It may have a new look and a new name, but the venue and atmosphere will remain a family-friendly festival.

The inaugural Walnutport Canal Days will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.

It’s being co-sponsored by the Slatington Lion’s Club, Lehigh Township Lion’s Club, Lehigh Township Lady Lions and the Walnutport Canal Association.

Mike Frohnheiser, Lehigh Township Lions Club member, along with Steve Walden, Slatington Lions Club member, and Diana Everett, president of Lehigh Township Lady Lions, are co-chairs for the event.

The event will feature a Kids Corner that has been sponsored by people within the community donating things via a wish list made through Amazon.

“We’re trying to keep things very economical on our end for people to come out and enjoy the event, and the fall foliage this time of year,” Frohnheiser said.

The Lions Clubs themselves will have a basket raffle, food stand and Kids Corner. There will also be several nonprofits, including Boy Scout troops and a Girl Scout troop.

Lorah’s Farm will be there with a stand, Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram will have a display, and the Walnutport Canal Association will have both its Locktender’s House and museum open. There will also be Model T cars on display one day.

Lehigh Township Fire Department will have a fire prevention program both days, while Diamond Fire Company in Walnutport will have a food stand, and there will be food vendors including food trucks.

There will also be a petting zoo on Sunday, canoe and kayak rides, possibly on Sunday, and wagon rides both days.

Walden said that many of the food and craft vendors from previous Walnutport Canal Festivals will be back, along with some new ones, including Soaked Winery.

Walden added that local Scout troops and nonprofit organizations would be selling a variety of foods.

“We will have a Civil War re-enactment group as well as the Native American Heritage Group, a reptile display and a petting zoo,” Walden said. “In addition, we will have kids games and crafts, including pumpkin painting, and a photo booth for you to take your own pics.

“This has always been a great event for the Northern Lehigh residents, as well as attracting people from outside the area to visit the community and walk the canal paths, D&L trails, and take in the beautiful fall foliage.”

Frohnheiser said entertainment will consist of Jeni Hackett along with presentation of colors at noon on Saturday, as well as a brass band Saturday afternoon. The Jesse Wade Band and Prime Cuts Band will perform on Sunday.

Saturday and Sunday will each be unique, Frohnheiser said.

“They (visitors) will not see the same thing both days,” he said. “So, it’s great to come out both days to see the different things.”

Frohnheiser asked people to support the event.

“This is our first year out the gate, we are hoping for a great response,” he said. “Our motto as Lions is to serve, and our whole idea with taking over this festival was to be able to save this event, and for people to be able to enjoy.

“We’re trying to be as economical and interesting as we can. After this first year, it will only get better, I promise.”

Anyone with questions may contact Frohnheiser at 484-553-6709.

The 42nd annual Walnutport Canal Festival was held in October 2023, and was to have marked the final year for the event.

Jeanne Boehrer, festival event coordinator, said in September 2023 that was due to a lack of manpower, as its core group of 10 or 12 were aging and didn’t have setup people and people who consistently volunteered.

However, Boehrer said at that time the Walnutport Canal Association would remain, as it’s still an active group that is looking for new members and new ideas.