Living Sign Plan: Barberry Bushes Out, Emerald Gem Boxwoods In

A plan to spell out “Hellertown” using barberry bushes in front of the Dimmick Park bandshell was altered Monday night at the suggestion of Mayor David Heintzelman, with whom the idea originated.

Heintzelman said that public critical feedback about the bushes led him to reconsider what type of shrub should be used, and he recommended that in lieu of barberry bushes “Emerald Gem” boxwood bushes be used instead.

“The reason we went with those (barberry bushes) is because we were thinking of the Saucon colors, red and black,” he explained to council.

He previously said that in addition to beautifying the park the bushes will also provide a safety buffer along the slope directly in front of the stage.

Although certain varieties of barberry are considered invasive species, they are not banned in Pennsylvania, he noted.

In New Jersey, the Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), which turns from green to bright red in fall, is on the state’s list of invasive species, and some other East Coast states have classified it similarly.

The bushes are also known for their sharp needles.

The money for the bushes is being fundraised by Heintzelman, who said he will notify the three donors who have already contributed to the campaign about the change in the type of shrub.

After the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade on Oct. 21, Heintzelman said he will be devoting more energy to securing donations to help fund the project.

In other business, Heintzelman–who is also the parade chairman–noted that he has secured sponsors for all six of the parade’s marching band divisions.

Parade registrations have been light so far, but he said he expects them to pick up in advance of the Oct. 14 deadline to register.

The theme for the 2018 parade is “Fairy Tales.”

For more information, visit and like the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade Facebook page and refer to the registration form, here.

The parade will kick off at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 and is held rain or shine.

Heintzelman noted that the parade route is the same this year. The parade will proceed west on Walnut Street to north on Main Street to east on Water Street to south on Rentzheimer Drive to east on Durham Street to south on Constitution Avenue, concluding at its starting point: the Saucon Valley School District campus.

Main Street traffic will be detoured during the parade, with barricades put in place by 1:30 p.m. Heintzelman requested the public’s patience and cooperation during the detour.

New this year along the parade route will be a “candy refill station” for marchers at the Hellertown Post Office, which is donating candy to help replenish tubs that are often emptied by the time marchers reach the branch at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Water Street. Donations of candy by members of the public are also being accepted at the post office.