'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.
ABOUT ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM & FLAGSHIP STORE
The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store tells the story of two American icons, both based in Bradford, Pennsylvania – through an extensive collection of priceless Zippo and Case historical artifacts. The Museum's exhibits include the very first Zippo lighter, an exploration of Zippo's and Case's historic contributions to the significant successes of our American military, including a replica of a Case knife that was the first to reach the Moon. The Museum's Flagship Store offers a wide variety of consumer goods and collectible merchandise under the Zippo's family of brands and trademarks.
ABOUT ZIPPO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Zippo Manufacturing Company is the parent company of three local subsidiaries: Zippo, which was founded in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where it has since manufactured over 650 million windproof lighters and maintains a diverse product line which is marketed in over 160 countries worldwide; Bradford-based W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, a leading American manufacturer of well-crafted knives with a brand legacy which dates back to the late 1800's; and the Wellsville, NY-based Northern Lights Candles, a leading designer of luxury candles and artisan accessories. Zippo Manufacturing Company also owns trademarks to the Ronson, Ronsonol and Barber Street Candles brands in the United States. For more information, visit zippo.com.
ABOUT W.R. CASE AND SONS CUTLERY COMPANY
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer of premium knives that are built on a reputation of quality and perseverance. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Case's offerings cover a wide range of product categories, from traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to modern everyday carry knives and other gear. Celebrating the Case brand's 121st anniversary in Bradford, Case inspires us all to become more everyday capable by using its dependable and innovative products. Case is owned by Zippo Manufacturing Company. For more information, visit caseknives.com.