What to do after the Spring on Fourth… DYK series # 14

Lehigh University offers many courses in the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurialism, Creativity and Innovation that give students an opportunity to learn from other entrepreneurs in business and in society. One course offered in the spring is ENT 198: Art Entrepreneurship Community. In this course, students explore the dynamic relationship between art(ist), producer (public, private, single & multiple) and audience. A significant part of their learning is through applying their own talents to the annual Spring on Fourth festival. Through this practicum, students have seen the impact of their work in terms of relationship building between the South Bethlehem business community and the campus. 

They have also been given a great opportunity to see how a festival impacts local businesses. These local businesses are the backbone of the local economy; and students are learning all of their owners by name - and not by name tag. They have become very familiar with the assets of the community around their campus - and are coming to understand the value and shared responsibility of supporting a local economy through events and festivals that raise the quality of life for all citizens who live and work in the same zip code.

This blog post was written for the student audiences who may have been planning to attend the 2013 Spring on Fourth Festival. While the event has passed, the student investment in the community continues....

If you’re traveling to South Beth for the festival and you haven’t had enough excitement for one day this Saturday, April 20^th, I have the perfect evening planned out just for you! From 11 am to 3 pm, be sure to use your pre-ordered chili passport and explore all of the vibrant local businesses to taste and judge their zesty chilies. However, there is still plenty of daylight for more activities. First, take a load off at Deja Brew and grab a Mochaccino Royale complete with a Milano cookie to refuel in preparation for all of the adventure that is to come.

 At approximately 5pm, I suggest that you take a stroll down Adams Street and get $2 off apps and drinks at Bookstore Speakeasy’s very happy hour. My favorite cocktail is, naturally, the Adams Street Shuffle with hints of orange and the crisp edge of vodka. Warning: it’s so good that you may never try a different drink at this hot spot. Then when you’re ready for some substantial food, head over to JP MacGrady’s for BOGO burgers. Yes, this really does exist – every Saturday. You and your friend/significant other/random guy you just met outside the bar can choose from any one of their 18 burgers, from the Fahy Bridge Burger with jack cheese, bacon, ranch, and onion rings to the new Wasabi Street Burger (self-explanatory). If you’re feeling especially frugal, you can even enjoy some of their complimentary carnival style popcorn. 

Let me entertain you…Head for the hills for some collegiate entertainment. This weekend the Lehigh Department of Theater will be showing Life & Whimsy with a Side of Murder: 3 Intriguing One-Act Plays, which are student-directed works showcasing the creativity of Lehigh’s best & brightest. On Saturday, the show starts at 8pm, but get there early to secure your seat because these performances are FREE to the general public.

Now you deserve a drink. Make your way down to the Steel Pub on 1^st Street, which is attached to the ice skating rink. There you can enjoy live music performed by the Billy Bauer Band, think Dave Mathews Band plus an electric violin, and $2.50 Labatt drafts. Just for grins, take a peek into the rink and watch the skaters go by (or hope that they fall, Adam Sandler). If toe tapping and beer sipping isn’t your scene, check out Molly’s Irish Grill & Sports Pub instead for their all night DJ dance party.

I hope you enjoyed your fun-filled day in South Bethlehem! Get home safe, get some sleep, and see ya next time.  –

Emily Kohler, Lehigh University, class of 2013