International Music Superstar Lionel Ritchie comes to Wind Creek on Aug 27
Lionel Richie has a discography of albums and singles that are second to none.
His music is part of the fabric of pop music; in fact, Richie is one of only two songwriters in history to achieve the honor of having #1 records for nine consecutive years.
With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, four Grammy Awards®, the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016, and Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017.
In March 2018, Richie put his handprints and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, one of the oldest awards in Hollywood. He recently received the Ivor Novello PRS for Music Special International Award.
Lionel Richie is known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” written with Michael Jackson for USA for Africa. His song catalog also includes his early work with The Commodores, where he developed a groundbreaking style that defied genre categories, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy.”
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Lehigh Stunned by Sweet Innovation From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
Lehigh Invaded with Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
Basketball legend Brings Lehigh ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’, available September 30
Basketball legend Introduces Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James
Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac, and basketball legend LeBron James are proud to unveil ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ – a V.S bottle collaboration available globally starting on September 30, 2024.
This first-time collaboration between Hennessy and LeBron James unites two giants in their respective fields and brings an unexpected twist to fans and the industry alike. Their mutual respect, shared drive for excellence and commitment to pushing boundaries makes this partnership a celebration of greatness and serves as a reminder that Hennessy is made for more.
“As an admirer of Hennessy and its iconic brand, I’ve always appreciated its commitment to basketball and how it celebrates the sport’s influence on and off the court,”
lebron James
“I was fortunate enough to visit the Maison in Cognac a while back, and seeing the care and craftsmanship that go into creating each bottle was pretty incredible. This collaboration represents a shared sense of dedication and discovery coming to life for everyone to enjoy.”
The limited-edition bottle features fresh, vibrant and distinctive designs which nod to James’ impact on and off the court. Both the bottle and gift box showcase an illustrative portrait of James in purple and orange. The iconic Hennessy Bras Armé is reimagined, sporting a sleeve as a tribute to James and intertwined with his trademark crown. The blend will remain the same and continue to deliver on the bold, yet smooth character that has made Hennessy V.S one of the most popular cognacs in the world.
“We are elated to officially welcome LeBron James to the Hennessy family after many years of mutual admiration and friendship,” said Antoine Varlet, Senior Vice President, Hennessy U.S. “LeBron is not just a basketball star, but someone who redefines boundaries in sport, style, culture and beyond. This partnership is more than just a collaboration, it’s a statement about what’s possible when two cultural icons come together.”
To highlight the cognac’s versatility, James put a fresh twist on the Hennessy Margarita cocktail featuring Hennessy V.S, lime juice, orange liqueur, orange juice and agave syrup. The addition of orange juice comes directly from James, inspired by a recent tasting experience in Cognac where he experienced the different possibilities of the spirit and discovered that Hennessy is enjoyed more than just neat, complementing a wide range of serves. This follows the release of Hennessy’s “Made for more” campaign, which shows how any drink or occasion can be made ‘more’ when you add Hennessy. Find the full recipe on hennessy.com.
The ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ V.S will be available for purchase starting September 30, 2024.
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Lynyrd Skynyrd – Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’ Tour at PPL Center June 8
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’ Tour at PPL Center June 8
An onslaught of medical issues gave Lynyrd Skynyrd a tough time with 2021’s Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’ tour — but the outing has now been rescheduled, with 14 shows coming up in the spring.
Related:
Morgan Wallen’s The Dangerous Tour May 27 at PPL Center with Special Guests Hardy & Larry Fleet
As announced by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, the new dates feature special guests including Don Felder, the Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, and The Devon Allman Project, all of which will trade off opening duties ahead of Skynyrd.
The tour comes after medical setbacks faced by guitarists Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke threw a wrench into the original plans.
schedule:
April 9 — Scottsdale, AZ Arizona Bike Week
May 13 — Pomona, CA Los Angeles County Fair
May 14 — Fresno, CA Chukchansi Park (with Don Felder)
June 3 — Crownsville, MD The Let’s Go Music Festival (with the Outlaws)
June 4 — Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Theater (with the Outlaws, the Devon Allman Project)
June 10 — Middletown, NY Orange County Fair Speedway (with the Marshall Tucker Band)
June 11 — Allentown, PA PPL Center
July 1 — Gilford, NH Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (with Don Felder and the Outlaws)
July 2 — Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater (with the Outlaws)
July 3 — Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater (with the Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws)
July 8 — Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Casino Resort Ovation Hall
July 9 — Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater (with Don Felder and the Marshall Tucker Band)
Aug. 6 — Billings, MT Magic City Blues Festival
Sept. 23 — Sparks, NV Nugget Event CenterFor more details, visit Skynyrd’s official website.
