Annual Lebanese Heritage Days History
The Annual Lebanese Heritage Days were started in 1978.
Reverend Hares Zogheib and George Boulos started the Annual Lebanese Heritage Day tradition with just a few tents and a couple of grills in 1978. Heritage Day was modeled on the annual festival of Saint Mary's in Alpha, New Jersey.
Father Zogheib wanted to celebrate the first Heritage Day on Saturday August 5th 1978 and was meant to coincide with the Feast of Our Lord (Eid L Rab), which is a Holy Feast celebrated by the Maronites and the festival still takes place on the first weekend of August.
The entire parish contributed to the success of the first heritage day in 1978 by preparing and upgrading the church grounds to be able to hold the festival. Halogen Lights and Circuit Breakers were installed by Louie Joseph, Tony and Jean Hanni donated their charcoal grills that they used to use for catering. Jake and Emily Joseph donated their refrigerated trailer from Jacob's produce, and it was parked alongside the wall of the church with a small ladder to get in and out. Other Parishioners, like Julia and Mike Stevens drove all over the area to the offices of many businesses to sell ads for the Heritage Day Ad Book and to seek donations.
The parishioners worked hard to make the first Heritage Days a success by running around and placing posters all over Easton, Allentown, and New Jersey. Many other parishioners would donate large quantities of items needed for Heritage Day.
The festival has become a tribute to these pioneers due to the continued tradition kept alive by the parish. Now the festival has grown to a crowd of 20,000 plus and continues to grow, however if it wasn't for the vision of George Boulos and Father Zogheib and the dedicated parishioners this event wouldn't have come to existence.
Heritage Day Chairmen
We honor the generations of chairmen whose faith, sacrifice, leadership, and love for our Lebanese heritage helped build this festival into what it is today.
From the very beginning in 1978 to today, each generation carried the torch forward:
1978 — Deacon Anthony + George Boulos
1979 — George Boulos
1980 — George Boulos
1981 — Anthony Badway
1982 — Anthony Badway
1983 — Habouk "Boots" Shumar & Wakeem Isaac
1984 — Emil Badway
1985 — Emil Badway
1986 — John Hanni
1987 — Mike Koury Sr.
1988 — Mike Koury Sr. & Joe Jabeir
1989 — Mike Koury Sr.
1990 — Danny Daniel
1991 — Mike Koury Sr.
1992 — Danny Daniel
1993–1997 — Joe Kassis & Mike Koury Sr.
1998–2003 — Joe Kassis
2004 — George Daniel
2005 — George Daniel
2006 — John Simon, Naomi Karam Koerwitz, Joey Jacob, & Mike Koury Jr.
2007 — John Simon
2008 — John Simon
2009–2010 — Steve Koorie & Maynard Melhem
2011 — Steve Koorie & Maynard Melhem
2012–Present — Steve Koorie
A Legacy of Community
For nearly five decades, alongside Fr. Hares Zogheib, Fr. Sami Hayek, Deacon Anthony, Fr. Paul, Fr. Simon, and Fr. Kamil, this festival became more than just an event — it became part of our identity.
Behind every festival chairman were countless volunteers, families, clergy, parishioners, and friends giving their time, energy, and heart to keep our traditions alive for the next generation.
Our community still gathers together with the same Lebanese spirit, pride, and sense of family that started it all.
The music still plays. The grills still smoke. The dancing continues. Old friends reconnect. New memories are made. And every year, Lebanese Heritage Days feels like coming home.
Here's to everyone who helped make Lebanese Heritage Days a tradition that continues to bring our faith, culture, and community to life year after year.
Heritage Day Attractions
Mass
Heritage Day Weekend begins in the most meaningful way, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the church on both days. A Maronite Catholic Mass is held as the spiritual foundation of the festival, inviting parishioners, families, and guests to gather in prayer and thanksgiving. The Mass is celebrated at 4:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM on Sunday.
Following the liturgy, we warmly invite all guests to join us in the festival grounds to continue the celebration. Enjoy our delicious Lebanese food and pastries, experience the richness of our hospitality, and take in the vibrant sounds of live music and folkloric dance performances.
