I’ve attended Musikfest ever since I was a toddler rolling around in a stroller. Up and down Main Street, my eyes would dart from one sight to another. Of course, things have changed over time and so have the herds of crazed, hormonal teenagers who line the main drag, but I still make it a point to get in my fair share of ‘festing.

This year will be no different, except that Musikfest is practically in my backyard. For as long as I can remember, my family has always parked (probably illegally) in one of the bank lots along Broad Street. We’d walk across the bridge and land at the beginning of it all on Main and Broad Streets then meander through the crowds to look at jewelry and listen to the tunes. Does anyone remember when the section of Broad Street near The Boyd used to be closed off to vehicle traffic all year round, at all times of the day? I do! Foot traffic only, folks!

Truthfully, I’m excited to simply cross the Fahy Bridge without a worry regarding parking. Or so I hope. You see, I have a J Permit, which means I can park legally for any amount of time in any J zone. Great, right? Except I’m not exactly guaranteed a spot. Luckily, one of the girls who lives across the hall from me is conveniently out of town until the end of the month and she graciously offered her driveway parking spot to me. Sweet! OK, so maybe this won’t be so bad after all. We shall see…

But then there will be traffic. And lots of it I’m sure. The congestion downtown can be slightly annoying even during a typical rush-hour commute so I can only imagine what it’s going to be like for the next 10 days. At least I live on the South Side.

Fortunately for me and my Musikfest mug, I can fill up on the South Side at one of the several participating bars and make the short trek to the festivities. It’s cheaper that way, after all! Another great place to stop for a mug refill is Roseanna’s on Broad Street. Hint, hint.

Here’s to hoping living in Bethlehem doesn’t ruin Musikfest for me this year! If you happen to see me out and about, come say hello. I’ll be back for my post-Musikfest thoughts shortly.