This Week in North Catasauqua and Catasauqua

Back-to-school mode is in full swing in Catasauqua and North Catasauqua: students return from the Labor Day break on Tuesday, the school board meets Tuesday evening, the Sunday morning farmers market is still going, and the D&L Trail and neighborhood parks are perfect for late-summer evenings. Here is what is happening this week in the 18032 ZIP code, plus a few good places to eat nearby.

Local News and Community Happenings

Monday, September 7, is Labor Day, so expect borough offices closed across Catasauqua and North Catasauqua. Where trash or recycling pickup normally falls on the holiday, residents may see a one-day shift, so it is worth confirming your borough's collection schedule this week.

North Catasauqua Borough Council typically convenes in the basement-level meeting room of Borough Hall at 1066 Fourth St. Because Labor Day falls on the first Monday of the month, neighbors should confirm this month's meeting date on the borough agenda, since holiday weeks often move the meeting to Tuesday. Agendas are posted ahead of time and the meetings are open to the public.

Organizers of the Catasauqua/North Catasauqua Halloween Parade are already signing up participants, floats, and sponsors for the late-October parade. It is a fun way for families, schools, and local groups to get involved early: sign-up details are posted on the borough's website and social channels. And if you are looking for a bargain or a place to donate, the Catasauqua Community Thrift Shop at 113 Bridge St. is a neighborhood staple, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Catasauqua's free summer concert series has traditionally stretched into early September with Friday-evening band performances. Eager listeners should check the borough's official calendar for the next scheduled band night, since dates and lineups change from year to year.

At the Catasauqua Area School District

Classes are back in session across the Catasauqua Area School District after the Labor Day break. The district's calendar shows no school today, with students returning Tuesday, September 8. Families should also mark Wednesday, September 23, when all district buildings dismiss early, and Monday, October 12, which is listed as a no-school day for the Columbus Day holiday later this fall.

The monthly school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Offices. Board meetings are open to the public, and agendas are generally posted on the district website ahead of time, so parents can see what is being discussed before attending.

Fall varsity sports are also underway: football, field hockey, cross country, and more, all competing under the Rough Rider banner. Schedules, live-stream links, and team news are posted on the district athletics site, where student-athletes can also find online registration through Arbiter Sports.

Things to Do in the Area

The D&L Trail runs right past North Catasauqua: the Northampton-North Catasauqua segment, around mile markers 80 to 81.5, is open and runs about 1.5 miles along the Lehigh River. It is an easy evening walk, run, or bike ride, and a great way to catch the last of the summer weather before fall settles in.

Closer to home, North Catasauqua Park (also called William J. Albert Memorial Park) at 701 Grove St. is just around the block from 514 Grove Street. It is a handy green space for a walk, a picnic, or a little fresh air between showings. A bit farther out, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom winds down its daily summer schedule around Labor Day and typically moves to weekend hours into the fall with seasonal events; check its website for this weekend's hours before you go.

Apple-picking season is getting underway across the Lehigh Valley. Gogle Farms in Coplay, just south of Catasauqua, typically kicks off pick-your-own weekends in the first days of September, while orchards like Grim's Orchard in Breinigsville and Hausman Fruit Farm schedule pick-your-own weekends and harvest festivals through the month. Hours shift with the harvest, so it pays to call or check each farm before heading out. The Catasauqua Recreation Board Farmers Market keeps the season going locally, too: it runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with fresh produce and more each week.

Good Places to Eat Nearby

If you are showing the home at 514 Grove St. or just touring the neighborhood, these local spots are worth a stop:

• Blocker's Coffeehouse: a long-running local coffee shop at 309 Front St., Catasauqua, ideal for a morning cup before your first showing.
• Grove Street Pub and Grill: calling itself "Your Neighborhood Place," at 1092 Howertown Rd., Catasauqua, it is a casual spot for a bite close to the property.
• Sazon Dominicano Restaurante: a Dominican restaurant at 215 Bridge St., in the heart of the borough, for something different at lunch or dinner.
• Cathy's Kreative Catering Cafe: a cafe at 752 Front St., Catasauqua, for coffee, lunch, and baked goods.