This beautiful combination of faith, culture, and community sets the tone for Heritage Day Weekend and reflects the traditions and spirit that make this celebration so special year after year.
Statue of The Blessed Mother
The Statue of the Blessed Mother is one of the most cherished and sacred features of Heritage Day. Located on the exterior of the church, the shrine provides a peaceful place for visitors to pray, reflect, and seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Beautifully arranged each year, the shrine serves as a spiritual centerpiece of the festival and welcomes all who wish to spend a moment in prayer and devotion.
Fried Dough Stand
The Fried Dough Stand is one of the most popular and beloved attractions at Heritage Day. Freshly prepared throughout the festival, each serving of fried dough is cooked to a golden perfection and generously topped with powdered sugar before being served warm to patrons. A longtime Heritage Day tradition, the Fried Dough Stand has been delighting visitors since the very first festival and continues to be a favorite treat for guests of all ages.
French Fry Stand
The French Fry Stand is one of the newest attractions at Heritage Day. Serving hot, crispy French fries made from freshly cut potatoes and seasoned to perfection, this stand offers a delicious snack for visitors of all ages. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings, the French Fry Stand is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Falafel Stand
The Falafel Stand is one of the newest additions to Heritage Day and has quickly become a favorite among festival-goers. Featuring delicious falafel sandwiches made with traditional Lebanese spices and recipes, the stand offers a flavorful vegetarian option for our patrons. Each batch is prepared from scratch by Alfred Elias and his family, ensuring an authentic taste and a fresh, homemade experience for every guest.
Zaatar Stand
The Saj / Zaatar Stand is one of the most popular attractions at Heritage Day and a favorite among returning visitors. Freshly baked on-site throughout the festival, our traditional zaatar (thyme) pies are prepared on warm, fresh pita bread using a special recipe unique to Heritage Day. In addition to our signature zaatar pies, we also offer cheese, meat, and Nutella pies, all made fresh to order. The aroma of freshly baked saj and the authentic flavors of Lebanon make this stand a must-visit destination for festival guests.
Breakfast Stand
The Heritage Day Breakfast Menu is a special tradition enjoyed exclusively on Sundays following Mass. Often referred to as the "secret Heritage Day menu," this unique offering features freshly prepared zaatar pies, cheese pies, labneh and mint pies, Nutella and banana pies, and authentic Lebanese coffee. Available for a limited time each festival weekend, this breakfast menu provides guests with a delicious and authentic taste of Lebanese hospitality to start their day.
Souvenir Stand
The Heritage Day Souvenir Shop is the perfect place to take a piece of the festival—and a piece of Lebanon—home with you. Featuring a wide selection of authentic Lebanese gifts and keepsakes, the shop offers everything from traditional musical instruments and handcrafted backgammon boards to unique cultural items imported directly from Lebanon. Whether you're looking for a special memento or a meaningful gift, the Souvenir Shop provides visitors with a lasting connection to Lebanese heritage and culture. The stand has been proudly managed by Vivianne Rizk for more than 30 years, making it a cherished part of the Heritage Day experience.
Lebanese Folklore Photo Booth
One of the newest additions to Heritage Day is the Lebanese Folklore Photo Booth. Located near the Souvenir Shop, this interactive attraction gives visitors the opportunity to dress in traditional Lebanese apparel and folklore costumes while capturing memorable photos with family and friends. Whether you're learning about Lebanese culture or simply looking for a unique keepsake from the festival, the Lebanese Folklore Photo Booth offers a fun and memorable way to celebrate your Heritage Day experience.
Pastry Stand
The Desserts & Pastries Stand is one of the longest-running and most beloved traditions at Heritage Day. Featuring a wide variety of traditional Lebanese pastries, delicious desserts, and fresh fruit treats, this stand has satisfied festival guests for generations. Many visitors consider it the "sweet tooth" of the festival, offering all of their favorite Lebanese sweets in one place. The stand also serves as a tribute to the many dedicated volunteers who have worked there throughout the years, helping to preserve the recipes, traditions, and memories that make Heritage Day so special.
