presented by 
September 11, 2026
Patriot Day
September 11, 2026
Join us at SteelStacks as we honor the countless individuals in the Lehigh Valley who put themselves in harm’s way every day.
This special event honors the first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, military and emergency medical personnel who serve and protect communities throughout the Lehigh Valley. Highlighting the evening is the Our Hometown Heroes banner display, showcasing the amazing men and women who make a difference in our community day-in and day-out!
2026 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award
Todd K. Weaver
Weaver began his public safety service as a teenager with the Washington Volunteer Fire Company in 1987, beginning a career dedicated to emergency response that continued for nearly four decades. He retired in February 2026 following a 29-year career with Northampton County, where he began as a 911 dispatcher in 1997, and rose through the ranks before being named the Director of Emergency Management Services in 2016.
Throughout his career, Weaver helped modernize Northampton County’s emergency communications infrastructure and led or supported the county’s response to more than a dozen federally declared disasters and emergencies, including hurricanes, major floods, severe winter weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, he coordinated the county’s emergency response across local, state and federal agencies, helping manage the distribution of critical supplies, testing and vaccination efforts, continuity of government and disaster recovery.
Weaver has also been a longtime public safety partner to ArtsQuest, supporting the planning and safety of Musikfest for nearly two decades. His service extends beyond his professional career: he served as Chief of the Washington Volunteer Fire Company for 17½ years and remains active with the department today as a Lieutenant and longtime Trustee. His volunteer service has also included work as an EMT and member of a water rescue dive team.
Weaver continues his work in public safety as a Senior Consultant with Essential Management Solutions, LLC. A lifelong resident of the Slate Belt, he lives in Pen Argyl.
Schedule
Friday, September 11
| Set Time | Artist | Venue |
| 6:45 PM | National Anthem | Velvet Salgado: U.S. Navy Veteran | Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health |
| 7:00 PM | Time to Remember Ceremony | Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health |
| 7:30 pm | The Aardvarks | Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health |
Our Hometown Heroes – First Responders
Presented by Embassy Bank
Throughout the month of September, the campus will be draped with images of local First Responders as a display of the appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices and contributions.
Submissions for 2026 are now closed
Partners
