Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
Good morning, Allentown.
🏘️ Community
Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway returns for its 29th season at Lehigh Parkway with new experiences like Polar Express Night and Frozen-themed children’s night while also celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day.
The event runs from Nov. 28 through Jan. 6 and the parkway will be closed to vehicles on select dates—Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29, Jan. 5 and Jan. 6.
Lehigh Valley had a Haunted Waters paddle on Oct.
17th — a spooky water adventure — and is hosting an autumn hike at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center today for locals to see fall signs. Future events include a Fall Foliage Hike at Beltzville State Park on Oct. 21st, a Fall Pontoon Boat Tour at Lake Nockamixon on Oct. 23rd, and a Black River Sanctuary anniversary hike on Oct. 25th — led by Wildlands’ director — that offer more ways for residents to enjoy the season.
💼 Business
Center Valley-based Shift4 was named to Fortune's 2025 Fastest Growing Companies list for strong revenue, profit, and stock performance.
CEO Taylor Lauber said the company will expand through acquisitions, product innovation and global expansion.
Textron E-Z-GO and Yamaha recalled 121,700 golf cars due to safety issues that include fuel leaks and brake problems—no injuries were reported.
Owners are advised to stop using their vehicles and contact the companies for a free inspection and repair.
🎭 Culture
Bushkill Park in Forks Twp is hosting its annual Halloween Haunt as it transforms summer rides into eerie attractions and features America’s oldest funhouse—now haunted—for family thrills.
The event runs from mid-September through early November, drawing visitors who create new memories each year.
📰 Economy
The NFIB report showed that small business optimism fell two points to 98.8 in September as Pennsylvania owners dealt with supply chain delays, inflation and hiring challenges — factors that lowered their confidence.
The report also noted a 10-point rise in supply chain issues and that more owners plan to raise prices in the coming months — a sign that tougher conditions may be ahead.
🎓 Education
The Allentown Police Department is visiting classrooms to teach fifth-graders about cyberbullying, online predators, and other social media dangers — the program uses interactive lessons and prizes to help students learn safe online practices.
It is offered to all fifth graders in the school district and charter schools.
🏛️ Government
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging launched C-Screen—a web tool that verifies and rates in-home care providers to improve safety and transparency for older adults.
Pilot programs are underway among 52 Area Agencies on Aging, with Lehigh County already requiring new providers to have a verified rating.
🏥 Health
Wawa is recalling several refrigerated bottled drinks sold in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware after the FDA reported possible foreign object contamination in the beverages.
The recall affects Wawa Strawberry Lemonade, 16 oz code-dated November 7th at 2,750 units; Wawa Strawberry Milk, 16 oz code-dated October 6th at 30 units; and Wawa Whole Milk, 16 oz code-dated October 9th at 154 units — customers should return or discard the affected items for a refund.
🏈 Sports
Tickets are on sale for IronPigs Illumination at Coca-Cola Park, a holiday event that will run nightly from November 14 through January 3 (with extended hours on select nights) and show nearly 1.5 million lights with synchronized music and live displays.
The promotion also features theme nights and special giveaways (such as holiday ornaments and winter beanies) that will add extra fun to the season.
🎉 Allentown Events
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Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Vault 634 — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of Halloween music under candlelight.
Spooky Kiddie Car-nival
6-9 p.m. — Big Lots — $7/adult, kids free — Celebrate Halloween with trunks, candy, music, dancing, and costume contests in a safe outdoor environment.
Allentown Band Family Concert
2-5 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Youth with an adult FREE, Adults $5.00 — Experience a captivating blend of music and science in a high-definition presentation accompanying 'Pictures at an Exhibition'.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
1-5 p.m. — Arts Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos with family-friendly activities and cultural displays.
Taylor Acorn at The Americus Hotel
7 p.m. — The Americus Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham — Admission details unavailable — Experience an evening with Taylor Acorn in a beautiful Allentown venue.
Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA
8:45-9:44 p.m. — Vault 634 — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with classic hits from Queen and ABBA in an enchanting candlelit setting.
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