Easton, Pa - To spread the love of the community in Pennsylvania, downtown Easton business owners Ron Morris and Ken Jones Jr. initiated the "Love, Easton" campaign as a Mercantile Home Community Art Project on January 6, 2024.
The campaign launched to rally community members to craft 28,127 hearts – one for each Easton resident – and adorn the city with a symbol of affection throughout the Valentine’s Day month.
The response was nothing short of extraordinary.
From residents to businesses, students to families, individuals from all walks of life participated, contributing hearts of various shapes, sizes, and materials including paper, clay, knitted and crocheted fabrics, painted rocks, felt, and more.
In just five weeks, Easton became a tapestry of love, showcasing the city's vibrant community spirit.
Stretching from the Free Bridge on the City’s eastern edge to 15th Street in the West Ward, and from the top of Cattell Street on College Hill to the peak of St. Johns on the Southside, Easton's streets were transformed into an exhibition of love and unity.
The mission of “Love, Easton” was not only to foster joy and camaraderie but also to celebrate what makes Easton unique: its people and their unwavering devotion to their beloved city.
“The camaraderie among the business and property owners in Easton was clear and visible during this heartwarming community art project. This effort provided our volunteers with many opportunities to engage with business owners and solidify relationships that truly bring soul and connectedness to our Main Street district and beyond. Residents and visitors alike sincerely appreciate and value the positive energy our business owners bring to Easton's Downtown Life." says Kim Kmetz, Main Street Manager
Exceeding all expectations, the campaign amassed a staggering 63,077 hearts and counting, far surpassing the initial goal.
The success of Love, Easton was made possible by the dedication of over 25 volunteers, who collectively contributed 300+ hours of their time.
Heart-cutting parties, totaling 20 events, brought the community together in a spirit of collaboration and creativity. Notably, Lafayette College’s Landis Center emerged as the group that produced the most hearts, while the furthest heart submission traveled all the way from Anchorage, Alaska, underscoring the widespread impact of the effort.
As the campaign drew to a close on March 9, the “Love, Easton” team reflects on the profound impact of this initiative, which has brought joy, unity, and a renewed sense of pride to the city.