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Valentine’s Day is coming up! Sommelier Jaime Smith shares Romantic Wines
Valentine’s Day is coming up! Sommelier Jaime Smith shares romantic wines.
It’s that time of the year again and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
How should should you celebrate this holiday with your partner?
There is always a ton of pushback on these kinds of consumer targeted holidays, a new gripe is thrown in every year but why not just embrace it? The news cycles are dire, the world is changing so quickly, why not just grab ahold of this silly tradition and go with it, have fun, the other 75% of the world is.
Let loose, grab a bottle and relax.
While we are at it, why not visit some of the country’s most dynamic wine spots and the fab people who run them and let them help you choose that bottle of wine this year?
Not only are these wine stores and bars dynamic but their philosophies of inclusion & acceptance should be something we all should be aligning with ourselves.
We all struggle sometimes to find that perfect bottle for ourselves, these pros can guide you to your sweet spot.
Cheerful, friendly and quite bad ass, these stores are female/minority/handi-capable run and offer terrific selections from well-priced bottles of sparkling/still or dessert wine along with some distilled choices and the non-alcoholic too.
Wine in New York City for Valentine’s Day
NYC- big city of dreams and a place where everything is possible.
Yannick Benjamin and his wife Heidi Turzyn have recently opened Beaupierre in Hells Kitchen.
The store is a “…barrier-free wine store that supports social sustainability to enrich the quality of life for people living with disabilities as well as members of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and other marginalized communities…
…an ‘open-door’ establishment
where everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or disabilities,
is always welcome.”
Not only are they the most inspirational couple you will ever meet but they will help you pick that special bottle for Valentine’s Day.
If you are ever in Harlem, you should most definitely visit their restaurant Contento (it practices the same philosophies as the store).
A fave bottle these days: 2020 Maison Chantereves, Aligote, Les Chagniots, Bourgogne, France
Visit Beaupierre in Hells Kitchen
Visit their restaurant Contento
Wine in Las Vegas for Valentine’s Day
Las Vegas- the city of lights and luck
Las Vegas is a terrific wine city and 2 places to visit for expert advice are Ada’s Wine bar and Lamaii.
First up Ada’s, run by the utterly fantastic human Ms. Kat Thomas and her infectious positivity. Ada’s has a global selection of well curated and socially conscious selections.
A fave bottle of sweets for the sweetie:
2018 Sauternes, Château Gilette ‘Les Justices’, Bordeaux, France
Next up in the neon city is a Thai sommelier/chef named Bank Atcharawan and his growing empire of hot wine centric spots.
Lamaii has some of the best Thai food in the US (he is part of the Lotus of Siam alums, the wine brain behind them) and his wife Pimmie are the consummate hosts, go chat about Burgundy and Germany!
A fave V-day bottle of bubbles:
MV Rolland Champion, Champagne
Shop Lamaii here
Wine in Washington DC for Valentine’s Day
Washington DC- The nations capital is a hot bed for natural wines and inclusivity.
Two spots to not miss are Domestique Wine Shop and Vitis Wines.
Domestique is hands down the best natural wine shop in the country and Eric Moorer is part of the reason, an encyclopedia of all things natty and a proponent for the culture.
Fave natty selection:
2019 Domaine Dupasquier, Mondeuse, Savoie, France
Shop Domestique Wine Shop
Vitis Wine Bar is located in Union market and run by one of its owners, Vanessa Phillips, a Kansas transplant and she-boss. The store has female & BIPOC centric choices with a great value all tightly wrapped in a small footprint.
Fave store pic:
2019 Beaujolais Villages, Jean Foillard
Visit and shop Vitis Wine Bar
Wine in Charleston, SC for Valentine’s Day
Charleston, SC- The gem of a city along the Atlantic coast
A simply amazing wine store called Graft and run by one of the owners Mr. Femi Oyediran. Femi is a well renowned Sommelier and probably one of the most affable folks in the wine biz. The store is a treasure trove of wines, from nerdy to classic.
