The Traditional Turkey Week in Easton

History of the Rivalry

To most cities, Thanksgiving is just a holiday where we are all grateful for what we have in life. As that is the same for the cities of Easton and Philipsburg, there is another priority on our minds. This is the day of the year that citizens wait for, the annual game where the true rivalry and traditions of the cities is shown.
                       

In 1894, high school kids from Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ were reported to be playing football against each other. This informal game turned into the big phenomenon known as the Easton vs. P'burg Thanksgiving Day Game.
                                               

For nearly a century, these two neighboring cities that are separated by the Delaware River have been playing their Thanksgiving day football game. Each year the heated rivalry between these two cities grows. This monumental game represents the strong tradition and history between these cities.


For 109 years, Easton Area High School (Pennsylvania), and Phillipsburg High School (New Jersey) have had a football game every thanksgiving day morning. Throughout the years the game became so popular that the high school stadiums could not host the game anymore. The game is now hosted at Fisher Field which is located on the Lafayette College campus in Easton, PA. The Easton fans are so dedicated that some refuse to eat turkey at Thanksgiving dinner if we lose.
                                                        

In 2011, the game was aired on ESPN. ESPN televised this game live on Thanksgiving morning throughout the country. During this time, ESPN named the rivalry as the best high school rivalry in the country.

                                           

This game has become  the most important games of the football season. Easton and Phillipsburg are not in the same division due to being in different states, but that's what makes the game so special. All other sports in the high schools have the chance to battle themselves throughout their respected seasons.     
                                                

To prepare for this game, Easton has a week dedicated to traditional activities. Most citizens refer to this as the "Turkey Week festivities".

Turkey Week Schedule 

On the Monday before thanksgiving, the Firefighters of Easton play the Firefighters of Phillipsburg in a football game. Following the firefighter football game, is the annual powder-puff tournament between the seniors of each high school. This is when girls play the game and boys sign up to be the cheerleaders. The high schools' varsity cheerleading squad coaches the male cheerleaders and the student section boys teach the female football players.
                                


Tuesday of thanksgiving week is the Easton Senior classes favorite day. On this school day the seniors are dedicated to build a huge bonfire instead of going to class. Starting of the school year
students receive donations of wood and look for people to sponsor the bonfire. Seniors are separated into colorful teams and form assembly lines to create a sturdy pile of wood. This is not the typical beach bonfire, these bonfires are around 30-50 feet high. Once the school day is over, the seniors must stay to guard the wood pile. That night, the seniors have their annual sleep out which is when they all set up tents around the bonfire to protect it through the night. There has been cases before where P'burg students will try to light the bonfire or destroy it to mess with our tradition.
                                              


On Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday), is the annual pep rally. The pep rally is hosted in the Easton Area High School Gymnasium where all the students and outside spectators come to watch. The pep rally starts off with senior football players walking in escorted by cheerleaders while the marching band plays. During the pep rally there is multiple speeches from the coaches, past football players, one football captain and the principle. There is performances from the powder puff cheerleaders, football players moms, Rover Nations mothers, Dance Team and the Varsity Cheerleaders.

At night is the parade followed by the lighting of the bonfire. The parade consists of the marching band and cheerleaders and starts from Cottingham stadium all the way to the high school. Throughout the parade people join in the celebration as we walk to the high school. As the parade reaches the entrance of the high school, the football players join in to walk to the bonfire. The captains of the football team, captains of the cheerleading team, and a few band members light the bonfire. 
                                  


And of course there is Thanksgiving day. At the stadium you'll find hundreds of people tailgating and others inside the stadium watching the pregame show. Throughout the game there is various of friendly (or not so friendly) fights between the fans, mainly throughout the student sections. At the end of the game, if Easton wins (most likely happens) the buses of cheerleaders, football players and the band take victory laps around Centre Square. The victory laps consist of one lap per point we win by. After the game the fans return to their side of the river to gather around their family and say thanks for being apart of the greatest high school rivalry in the country.

"It’s an amazing experience to have been a part of. To get that many people to a high school football game and just how the energy of the towns and the entire area shifts. It brings the two towns together and has been a big part of the identity of the area." -Jared Holley, Easton Football Alumni

Facts about Easton

History of Easton 

Four days after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, it was read to the people of Delaware County on the steps of the old court house, which now stands as Centre Square in  Easton. This was the third reading of the Declaration of Independence to the people of the thirteen colonies. During the reading, a flag with thirteen stripes and a circle of thirteen stars flew in the air. The flag was then named the official flag of Easton, Pennsylvania.

Sections of Easton

On January 12, 1887 the land between the Delaware River and the Lehigh River was announced as Easton, Pennsylvania. As of today, Easton is broken up into four sections: Historic Downtown, The West Ward, South Side, and College Hill. The greater Easton area consists of three townships called, Palmer, Forks, and Williams. Easton also has three boroughs, Glendon, West Easton, and Wilson.

