BRADFORD, PA – July 11, 2024 - The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store is hosting a free to attend “Made in Bradford Celebration” on July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coinciding with the
135th Anniversary of the Case brand, the event will celebrate Zippo’s and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company’s rich history of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurialism in Bradford. The Museum’s gates will open at 8 a.m. for early bird shoppers who wish to wait in line for the event’s limited edition Zippo lighters and Case knives.
The family-friendly celebration will take over the entire museum grounds and will feature a Collectors’ and Makers’ tent that will highlight Zippo and Case enthusiasts’ impressive collections alongside the handiwork of dozens of local artisans and craftspeople. In addition, specially selected items from the company’s own archives will be offered in a special sale leading up to event day.
Special guests will include Brent Reaves (Cabot, AR), host of Meateater media network’s ‘This Country Life’ podcast, whose career spans decades as an expert outdoorsman and career law enforcement officer, and Brian McKinney (Pearlsburg, VA), a professional woodcarver who will be conducting small group whittling workshops. Visitors who wish to take part in a whittling workshop can inquire at the Consumer Relations tent beginning at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are limited.
“Last year’s Made in Bradford event was a tremendous success and a continued source of pride shared by all our employees. It really awakened the community to the unique variety of talent that can be found in and around our area. We are thrilled to extend this opportunity to new and returning makers this year,” said Halley Burnett, Associate Community Manager for the Case Collectors Club. “Our small businesses are a part of the foundation that holds our community together. We cannot wait to showcase them again at this year’s event.”
Two unique limited-production collectible Zippo® lighters (100 pieces/each) and two unique, limited- production Case® Trapper knives (25 pieces/each) have been specially prepared for sale only for this event at the Museum. Sales of these collectibles will begin when the doors open at 9 a.m.
From 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., several of Zippo’s executives; George Duke, (Chairman of the Board at ZipCorp), and his son Grant Duke (both co-owners of Zippo); and Mark Paup (President and Chief Executive Officer of Zippo Manufacturing Company and W.R Case and Sons Cutlery Company) will be autographing the Zippo and Case collectibles during this special meet-and-greet session.
Additionally, a limited number of copies of a new 90-page paperback book that has just been published by Barnes & Noble, entitled, “The Blaisdell Legacy,” will be released for initial sale at this special event. The book was written by Bradford-area residents Ron Orris (Executive Director of the Blaisdell Foundation) and Jack Gorton, who will also be on hand for autographs. All profits from sales of the book benefit the Blaisdell Foundation, a charitable organization funded by the Zippo family for the community of Bradford, Pennsylvania.
A free trolley service will be making continuous rounds between the parking areas surrounding the Museum and the Masonic Temple at the corners of South Avenue and Owens Way, where a special “Lighterpalooza” event for Zippo enthusiasts will be underway.
Activities for all ages will begin with bounce houses and inflatable games at 10 a.m., followed by balloon, caricature, and face painting artists at 11 a.m. Visitors will also be able to sign the Museum’s new digital guestbook.
Food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite throughout the day, including Bradford Brew Station, Little Mountain Winery, Jaderjohn’s Concessions, Pizza Napoli, The Good Place Food Trailer, Campers Kettle Corn, and Foster Brook Creamery, while Interstate Daydream & Acoustic Steve Duo will provide live musical entertainment.
ABOUT ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM & FLAGSHIP STORE
The Zippo/Case Museum tells the story of two American icons – both based in Bradford, PA – through an extensive collection of priceless Zippo and Case artifacts. The museum’s exhibits include the very first Zippo lighter, an exploration of Zippo and Case’s American military history, the world-famous Zippo Repair Clinic, and even a replica of the first knife to go the moon. The Flagship Store’s selection of Zippo, Case, Ronson, and Northern Lights Candles products offers a shopping experience that is second to none in its surrounding areas.
ABOUT ZIPPO
One of the most recognized brands in the world, Zippo was founded in the fall of 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where it has manufactured over 600 million windproof lighters. With the exception of improvements to the flint wheel and modifications in case finishes, the product remains unchanged and is backed by the company's famous lifetime guarantee – "It works or we fix it free.TM" Zippo's diverse product line includes lighters and accessories; butane candle lighters; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo markets in over 180 countries and owns Bradford-based W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and the Wellsville, NY-based Northern Lights Candles as well as the trademarks to the Ronson, Ronsonol and Barber Street Candles brands.
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 135th anniversary in 2024, Case inspires us all to become more everyday capable by using its dependable and innovative products. Case is owned by Zippo Manufacturing Company.