Welcome to The Local Rundown Northampton your new dose of family-friendly fun, events, recipes, and real-life parent tips.
The official launch is Friday, August 29, 2025, but you’re in early so you’ll see things first.
See you Friday!
Mark & The Local Rundown Northampton Crew
"Some call it chaos we call it family."
— Unknown
Library Storytimes & Crafts – Schedule for September
Local libraries are bringing cozy corners back to life with storytime and crafts in early September—a warm way to ease little ones back into their routine.
Northampton Township Library (Actions not confirmed, but reopening expected around September 7)
Check the site for updated fall storytime schedules post-reopening on or after
September 7. Northampton Township Library
Bethlehem Area Public Library – Coolidge Branch
Storytime for Pre‑K (Ages 2–4)
When: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Where: Bethlehem Township – Coolidge Branch
This session features lots of songs, puppets, movement, and a simple craft. Registration is required. Discover Lehigh Valley+4Bethlehem Area Public Library+4Discover Lehigh Valley+4
Northampton Public Library (Northampton Borough)
A range of programs are scheduled—including:
Baby Storytime: Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Stories and More: Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
These begin in September, with the notable “Afternoon Adventures Preschool Storytime” scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the Community Room. WJCS 89.3 FM+6Northampton Township Parks & Recreation+6Lehigh Valley Moms+6
Why families will love it
A free, structured outing that nurtures early literacy and imagination.
Fun and social for kids with interactive elements like songs, puppets, and crafts.
A gentle way to ease into the September routine before school ramps up further.
Parent tips
Note the dates: The Bethlehem Coolidge storytime has already occurred; check library pages for fall updates.
Arrive early, especially for toddler programs—they tend to fill up.
Check library sites or social channels regularly, as fall schedules often post week of or shift with holidays.
🎡 The Great Allentown Fair August 27 to September 1
The end of August means one thing in the Lehigh Valley: fair season! The Great Allentown Fair has been a local tradition since 1852, and it’s still one of the biggest draws for families looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer. This year, the fair runs from Wednesday, August 27 through Monday, September 1 at the Allentown Fairgrounds, and it promises the perfect mix of nostalgia, thrills, and tasty treats.
If your kids love rides, they’ll find plenty to keep them busy. From pint-sized kiddie coasters to the bigger, flashier attractions for older kids (and brave parents), there’s something for every comfort level. For younger families, the petting zoo and the “Agri-Plex” are must-visits. The fair still highlights its agricultural roots, showcasing farm animals, prize-winning fruits and vegetables, and hands-on exhibits that remind kids where their food really comes from.
And then there’s the food. You can’t go to the Allentown Fair without indulging in at least one funnel cake or corn dog. Stands line the midway with everything from deep-fried Oreos to roasted corn on the cob, and you’ll likely smell the kettle corn before you see it. It’s not exactly a low-sugar outing, but hey—it’s once a year!
Entertainment is also part of the draw. Each day brings live shows, music, and demonstrations. Families can catch magic acts, dance troupes, or even big-name concerts if they want to make a full evening of it. Pair that with the bright lights of the midway and the hum of the crowd, and the fair becomes a sensory experience kids will talk about long after school starts.
Parent tips:
Timing is everything: Go earlier in the day to avoid the heaviest crowds and long lines.
Bring cash: Not every food stand or game booth takes cards.
Strollers recommended: The fairgrounds are large, and little legs tire quickly.
The Great Allentown Fair is more than just rides and snacks—it’s a chance for families to slow down, laugh together, and mark the end of summer in a big, joyful way.
The Local Rundown
🕓 10:00–10:30am · Barnes & Noble – Promenade Shops of Saucon Valley · Free · 👶 🧒 · 📍 Google Maps
Short stories and simple activities for little ones.
🕓 1:00–3:00pm · Easton Area Public Library (Main) · Free (registration required) · 🧒 🧑🎓 · 📍 Google Maps
Hands-on bike skills & safety; participants work toward earning a bike.
🕓 Meet & greets at 11am, 1pm, 3pm · Crayola Experience Easton · Admission required · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Say hi to Magic Mint during the summer Crayon Tour.
Tue, Aug 19
🕓 1:00–3:00pm · Easton Area Public Library (Main) · Free (registration required) · 🧒 🧑🎓 · 📍 Google Maps
Day 2 of the bike-building & safety series.
🕓 5:00–7:00pm · Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity (Lawn) · Free · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Pack a picnic—therapy pony at 5pm, Ukulele Orchestra at 6pm, plus crafts & games.
🕓 11am, 1pm, 3pm · Crayola Experience Easton · Admission required · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Daily meet-and-greets with Magic Mint.
🕓 6:30–7:00pm · Online · Free · 🌟 All Ages
Quick at-home scavenger fun for families.
Wed, Aug 20
🕓 1:00–3:00pm · Easton Area Public Library (Main) · Free (registration required) · 🧒 🧑🎓 · 📍 Google Maps
Final session this week—keep wrenching & riding safely.
🕓 3:00–7:00pm · 12th St. between Paxinosa & Cottingham · Free entry (SNAP/EBT accepted) · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Fresh produce, global eats, music & kids’ activities.
🕓 11am, 1pm, 3pm · Crayola Experience Easton · Admission required · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
More chances to meet Magic Mint and craft together.
📅 Coming Soon (Aug 25–Sep 3)
🕓 Sat, Aug 30 · 12:00–6:00pm · The Neighborhood Center (South Side) · Free · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Food, music, games & cultural fun.
🕓 Sun, Aug 31 · Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown · Admission required · 🌟 All Ages · 📍 Google Maps
Costume-friendly space science send-off day.
We can’t wait to be back
with you soon,
Mark