Fun Facts About Easton

• Easton is believed to be the site of the first Christmas tree in the country.
• The Peace Candle in Centre Square lights up the soldiers monuments each holiday season.
• Easton is the home of Larry Holmes, who held the Heavy Weight Boxing title for 7 years.
• One of the finest institutions, Lafayette College, resides in Easton. 
• Easton Area High School was named for best high school rivalry by ESPN.
• During the Revolutionary War, Easton was an important military center.
• Easton was a major center during the canal and railroad periods of the 19th century 
• The State Theatre has been in business since 1910.

Crayola Experiences

Located in the heart of Downtown Easton, is Crayola Experiences. With 60,000 square feet, this attraction is the birthplace of Crayola Crowns. This is one out of three locations you can find the magic of Crayola come to life. Inside the factory you are always encouraged to explore and color outside the lines. This one-of-a-kind attraction is a place for children to embrace their imagination through chemistry, technology and color.



The Crayola Experience was completely remodeled in 2013 to create 26 attractions spread across four floors of fun. The Crayola experience attracts over thousands of guest each year. Birthday parties, private groups, corporate meetings and annual trips are all welcomed.

Each day, the Crayola Ambassadors help children discover the magic of color through hands-on experiences which allows them to express their unique ideas. The Crayola Experience allows children to blossom into inspiring and original adults.



As you spend a whole day in the factory, you can re-energize at the Crayola Café. There is a variety of food such as pizza, salads and gluten free food. Just outside the Café is the worlds largest crayon! If you need a break from the hands-on events, stop by the Crayola Store on the first floor. Here you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs such as a 2 pound crayon! Also you can turn your masterpieces into clothing or a puzzle. The Crayola gift shop it open to the public and does not charge admission to enter.



With 26 attractions you will find stations to suit all age types. Toddler Town is where your toddler can roam around in a colorful peg board room. For more outgoing children, have them check out the Be A Star attraction where they can star in their very own coloring page. If your child is shy, have them experience the Modeling Madness station where they create a figure out of Model Magic which they can take home as a souvenir. To learn some history about Crayola stop by the Crayon Factory and watch how crowns get made.



The Crayola Experience is suited for all ages and types of personalities. The factory is open all year long and even have special events on certain holidays. If you are thinking about planning a trip click here to search for hotels and amenities to suit your visit!



Price of Tickets:
General Admission- $16.99 (save $2 when purchased online)
Annual Pass- $34.99 (save $2 when purchased online)
Children under the age of 2 are free

Easton's Farmers Market

On Saturday mornings centre square in downtown Easton, PA is filled with people. Everyone gathers around hundreds of vendors to either get a fresh cup of morning coffee, delicious breakfast sandwiches, or to shop for hand made goods. On Wednesday nights, centre square is filled with people purchasing last minute produce or meats for their dinner, grabbing dinner from various restaurant vendors or stopping bye for home made desserts. This is known as the Easton Farmer's Market.

Back in 1752, the city of Easton was founded and Easton Farmer's Market was established. For over 2 centuries farmers and vendors have been gathering on the centre square of historic downtown Easton to sell a variety of fresh produce, handcrafted goods and baked goods. The farmer's market ties back deep roots from Easton's history and creates a vibrant shopping place to celebrate the upcoming of the city. As of today, the Easton Farmer's Market has been continuously running naming this farmer market, as the United States longest running Farmer's Market. 

All products sold in the Eaton Farmer's Market is locally grown and produced. Majority of the products sold are all natural, chemical-free, and all produce is GMO free. All meat and dairy is antibiotic and hormone free. Before selling in the market, all farms and producing sites go through inspection to make sure it meets all these qualities. This allows Easton citizens and neighboring cities to purchase the best produce around. 

Upcoming Market Events

PA Bacon Fest - November 7th and 8th 

This two day festival features more than 100 vendors selling all things bacon. By focusing on farm-
to-table style serving, you can find a variety of things from Bacon on a Stick to Bacon Bloody Mary's and Bacon Sundaes! During this festival you can experience pig racing, bacon chef battles, Miss PA Bacon Pageant and live music.

Farmer's Market extended until December 19
Easton has extended the Saturday market season due to popular demand! Most of the regular vendors will be hosting stations every Saturday in Centre Square. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done for your friends and family!

Open Air Winter Market
Why shouldn't you get fresh baked goods and locally grown fruits and veggies in the winter? On the first and third Saturday from January to April, the Farmer's Market will return outside in Centre Square. For just two hours (10 a.m - 12 a.m.) you can find the most dedicated farmers in the area.


For more information about the Easton Farmer's Market click here