HELLERTOWN, Pa. – We got our first look Monday at the remains of a landmark banquet hall in Lower Saucon Township.
The Moon of Saucon Valley was destroyed over the weekend in a fire that lit up the night Saturday. More than 15 fire departments had to spend about 10 hours putting it out. The flames left behind a car, crushed under a collapsing wall and an entire event building that collapsed in on itself.
“Everyone who lives in Hellertown has basically been here in one form or another,” said Joel Wasel.
Wasel came by to see the damage with his dog Butters. He said it wasn’t long ago he was celebrating at the Moon of Saucon.
“I clearly remember my neighbor’s wedding. The power had went out for that, and they had generators, but it didn’t change anything. It was just a great time,” said Wasel.
“All four of our kids had their sports banquets there, and I know I’ve been there for a picnic one time,” said Donald Mills, President of the Hellertown Historical Society.
They’re offering their event space as an option for anyone who had to cancel due to the fire.
“Our tavern venue here is available for rentals and so on, and if anybody has been displaced from that other facility, as long as we have an empty date, we’ll gladly host them here,” said Mills.
The Lower Saucon and the State Police fire marshals are investigating what caused the fire. Wasel said it’s not just a loss for the owner; the whole community will miss the Moon of Saucon Valley.
“It’s a landmark for this area, and it’s just sad to see this happen,” said Wasel.