When it comes to fastnachts, you either clamor over or have never heard of them. In Pennsylvania, the likelihood of having the former reaction is significantly higher.

That’s because the Pennsylvania Dutch long ago coined Fastnacht Day -- very similar in concept to Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Turns out, no matter where you are geographically, we all look forward to an excuse to indulge on this particular day.

On this week's podcast, a history, and an obscenely large fastnacht-baking operation.

Special guests include Thomas Gerhart, president of the Pennsylvania German Society, and Linda Gorr, president of the Ladies Auxiliary at Goodwill Fire Company in Trexlertown.

The Morning Call Podcast is a production of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Kayla Dwyer is the host and producer.

Behind the scenes: The making of Fastnacht Day

The Morning Call podcast dissects the top news stories from the Lehigh Valley and beyond, talking to reporters and sources about what went on behind the scenes and between the lines as stories unfolded. Further, we delve into the impact of these stories on our community.

News

Voice actress Lara Jill Miller recorded this COVID-19 safety PSA for the Allentown Health Bureau.

Allentown voice actress records COVID-19 PSA for Health Bureau (2)

Allentown voice actress records COVID-19 PSA for Health Bureau (1)

Downtown Allentown looks a world different than it did less than a decade ago.
When former City Hall reporter Emily Opilo started at The Morning Call 7 years ago, the PPL arena was a giant hole in the ground.
Has the more than $1 billion of investment and decade of redevelopment made a difference in people's perceptions of Allentown and their desire to spend time downtown? 
The Morning Call conducted a scientific poll on the matter with Muhlenberg College, and The Morning Call Academy students unscientifically polled people on their lunch hour on Hamilton Street to find out.
The Morning Call Podcast is a production of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Kayla Dwyer is the host and producer.

Has a billion dollars of development changed the way people view Allentown?

The opioid crisis seemed to take center stage in 2018. Officials held press conference after press conference, declared disaster declaration after declaration, handed out Narcan; the media produced special packages and profiles on the epidemic.
What has happened since then?
Turns out, quite a bit has changed, and quite a few new problems may be on the horizon.
We brought together four experts to discuss. This is our breakdown of that conversation.
READ: https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-opioid-roundtable-follow-up-one-year-later-20191201-cphsofs5ajajtn5r7ej35jmwkm-story.html

One year later: Where are we at in the opioid crisis?

More than 300 actors, 22 makeup artists, seven haunted weekends.
We went behind the scenes and into the "Crypt" where Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt gets made - scab blood, silicone prosthetics and all.

The Haunt's final weekend runs Nov. 1-2.

The Morning Call Podcast is a production of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Kayla Dwyer is the host and producer.

Behind the scenes: The making of Fastnacht Day

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