BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Despite Mother Nature not cooperating with the lineup of Musikfest, ArtsQuest and many vendors are prepared with tents and coverage if our region sees some rain.<\/p>\n
You could say they learned a thing or two as this event is in its 43rd year in its history.<\/p>\n
Drawing out more than 1 million people last year alone, it\u2019s made its mark as the nation\u2019s largest free music festival, a massive footprint that\u2019s now being archived in the Bethlehem Area Public Library.<\/p>\n
Now available free to the public, the new Musikfest Digital Collection allows history and music lovers alike to explore the festival’s deep roots through photographs and digitized program booklets.<\/p>\n
The collection currently features photographs from the 1996 festival as well as official Musikfest programs from 1984 through 1999.<\/p>\n
This doesn\u2019t stop there, as library officials say additional years are planned for the future.<\/p>\n
Its executive director says the collection helps preserve an important part of Bethlehem’s history while making it available to anyone, anywhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor longtime residents, it\u2019s an opportunity to relive favorite memories. You might even find yourself or a friend in the pictures from thirty years ago! For newer community members and visitors, it\u2019s a really fun look at how Musikfest has grown alongside our city,\u201d said Josh Berk, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library.<\/p>\n