EASTON, Pa. — Though Easton Area School District seniors had to go without the traditional bonfire before the big game against Phillipsburg, plenty of students and parents did get to enjoy a spirited pep rally Wednesday night.
Despite the conditions which led to the cancellation of the bonfire, administrators and students were still able to come up with a few new ideas to commemorate the Thanksgiving Day game, including a festive pep rally with a band performance and cheerleading, in addition to a laser light show.
In a reversal of the normal parade path, the band started at the high school before trekking its way to Cottingham, taking a lap around the perimeter of the field, and settling into the stands.
Following a few cheerleading performances to rile up the crowd, the football team made their way out to the field with plenty of energy to spare — energy more than a few people recommended they conserve for the game.
After a few words from Superintendent Tracy Piazza, the nearly-packed stands enjoyed a laser light and music show, with most of the crowd dispersing around 7:30 p.m.
Community reactions to the event were supportive, if not a bit upset about the 2025 seniors missing out on the bonfire tradition.
“I’m not even from Easton — I come from Coopersburg to see the bonfire,” Heather Williams-Chrisinger said, adding she has always been a fan of Easton’s energy since their pep rallies were “always more fun.”
“My parents are alumni, and I’ve come every year to the bonfire since we were in high school.”
Williams-Chrisinger’s cousin, along with several other guests in her group, shared a similar sentiment.
“I felt sorry for the seniors because they look forward to that all year long. It is a consolation prize — it’s nice that they’re doing something for them,” Chrissy Zbyszinski said.
PTA volunteer Sonya Bertelsen said she was pleased that there was some sort of event for seniors to enjoy that evening, even if it may not have drawn as much of a crowd as the bonfire normally does.
“I understood it, I’m glad that they are still doing something since my son is a senior, so I really appreciate that they went out of their way to find things to still celebrate the school and the team, and do it in a safe way,” PTA volunteer Sonya Bertelsen said.
Despite the conditions, most students appeared to have an enjoyable time, cheering along with the chants from the cheerleaders, and enjoying a walk around the outside of the field during the light show.
“Honestly, it is a little hurtful, it is a little upsetting, because it is tradition. It’s what we do every year. Crazy stories about the bonfires in the past; you just look forward to it every year,” Easton High School junior Winston Hornik said, adding he hopes for the return of the bonfire for his senior year.
“But, the way the students handled it, I feel it was very mature, very respectful.
“We all went along with what the new plan was, and I feel like it’s worked out perfectly tonight, and it’s going to be a great turnout tonight for the pep rally.”
“The bonfire is huge in Easton.”Meg Sayago
Easton Area School District Board President Meg Sayago said she was thrilled to see the turnout and the response from the community, even if they had to take a year off from the bonfire.
“I’m so excited for our event tonight, and thrilled that the community came out to support our Easton traditions,” Sayago said.
“The bonfire is huge in Easton. We don’t want to disappoint people — it is disappointing, but our students did a really great job of coming up with an alternative program to keep the community involved and excited, and I think it’s going to be great.”
The Easton-Phillipsburg Thanksgiving Day Football Game 2024 coverage starts at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28.
