Dear readers,

An online dictionary defines “traditions” as behaviors and actions that you engage in again and again – regular rituals that you perform at the same time and/or in the same way.

Traditions can be big, such as a time-honored religious celebration; or they can be small, like eating at the same restaurant on the first day of vacation. They differ from routines and habits in that they are done with a specific purpose in mind and require thought and intentionality.

Each year, at Lehigh Valley Marketplace, we carry out a tradition that lends a certain magic, spirit, and texture to our publication. It gives us the opportunity to interact with our readers, young and old, and to witness their creative talents.

Three years ago, we removed the color from the cover of our September issue and asked you, our readers, to participate in our very first Coloring Contest. We challenged you to grab your crayons and start coloring. The response was so overwhelming we challenged you again the following year. Now, we have readers looking forward to each “colorless” September issue and the contest that ensues.

I invite you to celebrate our tradition with us and create your own work of art. Dust off your crayons, markers, pastels, or any coloring medium and get to work. When you are finished, take a picture of your masterpiece and submit it to Marketplace through our Facebook page. Winners (in several age categories) will be chosen by our art department and editorial staff and featured in the October issue of Marketplace. For more information about the contest, check out our contest instructions.

Our cover is your canvas. Bring it to life and keep our tradition strong.

Amy Hines, Editor