17th Annual Spring on Fourth! What’s on Third? Street Festival

Join us for 17th Annual “Spring on Fourth! What’s on Third?” Street Festival and Chili Cook-off!

“Spring on Fourth! What’s on Third?” will be held on April 21st 2012 from 11:00am to 3:00 pm. South Bethlehem’s galleries, shops and stores are once again joining together for an enjoyable afternoon of music, reading for kids, food and fun.

Founded 17 years ago to celebrate Bethlehem’s historic, revitalized Southside, “Spring on Fourth! What’s on Third?” is a free, public event that takes place along Third, Fourth and New streets. Highlighting the celebration is the popular chili contest, live entertainment by a variety of performers, fun family activities at the “Cops n Kids” display on the Loopers lot, and more from 11:00-3:00pm! In addition, many of the South Side merchants feature sales and special discounts throughout the afternoon–so you can really get a taste of the whole Southside experience!

This year’s “Spring on Fourth! What’s on Third?” chili contest, features 30+ entries ranging from mild, spicy, five-alarm chili to vegetarian versions of the dish. Chili Tasting Passports are on sale at 11:00am, but they will sell out, so buy in advance, or get there early! Tasting will be from 12:00-2:00. There are teams of judges that are going to be tasting ALL of the chili. But we want your opinion, too. The Ballot is for the winner’s of the People’s Choice. Rank your top three on the ballot which will be printed on the back of the map) and submit it to any location selling passports that day. They will be collected by 3PM. Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice will be announced on WDIY, 88.1 FM at 4PM. Tune in!

Parking:

Parking in South Bethlehem is plentiful in two garages: one at Riverport and the other off Morton street, (across from Tulum and next to Campus Square). There are Municipal lots between Mechanic and 3rd streets, and others near Lehigh University. Street parking is also available. The lot just to the east of the Taylor Family Gas Station on 3rd street will be CLOSED for Secured Bicycle parking.

For Bicycle Riders

The Coalition for Affordable Transportation (CAT) is encouraging us all to consider biking to the Spring on Fourth events. There will be plenty of space at the secured lot to leave your bike there while you wander on foot. Yes, CAT is watching the bikes for all of us. Aren’t they great? Please DO NOT lock your bike to any parking meters on the sidewalks, as they will obstruct the walkways – and there will be lots of folks enjoying the day. It would be nice to leave lots of room for strollers, too.

Traffic

You may need to drive around blocked off streets where activity is happening. If you haven’t been across the Hill to Hill in a while, be prepared for some major construction delays. There’s also construction on Adams Street as the Greenway is starting to go in.

Be Gentle with Your Neighbor

Please be mindful of the increased pedestrian traffic in South Bethlehem tomorrow – especially as there will be large number of families with small children out and about. There are so many volunteers that have helped plan and run the event. The cost of the passports helps cover costs of renting equipment and promoting the event, and paying artists to bring the spirit of joy to all of us. Everyone can help by keeping an eye on trash and on each other. A community is as good as its people. And remember, children learn how to treat other people by watching grown ups.