'Made in Bradford 2026' Will Celebrate Local Artisans, Zippo and Case Brand Legacies
BRADFORD, PA – July 9, 2026 - The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store is hosting a free to attend "Made in Bradford Celebration" on July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will celebrate the historic innovation, artistry and entrepreneurialism shared by the Zippo and Case brands through the years. The family-friendly celebration will take over the entire museum grounds and will feature a large 'Makers and Swappers' tent that will highlight Zippo and Case enthusiasts' impressive collections alongside works from dozens of local artisans and craftspeople that will be available for sale. The Museum will be open at 9 a.m. for early birds looking to purchase a collectible "Made in Bradford"-themed Zippo lighter and Case knife, as well as other event-themed merchandise and apparel. The Case "Stay Sharp" Jeep and Zippo "Replicart" will be on display throughout the day.
"We're truly excited to welcome visitors to our fourth consecutive Made in Bradford event at the Zippo/Case Museum. This event is a true celebration of the incredible talent found in small communities like Bradford that exist across the country," said Halley Peterson, Community Manager for the Case Collectors Club. "We're looking forward to sharing that spirit with our Zippo and Case fans."
At 10 a.m., the Bradford Area High School Marching Band will officially kick off the event with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner, followed by a "Meet and Greet" autograph signing session with Zippo executives.
A large 'Makers & Swappers' tent on the adjacent museum lot will open to visitors at 10:15 a.m., where local makers, artisans, and crafters will be offering their unique works for sale and Zippo & Case enthusiasts will showcase, swap and sell their prized collections of knives and lighters.
Live music will be performed by '84&Capricorn' outside the Museum while DJ Barry spins country hits under the big tent.
Local food trucks and beverage vendors, including Foster Brook Creamery, Campers Kettle Corn & Lemonade, Napoli's Brick Oven Pizza, Phatt Grady's, and Little Mountain Winery will be onsite offering delicious dishes and cool drinks for purchase throughout the event.
Kids' activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. and are all free of charge, including bounce houses, face painters, a balloon artist, a petting zoo and giveaways at the prize wheel. From noon until 2 p.m., a new, interactive "Kids Corners" program will take place at the Stay Sharp Tour area under the big tent. The program begins with youngsters working to solve a series of puzzles and ends with a wooden Case knife building workshop.
Event parking will be at the Zippo fuel plant lot; complimentary shuttle services will be available throughout the entire event. Visitors will find red shuttle stop signs that identify pick-up and drop-off locations. Shuttle service will also be available to and from the Zippo Lighter-palalooza event at the Masonic Temple building at 625 South Avenue.