Recently, a friend told me that March was her least favorite month.
The damp. The fog. The cold rain.
Sure, I get it. March can be all those things, but it also is a first step in the long slog to spring and summer. The days lengthen, the flowers begin to bloom, and, amid the chill and clouds, we usually get a preview of the warm days ahead.
Count me in—I’m a fan.
In Harrisburg, March also is noteworthy as the only month with two major festivals.
The first one is the family-friendly, city-sponsored Ice & Fire Festival, which is slated for March 4. Actually, this year, a first-ever chili cook-off at the Broad Street Market will bring the heat the day before, followed, on Saturday, by a host of winter-themed activities downtown.
My favorite part of Ice & Fire may be the ice sculptures placed throughout the city, including right in front of TheBurg’s office. Heed my wise counsel—plan to get an early start on your sculpture tour, as they may begin to lose their shape in the mild afternoon sun.
The second big March event is the annual bacchanal known as St. Patrick’s Day, and you old-timers know how this goes down. It’s a party twofer—first on March 17 then again over the weekend, whenever the parade is held.
This year, actual St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Friday, which is also 3rd in the Burg. The parade is the next day, on March 18. Can downtown Harrisburg survive so much merriment? Of course it can, though a thorough, post-party scrubbing may be in order.
March also is the month of—well, our March issue, of course.
This month, we feature a variety of nonprofit organizations—and highlight the good works they do. We also have the second installment in our yearlong examination of climate change in the Harrisburg area. Otherwise, you’ll discover our usual monthly mix of news, opinion, features and events, and the price is right, too (free!).
Have a great March, everyone. I’ll catch you soon in downtown Harrisburg!
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
Click here to read the digital version of our March issue.
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