Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 21, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Mac Miller Tribute at XL on Fri ($15/adv; $20/door!) Worth noting: at Tröegs Independent Brewing (Thurs); 76th annual Zembo Shrine Circus (all weekend) Things on my agenda this weekend: Wings with Jimi! Dinner at Note! Mac Miller tribute band. Kid bday party! Swim lessons. Dinner with an old friend! A very packed weekend.

For your weekend planning

WIN tickets to Plants + Pints on April 14
Enter to WIN a 4-pack of tickets to KIDZ BOP at GIANT Center!
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Our return to Strawberry Square was a success! Catch us in April for a Clock Box Happy Hour!
Plants + Pints tickets are now on sale! Just $20 benefiting Downtown Daily Bread!
Downtown Camp Hill Association’s Spring Fling is April 6!
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Current, former Harrisburg star athletes to be honored in “Hall of Fame” ceremony

March 19, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Dennis Green. Image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings.

An upcoming event will recognize the best of the best in local sports talent.

The Harrisburg City School District Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will host an induction ceremony and celebration on April 27 to honor current and former city student-athletes, coaches and program supporters.

According to a statement by the newly formed committee, its “primary mission is to honor and preserve the rich history of athletic excellence within the Harrisburg City School District while fostering enduring connections among alumni and the broader community.”

The April ceremony, which will take place at the Hilton Harrisburg, will pay tribute to the inaugural inductees. Honorees hail from previous Harrisburg high schools John Harris and William Penn, along with the current Harrisburg High School-John Harris campus and include students from 1959 to the present.

One inductee is James (Pumpkin) Anderson, a member of the John Harris class of 1966 and the first Black coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. He served for 29 years as the running back coach for the team.

“Anderson’s remarkable achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence that we seek to uphold within our Hall of Fame,” the committee’s statement said.

Other honorees include the late Dennis Green, a John Harris graduate and former NFL head coach, and Micah Parsons, a Harrisburg high graduate and current NFL player, among many others.

Tickets for the induction ceremony will be available here, starting March 1. For more information and a full list of inductees, visit their Facebook page.

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Harrisburg to crack down on illegal sidewalk parking enforcement with additional fines

March 18, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Hall

For those parked illegally, you may want to move your car.

Harrisburg announced on Monday that it would double down on enforcement efforts for cars parked illegally on city sidewalks.

City Council member Lamont Jones said that he worked with the Police Bureau to come up with the plan to crack down on the issue after speaking with residents who were concerned about sidewalk accessibility for pedestrians.

The sidewalks blocked by cars specifically impact seniors and those with disabilities who are often forced to move off the sidewalk and onto the street, Jones said at a Monday briefing with the press.

“I’ve seen people on wheelchairs and scooters having to go around them, and that’s not acceptable,” said Harrisburg Police Bureau Lt. Kyle Gautsch. “This is a friendly reminder not to drive up on the sidewalks.”

The city will continue to serve parking tickets to vehicles in violation of the code, while also having the power to issue extra $30 tickets for each additional hour that the car is parked illegally after the initial citation.

“Hopefully, we don’t have to write a ticket,” Jones said. “Hopefully, people will self-correct. We don’t want to put financial strain on residents.”

Harrisburg community service aides (CSAs) will distribute fliers with the advisory on Monday afternoon. According to city officials, the CSAs will focus outreach efforts to the N. 17th Street corridor, between Walnut and Derry streets, in Allison Hill. The issue is most prevalent in that area, Jones said.

However, increased enforcement will happen city-wide.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 15, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The Make-a-Wish Foundation on Wednesday presented Shelby (middle) with a trip to Disney World.

Another week has come and gone in Harrisburg, and there has been plenty of news to report on. In case you missed any of our coverage, make sure to catch up, below.

Artists in the Harrisburg area use their talents to promote environmentalism, our magazine story reported. Through their work, they hope to get people to think deeper about nature and the threats to its harmony.

The Bad Toupees has spent 30 years as a popular area dance band. In our magazine story, read about how the band formed and grew a following over the years.

Capital Area Greenbelt Association members reminded cyclists and pedestrians to use the Greenbelt detour, our online story reported. A portion of the trail, near the PennDOT building, is currently closed due to construction projects in the area.