Fave domestic red:
2021 Trousseau, Phelan Farms, Cambria, CA (a Rajat Parr production)
Visit and shop at Graft
About Sommelier Jaime Smith
a drone in the Sommelier Brain Collective. Jaime Smith loves wine. He’s currently in DC causing havoc.
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Acclaimed Allentown Xplorer Spirits Pours at Taste of Kutztown June 11
Acclaimed Allentown Xplorer Spirits Set to Pour at Taste of Kutztown June 11
Cocktail lovers, get ready to explore amazing sips from Xplorer Spirits at Taste of Kutztown taking place June 11 at Kutztown Park
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Spirits Begin by Exploring
Kishor Chokshi is a world-class engineer who was working in Glycerin distillation at a factory in Tanzania, Africa. Like so many others, he wanted more out of life for his family and himself; and risked it all to pursue that goal.
That ambition led him across the world to land in Allentown, PA where he decided to leverage his world-class science skills from Glycerin distillation to spirit distillation and created Kilimanjaro Distillery.
The Chokshi family founded Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery.
Related: Taste of Kutztown is set to deliver a delicious day for a good cause on June 11
In conversations with Kishor and his co-founder and daughter Niky, we quickly learn how much these two names (Xplorer and Kilimanjaro) really influence the Chokshis, because whether it’s in life or your taste buds, they want to explore the world and they want to inspire you to explore with them.
Also, just like Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, they aspire to compete with the very best in the world and win! Based on their awards and how quickly their company is growing, they’re on their way to victory.
Let’s Get Tasting
Xplorer offers 10 different spirits and in the last few years, they’ve won several awards including Platinum for Wheat Vodka from The Sip Awards, Triple Gold for Apple Pie Moonshine from Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and Gold for Bourbon Whiskey from Great American International Spirits Competition and Double Gold for their American Gin in 2021 at the World Spirit Trophy Competition in Germany.
Xplorer Wheat Vodka
Wheat from America’s mid-west, fermented and distilled to a smooth, neutral profile.
Subtle on the nose. Clean with gentle vanilla and cream.
As you take a sip, notes of vanilla, cream, and lemon peel fill your mouth. It lingers into a long finish of whipped cream and citrus. So clean, soft and delicate. An extraordinary taste.
Xplorer Potato Vodka (Gluten Free)
Continuing to celebrate Pennsylvania’s local farmland, their potatoes are sourced near the Lehigh Valley to use in the fermentation and distillation. This is an advantage as the area’s potatoes are known for a crisp profile and a hint of natural sweetness.
The aroma hits your nose immediately. Lemon peel, light spice, rye bread.
Your mouth gets notes of custard, vanilla and spice. Finishing with vanilla pudding, anise and the subtlest smooth spicy note that lasts extra long and begs you to take another sip.
Xplorer American Gin
Made with 14 different botanicals sourced from across the globe including: Europe, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Juniper, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cubeb berries, grains of paradise, orange, lemon and a blend of 5 proprietary herbs that are vapor infused for an exceptionally clean and dry finish.
The nose flirts with you, gushing citrus and gin’s trademark touch of juniper.
The mouth continues its romance with a full-bodied experience. So many of the international ingredients balanced well: dry juniper, coriander, citrus, lemon, refreshing, crisp, smooth. The finish is fresh, fruity, light, bright, refreshing.
Xplorer Rooibis Flavored American Gin
Rooibos is from a plant that grows in South Africa. The leaves are used to make a herbal tea infused with the health benefits of anti-oxidants and polyphenols from the Rooibos herb. And today we get to enjoy it in this bottle.
Once again starting with the juniper nose you’d expect from a quality gin. The mouth is more herbal, nutty, with slight pepper. The finish is smooth with spices. These are all traits that come with Rooibos. It adds a texture and dimension that’s subtle, unique and adds meaty, earthy pairing options like roasted lamb.
Xplorer Bourbon (High Rye)
Sourced exclusively from North American corn, rye & malt.
The nose is a delicious balance of caramel, vanilla and the slightest hint of sweet corn. The mouth is luscious! A big kiss of maple, caramel and vanilla with the rye and spice that you want from a rye bourbon. A finish that hugs you tightly with light oak and spices; and gently, slowly relaxes its romantic embrace.
I’m personally a fan of rye bourbon and this is one of the best tastes I’ve had in recent years, including attending several grand tastings. For me, this bottle is a winner.