Lemon Ice Stand
The Ice Cream & Lemon Ice Stand has become a cherished Heritage Day tradition. Offering a variety of ice cream flavors and refreshing lemon ice treats, this stand provides festival guests with the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a sweet snack throughout the evening. This beloved tradition was started by the late Yvette Jabbour, who faithfully prepared fresh lemon ice for the festival each year. Today, the stand continues to honor her legacy while delighting generations of Heritage Day visitors with its refreshing treats.
BBQ Stand
The Barbeque Stand is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions at Heritage Day. Serving festival favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausage sandwiches, the stand has been a gathering place for generations of visitors. Founded by Victor and Adeline Karam, the Barbeque Stand continues to honor their legacy each year, with their photo proudly displayed as a reminder of their dedication to the festival and parish community. Combining great food with a rich history, the Barbeque Stand remains an essential part of the Heritage Day experience.
Inside Food
The Inside Food Hall is the heart of the Heritage Day dining experience and home to many of the authentic Lebanese dishes that have made the festival famous for generations. More than five generations of parish cooks have helped preserve and pass down the recipes that continue to draw thousands of visitors each year.
Guests can enjoy a full menu of traditional Lebanese favorites, including Raw Kibbee, Chicken & Rice, Baked Kibbee, Stuffed Cabbage, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Baked Macaroni, Hummus, Tabbouli, and Salad. Each dish is prepared with the same care, quality, and family traditions that have been a part of Heritage Day since its earliest years.
Whether you are experiencing Lebanese cuisine for the first time or returning for the dishes you have loved for years, the Inside Food Hall offers an authentic taste of Lebanon in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. For many visitors, this is the highlight of the festival and the reason they return year after year.
Inside Bar
Located adjacent to the Inside Food, the Inside Bar offers guests a comfortable place to relax, enjoy a cold beverage, and share a meal in the air-conditioned dining area. With seating for more than 300 patrons, it serves as a popular gathering place throughout the festival.
The Inside Bar is also home to some of Heritage Day's most familiar faces. Many of the volunteers who now staff the Inside Bar spent years running the legendary Outside Bar, becoming beloved fixtures of the festival and welcoming generations of visitors. Today, they continue that tradition of hospitality indoors, where their stories, friendships, and dedication remain as much a part of Heritage Day as the food and festivities themselves.
Hookah Stand
The Heritage Day Hookah Bar has become a popular tradition and a unique part of the Heritage Day experience. Since its introduction in 2014 by Eddie Touma, the lounge has grown into one of the festival's most distinctive attractions, drawing visitors who return year after year to enjoy its relaxing atmosphere and authentic presentation.
Guests can choose from a variety of hookah flavors, each carefully prepared with attention to quality and tradition. A signature feature of the lounge is the use of fresh grapefruit heads, a technique that enhances the flavor and experience while showcasing the craftsmanship that has made this stand a festival favorite. Whether gathering with friends or taking a break from the festivities, the Heritage Day Hookah Bar offers a welcoming place to relax and enjoy one of Lebanon's most cherished social traditions.
Outside Bar
The Heritage Day Outside Bar is one of the festival's most popular gathering places and a cornerstone of the Heritage Day experience. Open throughout the entire weekend—from the opening of the festival each day until the conclusion of the evening's live entertainment—the bar serves as a lively destination where friends, families, and visitors come together to celebrate.
Offering a wide selection of beverages and located in the heart of the festival grounds, the Outside Bar is the perfect place to relax, enjoy great company, and take in the sights and sounds of Heritage Day. Whether you're listening to live music, catching up with old friends, or making new ones, the atmosphere around the bar is always welcoming and full of energy.
Known for its outstanding bartenders, the Outside Bar is staffed by some of the most entertaining, personable, and hardworking individuals in the Lehigh Valley. Their hospitality, enthusiasm, and sense of fun have helped make the bar a beloved festival tradition and one of the most memorable stops for Heritage Day guests year after year.
