To honor Bethlehem’s annual Musikfest, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) will become the Lehigh Valley ‘Festers on August 4. The one-day promotion will feature commemorative ‘Festers uniforms, merchandise, and much more.
50% of the proceeds from both the ‘Festers commemorative on-field uniform auction and ‘Festers merchandise sales will benefit Musikfest’s organizer ArtsQuest, the Bethlehem, Pa.-based non-profit organization dedicated to presenting music, arts, festivals, cultural experiences and educational and outreach programs that aid in economic development, urban revitalization and community enrichment. This marks the first time that the term ‘Festers has been adopted by Musikfest as an official mark available for purchase.
Limited-edition 2016 ‘Festers merchandise – featuring the unique and creative imagery of both Musikfest and the IronPigs — is on sale now at Coca-Cola Park and online at IronPigs.milbstore.comand will also be available during Musikfest from August 5-14 in Bethlehem. The Majestic Clubhouse Store is open daily (Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and is the official retail store of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (and ‘Festers).
“These are the two most celebrated brands in the entire Lehigh Valley,” exclaimed IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “‘Festers Night is going to be the best opening act in the 33-year history of Musikfest and the perfect way to get this year’s festival started.”
Added ArtsQuest President & CEO Kassie Hilgert: “We’re hoping to see ‘Festers shirts all over Bethlehem and throughout the Lehigh Valley during Musikfest and we’re thankful that the IronPigs have collaborated with us on such a unique concept to help support our fundraising efforts to make Musikfest the great success that it is. We’re thrilled to kick off Musikfest with a fun night at Coca-Cola Park and to celebrate with fellow ‘Festers!”
‘Festers Night at Coca-Cola Park on Thursday, August 4 serves as the unofficial opening of Musikfest 2016, with many exciting promotions and specials planned, including:
- A Musikfest 2016 Clay Mug giveaway courtesy of Lutron for the first 3,000 fans in attendance 18 and older.
- An extended pre-game Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. with $2 domestic drafts and $1 hot dogs and live music.
- The only post-game concert of the year at Coca-Cola Park. The 90-minute set will begin in the TD Bank “Platza” (Stages are called “platzas” at Musikfest as an homage to Bethlehem’s Germanic heritage) following the final out.
- The opportunity to bid on game-worn and autographed ‘Festers jerseys (more information below).
- The opportunity to purchase 2016 Musikfest beverage mugs! The 24-ounce mug features the vibrant official Musikfest 2016 artwork and during this game only, fans can get drink refills at a special price.
The ‘Festers specialty on-field jerseys, featuring the bright, vibrant colors of Musikfest as well as the ‘Festers wordmark across the chest and a commemorative patch, will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting both ArtsQuest and IronPigs Charities – a non-profit organization dedicated to providing recreational and education opportunities to Lehigh Valley youth that has donated more than $980,000 in cash grants since its 2008 inception.
Fans can bid on their favorite player’s jersey from anywhere with the easy-to-use Qtego service that allows fans to place bids, receive notifications when outbid and check the status of their item via text messages on their mobile phones. Fans without texting access can even call in their bid after registering their phone at Coca-Cola Park. Register your phone from anywhere in the U.S. by texting “Pigs” to 79230. The bidding begins on August 3 and ends promptly at the end of 7th inning of the August 4 game. Detailed instructions on how to place your bid will be made available at ironpigsbaseball.com.
Winning bidders of the ‘Festers jerseys will have the opportunity to go on the field immediately following the game to have their jersey autographed. Bidders not in attendance at Coca-Cola Park can either pick up their signed jersey at a later date or have it mailed directly to them.
Musikfest – which has taken place annually in Bethlehem since its debut in 1984 — is the nation’s largest free music festival. The 10-day event, which begins this year on Friday, August 5, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to the region each year for hundreds of shows and acts with previous headliners including Carrie Underwood, Hootie & the Blowfish, Steve Miller Band, Maroon 5, the Dixie Chicks and many more. This year’s exciting lineup includes The Avett Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Don Henley and Dierks Bentley among others as well as hundreds of free shows on 14 different stages. For more information on this year’s festival, visit Musikfest.org.