Xplorer Chocolate Bourbon
Made using Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey, with cacao from Uganda, Dominican Republic & Ecuador.
The nose hits you from a mile away. Strong, deep, several layers of varied cocoa flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready!
The mouth is creamy and indulgent, but not heavy. Smooth, complicated, balanced. Ending with rich & creamy notes of dark chocolate, maple, and caramel.
Xplorer Honey Bourbon
A local favorite!
All-natural Pennsylvania dark honey blended with Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey creates a very special bottle. Whiskey connoisseurs need to give it a taste. The specially-sourced dark honey creates a magic outcome.
On the nose you’ll find sweet caramel, honey and vanilla. The mouth is very special! Very complex honey with maple, caramel and cream. A smooth, rich finish that goes on and on.
Xplorer Peach Bourbon
Made with ripe peaches famous from South Carolina and Georgia
The nose is a full waft of sweet ripe peaches. The mouth continues smooth peaches and adds cream and vanilla for the end. A delicate, consistent balance.
Xplorer Peanut Butter Whiskey
The newest treat from Xplorer.
The nose offers fresh-roasted peanuts, caramel and toasted nut butter. The mouth is smooth caramel peanut butter with a hint of vanilla. Ending with creamy roasted peanuts and vanilla.
Xplorer Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie
A local favorite for a reason! A special blend; and no matter how good you’re expecting it to be, it still manages to surprise you with how good it is.
Whiskey, vodka, local Pennsylvanian apples, Tanzanian cinnamon and spices make for a bold and spicey adventure.
On the nose you’ll find cinnamon, vanilla, all-spice and apple.
On the mouth is a burst of apple. Like a carnival candy apple with cinnamon and hazelnut. The layers and details dance on your tongue with a finish that brings in whipped cream and cinnamon.
It’s a fun tasting experience!
As you can imagine, the diverse selection attracts a wide range of customers.
Some are attracted to the award-winning acclaim, some traditionalists are attracted to their high-level vodka, gin and high rye. The bar crowd and younger drinkers are loving their flavored whiskeys.
You can find many of the bottles at your local bar or liquor store. If you’re in Pennsylvania, look for the “local” section, but Xplorer Spirits has grown outside the East Coast, traveling to shelves nationwide.
Here’s a pro tip, try the peanut butter together with the apple pie. Incredible!
One of the key reasons for the incredible aromas and flavors is Kishor’s use of quality ingredients. See the video below as he shows us how the honey actually drifts on the honey bourbon bottle.
Xplorer Spirits are Quality Ingredients and a World-Class Process
Xplorer strives to celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage in each bottle, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible and using Kishor’s decades of science expertise to carefully craft the finest small-batch spirits.
From every step of the process: from mash to ferment, to distill, and finishing up with in-house bottling, the experience is truly artisan.
At their Kiliminjaro Distillery headquarters, the 12x distillation removes impurities and leaves the bottle with cleaner taste and aroma. Compare that to others, even the most high-end competitors are only distilled 6-7 times.
The difference is obvious and the results are truly outstanding.
Xplorer Spirits Perfect Pairing
We discussed the quality ingredients in the bottle. But we need to discuss the quality ingredients outside the bottle, the father-daughter combination that makes up the brand.
If dad Kishor is the science, then daughter Niky is the vibrant spirit. Her voice, her energy; she’s a star.
Whether’s she’s leading a boardroom of executives through her next marketing strategy, or guiding a bar full of patrons through a tasting, her infectious energy compels you to take a sip and love what you taste.
The only thing better than Niky’s passion for their drinks is seeing Kishor beam as he proudly watches his daughter work.
Giving Back To the Lehigh Valley
Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery are proud local businesses in Allentown.
During Covid-19, they were quick to pause their work and use their machinery to make much-needed hand sanitizer for the Lehigh Valley community
They continue to give back and proudly support the community that has given them so much over the years.
Related: Wine Lovers Cameron Diaz, Katherine Power introduce Avaline White & Rosé Cans
On June 11, they’ll be pouring as a part of Taste of Kutztown. In an event full of tasty options, they’ll stand out, not just for their outstanding and award-winning flavor, but also for their pride in the community.
Taste of Kutztown takes place June 11 at Kutztown Park. 439 E Main St Kutztown, PA
For more information: https://www.unation.com/event/7684877
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