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Contact:
West Park Civic Association
Email: AITP.Allentown@gmail.com
Website: art-in-the-park.org
50th Art in the Park to Celebrate West Park’s Creative Legacy
ALLENTOWN, PA – August 21, 2025 — The West Park Civic Association proudly announces the 50th Art in the Park, to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Allentown’s historic West Park. This milestone year honors half a century of artistry, community spirit, and cultural heritage in one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. This year, more than 130 artists will showcase and sell their work, including 30 first-time participants. Attendees can expect to browse and buy a diverse range of high-quality, original art: ceramics, drawings, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, weaving, and creative pieces made from recycled or repurposed materials. Adding to the interactive experience, six featured artists will be giving live demonstrations, offering guests a chance to witness the creative process in real time.
What began in 1975 as a grassroots effort by local resident Betty Helwig, the wife of a local physician and passionate advocate for the arts, has blossomed into one of the region’s most beloved annual arts festivals. Inspired by the picturesque setting and iconic bandshell of West Park, Helwig launched Art in the Park to celebrate local artists and the beauty of the city’s first public park.
After Helwig’s passing in 2008, the torch was carried by Peggy Egolf, a dedicated elementary teacher at Allentown Central Elementary School. Egolf had co-chaired the event with Helwig since 1984. Along with her husband Robbie, Peggy sustained and grew the event until her own passing in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of passion for both the arts and community.
That same year, respected art historian and former Allentown Art Museum curator Christine Oaklander, Ph.D. stepped in to lead. With just three months’ notice, Oaklander introduced a jury system, established cash prizes, and enlisted curators from institutions including Lehigh University, Lafayette College, the Michener Art Museum, and Reading Public Museum. She also broadened outreach to student and demonstration artists and emphasized a blend of affordable and high-end art to engage a wider audience.
Since 2022, the event has been co-chaired by Alan Younkin and Michael Schelp, who have focused on promoting and growing the festival’s visibility. Their approach mirrors the original spirit of excellence, balancing affordability for local families with showcasing top-tier artistic talent.
From its humble beginnings—advertised only through newspaper ads and featuring watercolors and paintings—Art in the Park now features a vibrant mix of original fine art, pottery, woodwork, and jewelry. This year’s event will once again welcome musicians and dancers who will perform in the West Park bandshell, just as they have since the early days. Taking the stage throughout the day will be an exceptional mix of local talent, including:
The Allentown Band
El Sistema Lehigh Valley Orchestra
Church of the Mediator Choir
Civic Theatre
Community Music School
Macungie Minstrelaires
Repertory Dance Theatre
William Allen High School Dance Department
William Allen Marching Band
Sweet Adelines
From choral and classical music to theatrical and dance performances, the schedule is packed with entertainment the whole family can enjoy. An assortment of local food and drink vendors will be on site to keep visitors fueled throughout the day, offering everything from savory meals to Udder Bar ice cream.
In a special addition to this year’s festivities, the Allentown Masonic Temple — located just across the street from West Park — will commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening by offering free guided tours of its Lodge building. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to step inside one of Allentown’s most architecturally significant and historic sites, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"Over the decades, Art in the Park has become more than an art show—it’s become a symbol of Allentown’s creative spirit, a gathering place for generations, and a celebration of the beauty and history of West Park itself," says Art in the Park Show Director Alan Younkin.
Join us this September to mark 50 years of art, music, and community. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Event Details:
What: 50th Annual Art in the Park
When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: West Park, Allentown, PA
Admission: Free
More Info: www.art-in-the-park.org
About the West Park Civic Association:
The WPCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the beauty, history, and vitality of West Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Through events like Art in the Park, the WPCA works to enrich the cultural life of the Allentown community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
To schedule interviews, request photos, or for press inquiries, contact:
Email: AITP.Allentown@gmail.com
