S. 3rd Street in downtown Harrisburg
If you enjoy a good block party on a warm evening, your summer just took a turn for the better.
The monthly “SoMa Block Parties” in downtown Harrisburg that began last year are returning, starting in May and continuing through September.
The block parties are cosponsored by Harristown Enterprises, which owns many buildings in the area, and the Sara Bozich marketing company.
“We have invested over $20 million in the SoMa neighborhood in the past two decades,” said Harristown President and CEO Brad Jones. “Harristown believes this series of events are a fantastic way to showcase the neighborhood to a whole variety of new boutique small businesses.”
SoMa stands for “South of Market,” a revitalizing commercial and, increasingly, residential neighborhood bounded roughly by S. 3rd, Market, Chestnut and S. 4th streets. Harrisburg University soon will break ground on its new, 17-story academic and hotel tower in the neighborhood.
The block party takes place in the heart of SoMa on Blackberry Street (alley), behind International House. Each block party will feature music, food and local beer, wine and/or spirits.
The block party series kicks off on Saturday, May 11, in conjunction with the annual Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) Home Tour, which, this year features buildings in downtown Harrisburg.
Anyone can attend the party, though ticketed tour-goers will receive complimentary food and drink. The May party features products from such local vendors as Boneshire Brew Works, Zeroday Brewing Co., Ploughman Cider, Midstate Distillery, Spring Gate Vineyard & Winery, Bricco, Mel’s Rockin’ BBQ and Elementary Coffee Co. DJ Mad Hatter and the party band, Calling Off Doug, will provide music.
All other block parties will take place on Thursday evenings: June 27, July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Harristown to bring more people and vendors to the SoMa neighborhood of downtown Harrisburg,” said Bozich. “We love sharing this rediscovered gem and can’t wait to host this series of block parties with an even bigger audience in 2019.”
For more information on SoMa block parties, visit www.sarabozich.com. For more information on the HYP Home Tour, visit www.hyp.org.
