and talents. The youth will participate in competitions ranging from handcrafts and foods to project animals. All shows are strictly open for entries by Northampton County 4-Hers; these are not open shows. The schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Friday features the small animal science projects judged at 1 PM with the Market Goat and Sheep Show followed by the Dairy Goat Show at 2:30 PM, the Swine Show at 5 PM and the Rabbit and Cavy Show at 6:30 PM. The evening concludes with a car show featuring the Lehigh Valley Thunderbirds. Also, at 7:30 PM, will be a demonstration and lecture on reptiles and amphibians by Alexander Junda.

Saturday will be the larger livestock projects. The shows start with the poultry judging at 10:30 AM followed at 12 PM with the Dairy Beef Show, and Beef Show at 2 PM. The evening begins at 5:45 PM with a presentation by the winner of the County Communications Contest. The VIPs will present the awards for the Best of Show for the 4-H projects at 6 PM. A fashion show follows at 6:30 PM. A cakewalk will be held at 7 PM. The evening will end with another car show.

Sunday beginss with the Horse Show at 9 AM and amouth-watering Chicken B-B-Q at 12 PM.

During the entire weekend, the display building will be open. The exhibits will consist of completed projects by the county 4-Hers and display booths from various clubs. A silent auction will be being held during the entire weekend until 1 PM on Sunday, after which items will be available for pick up. Games for all ages will be offered by various 4-H clubs. Food will be available all days.

The Northampton County 4-H Center is located at 777 Bushkill Center Road in Nazareth. For more information, call the Northampton County 4-H Office at 610.746.1970 or visit www.northampton.extension.psu.edu.

American Legion Hosting Waggin’ Tails Adoption Day

Waggin’ Tails Pet Rescue, a no-kill all-volunteer animal rescue organization, will hold an adoption day on Saturday, July 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the American Legion in Gilbert. Many wonderful dogs will be available to meet with potential adopters. Anyone interested in adopting a dog must fill out a pre-adoption application with veterinary and personal references and have a home inspection prior to adoption. The American Legion is located on Route 209 in Gilbert. For more information, call 570.992.4185 or visit www.waggintailsrescue.com.

NCC Offers Craft Classes

Discover your creativity at craft classes offered by Northampton Community College (NCC) in August:

Crafting: How to Start and Succeed- Wednesday, August 15, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. NCC Main Campus, Gates Center, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

Creative Wedding Favors and Centerpieces- Wednesdays, August 1, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem.

Needle Felting: Felted Flowers- Wednesday, August 15, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. NCC Main Campus, Gates Center, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

Fall Twig and Berry Wreath Making- Tuesday, August 14, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., NCC Main Campus, Gates Center, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

Jewelry Making: Hammered Key Chain- Monday, August 20, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. NCC Main Campus, Communications Hall, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

Basketry: Silverware Caddy- Monday, August 27, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. NCC Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

For more information or to register, call 1-877-543-0998.

Monroe County Garden Club Holding Annual Picnic

The Monroe County Garden Club is holding its annual picnic at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, August 8 at Mountain View Park in Tannersville. All interested gardeners and their families are invited to attend. The club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, beverages and paper products. Attendees are asked to bring a salad or dessert and a plant to raffle off. There will be plenty of activities for kids. Bring lawn chairs, games, volleyball and tennis equipment. Please RSVP to Gerri McDowell at 570.421.6739 or mcdow@ptd.net with the number in your party that will attend. For more information about the Monroe County Garden Club, visit www.gardencentral.org/pa/monroecounty.