The 2026 SouthSide Arts District Annual Meeting was held February 9 at Wind Creek Bethlehem, bringing together local businesses, arts partners, volunteers, and community leaders to celebrate the district’s 10th anniversary and recognize the people doing the work on the ground.
The program was led by Erin Zebertavage, Downtown Manager, and Katy Knibbs, Assistant Manager.
City and state leaders were in the room, including Laura Collins (City of Bethlehem), State Rep. Steve Samuelson, and Jim Shantz from Sen. Lisa Boscola’s office.
Collins set the tone early with a line that got the room smiling: “South Bethlehem is just really freaking cool.”
Don’t forget to take the SSAD survey!
Lehigh Pizza | 50 years
Lehigh Pizza celebrates 50 years in business in south Bethlehem
Lehigh Pizza was honored for 50 years of serving the South Side, recognized as a multi-generational family business that has fed neighbors, students, and visitors for decades.
A citation read during the presentation noted that over five decades, Lehigh Pizza has “witnessed and endured periods of economic change, neighborhood transformation and community growth,” while remaining “a steadfast presence through boom times and challenging moments alike.” It also called the milestone “a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the enduring value of locally owned businesses.”
The business was represented by George Leotis and his nephew Lucas Geovales, the third generation of the family to carry the legacy forward.
Godfrey Daniels | 50 years
Godfrey Daniels celebrates 50 years!
Godfrey Daniels was also honored for 50 years, recognized as one of South Bethlehem’s cultural cornerstones and a place that has helped define the neighborhood’s music scene.
A city citation read during the program described Godfrey Daniels as “an intimate and welcoming space that honors the power of live performance, storytelling, and human connection.” It also credited the venue’s longevity to “the dedication of its founders, staff, volunteers, performers, and loyal audiences.”
Rep. Samuelson also spoke about the venue’s reach, saying the reputation of Godfrey Daniels “extends across the United States and beyond,” with artists “from coast to coast” who know Bethlehem because of the listening room.
Above & Beyond Volunteer Engagement Award: Lawrence Eighmy
Above & Beyond Volunteer Engagement Award: Lawrence Eighmy
The Above & Beyond Volunteer Engagement Award went to Lawrence Eighmy. The award honors a volunteer whose dedication “goes above and beyond,” consistently supporting the SouthSide Arts District’s program, staff, community, and fellow volunteers.
Community leadership recognition: Country Club Brewing and Roasted
Community leadership recognition: Country Club Brewing and Roasted
Two businesses were recognized for stepping up after the Five10 Flats fire: Country Club Brewing and Roasted. During the presentation, the teams were credited with providing immediate support in the hours after the fire and helping organize additional community relief in the days that followed.
Founders Award: Lehigh University
Founders Award: Lehigh University
The Founders Award was presented to Lehigh University, recognizing a decade of partnership and support connected to the district’s work.
Accepting the award, Adrienne McNeil, Assistant Vice President for Community and Regional Affairs, said Lehigh helped create the SouthSide Arts District with seed funding that “continues to this day,” and called the district “an example of true collaboration that has thrived over the years.”
In her remarks, Zebertavage said the South Side has “an embarrassment of riches” when it comes to the arts, and credited local organizations and small businesses with what they bring to the neighborhood: “We deliver joy to our community.”
The annual meeting also recapped 2025 progress, including visible streetscape improvements, new residential activity, continued public art, and a busy calendar of district events.
Looking ahead, the district shared that a strategic planning process is underway! Take the survey to help out!
Learn more at www.southsideartsdistrict.com
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