Lebanese Grill
The Outside Grill Stand is the centerpiece of the Heritage Day food experience and home to some of the festival's most famous and sought-after dishes. Each year, thousands of visitors line up to enjoy freshly grilled Kafta, Shish Kabobs, and our signature Chicken & Garlic Sandwiches—the item that has become synonymous with Heritage Day and remains one of the most popular menu selections year after year.
Behind every sandwich and skewer is a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly over the grills throughout the entire festival weekend. Requiring more manpower than any other stand at Heritage Day, the Outside Grill operates with multiple volunteer crews who work around the clock to prepare and serve food to the thousands of guests who visit the festival each year.
The aroma of sizzling kabobs and grilled chicken has become a hallmark of Heritage Day, drawing visitors from across the region and creating memories that bring families back year after year. For many guests, a trip to Heritage Day simply isn't complete without a Chicken & Garlic Sandwich and a visit to the Outside Grill Stand—the heart of the festival's culinary tradition.
Children's Games
Heritage Day has long been known as one of the most family-friendly festivals in the region. For generations, families have made Heritage Day a yearly tradition, gathering to enjoy great food, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and a wide variety of activities for children of all ages.
The Children's Games Area has become a favorite destination for our youngest visitors, offering a fun and exciting selection of games and activities throughout the festival weekend. From classic carnival-style games to family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
At Heritage Day, we take pride in creating a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment where families can spend quality time together. Whether you're introducing your children to Lebanese culture, enjoying a family meal, listening to live music, or making memories with friends and relatives, Heritage Day offers an experience that brings generations together. We warmly invite families from across the community to join us and become part of this cherished tradition.
Dancing Performances
The Heritage Day Dance Troupe is one of the most cherished traditions of the festival, preserving and celebrating Lebanese culture through music, movement, and community. For nearly 50 years, generations of parishioners have participated in the troupe, with many dancers beginning as children and continuing their involvement well into adulthood. For countless families, the Dance Troupe has become a lifelong connection to their heritage and a proud part of the Heritage Day experience.
Throughout the festival, the dancers showcase traditional Lebanese folk dances that have been passed down through generations, sharing the beauty, energy, and spirit of Lebanese culture with thousands of visitors each year. Their performances are among the most anticipated events of the weekend and represent the heart of Heritage Day's mission to celebrate and preserve our rich cultural traditions.
The Heritage Day Dance Troupe consists of three groups:
The Little Cedars Dance Troupe welcomes our youngest dancers, ages 1 through 9, introducing children to Lebanese music, dance, and culture at an early age.
The Junior Dance Troupe consists of parishioners ages 10 through 13, helping young performers develop their skills while deepening their connection to their heritage.
The OLL Dance Troupe includes parishioners ages 14 and older and features experienced dancers who continue the tradition of Lebanese folk dance while serving as role models for the next generation.
Together, these three groups represent the past, present, and future of Heritage Day, ensuring that the traditions, culture, and spirit of our Lebanese community continue to thrive for generations to come.
Entertainment
Experience two unforgettable days of live entertainment at Heritage Day! Each festival day features a different headline performer, bringing their own unique style, energy, and talent to the stage. From traditional Lebanese favorites to contemporary music that keeps the crowd singing and dancing, the entertainment is one of the most anticipated parts of the Heritage Day experience.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy outstanding live performances while experiencing the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions that make Heritage Day so special. Whether you're enjoying a meal with family, gathering with friends, or celebrating your Lebanese heritage, the music creates an atmosphere of joy, community, and celebration.
With a different featured entertainer each day, every Heritage Day offers a unique experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Join us for a weekend filled with great music, cultural pride, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Raffle
The Heritage Day Raffle is one of the longest-running and most anticipated traditions of the festival. Each year, it brings excitement and energy to the entire weekend, as guests look forward to the chance to take part in one of Heritage Day's most thrilling events.
The highlight of the raffle takes place on Sunday night, when the winning ticket is drawn for the $10,000 Grand Cash Prize. This major prize has become a centerpiece of the festival's finale, drawing the attention of attendees and building anticipation throughout the entire weekend.
As one of Heritage Day's signature events, the raffle adds to the excitement of the celebration and continues to be a tradition that guests look forward to year after year.