City Council heard from a large group of residents who are calling on council to formally support a call for a cease-fire in Gaza, as Israel wages war with Hamas. In our online story, read about what they hope to accomplish.

Concerts are in full swing for the month of March. Our live music columnist has all the best shows in her list, here.

Gamut Theatre’s performance of “Pride & Prejudice” brings us the 18th-century romantic comedy to the stage, with a modern twist. To find out more about the show, read our reviewer’s write-up.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau will deploy a DUI patrol in the city this weekend due to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, our online story reported. The increased police presence will run from Saturday, March 16 at 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 17.

Harrisburg School District officials addressed a recent incident at its John Harris High School campus, our online story reported. According to the district, a teacher and safety monitor were involved in a fight in front of students in a classroom.

Home sales and prices were both higher this month, our reporting found. For the three-county area, sales totaled 373 homes, compared to 368 in February 2023, as the median sales price rose to $264,000 from $234,950.

HU Presents announced two new summer concerts, our online story reported. Singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis will take to the stage in June, along with country artist Charley Crockett in July.

Make-a-Wish Foundation and Capital Blue Cross presented a Harrisburg area girl with a trip to Walt Disney World, our online story reported. Eight-year-old Shelby was given her wish at a special Disney-themed event at Capital Blue Cross’ headquarters in Susquehanna Township.

Plants + Pints will return to Strawberry Square in April with a family-friendly event, our online story reported. The day will highlight local vegetarian and vegan vendors, food producers, farms, restaurants, craft beverages, wellness and other plant-based products in the community.

Sara Bozich has a list of activities, perfect for enjoying the spring weekend. Click here to find them.

Rosemary hopes her March recipe will get her picky husband to eat his vegetables. Click here for her kale salad recipe.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return to Harrisburg, hosted by the Downtown Improvement District, our online story reported. The parade will feature, Irish dancers, music and floats.

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Rolling into Spring: Bike share returns to Harrisburg for the season

March 15, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

SusqueCycle location at the Broad Street Market

It’s time for a spring ride around the city.

Local bike share program, SusqueCycle, is back for the season with wheels to rent around the Harrisburg area.

The bike share, administered by Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, was on pause for the winter, but is now active again, including stations in downtown, Midtown, Allison Hill and City Island.

According to a previous statement by TCRPC, they plan to make modern upgrades to the bikes, as well as adding two additional bike station locations this year. Those would be installed at the TransitPark lot at 10th and Market streets and at Commonwealth and North streets, but have not yet been put in place.

SusqueCycle is operated by Michigan-based Tandem Mobility and allows users to rent bikes by paying as they go or purchasing an annual membership through the Movatic app.

For more information about SusqueCycle, visit their website.

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Harrisburg Police to deploy DUI patrol on St. Patrick’s Day

March 14, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Police Bureau vehicle

Harrisburg is preparing for the upcoming holiday weekend, making sure people stay safe while having fun.

The city announced on Thursday that the police bureau would deploy DUI patrols on St. Patrick’s Day to encourage safe driving and to catch potential drunk drivers.

The increased police presence will run from Saturday, March 16 at 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 17.

“We like to call it ‘proactive policing,’” said Sgt. Tony Elliott of the police bureau. “If you plan on going out, make sure you also have a plan to safely get home.”

Harrisburg will be one of 11 local municipalities taking part in Dauphin County-wide impaired driving enforcement operations for the holiday.

According to the city, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for downtown Harrisburg.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place downtown earlier that day at 2 p.m.

The legal alcohol limit for drivers in the commonwealth is a .08 blood alcohol level.

“Every time you have something to drink and you get behind the wheel of a car, it’s a murder in progress,” Elliott said. “You just don’t know who the victim is.”

A nearly $650,000 PennDOT grant, which reimburses local police departments for special enforcement duties, will pay for the extra coverage on St. Patrick’s Day.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 14, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Book Club Pop-Up in SoMa tonight Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg Friday; Beach Weather at XL Live; St. Patrick’s Day Parade Things on my agenda this weekend: See above

For your weekend planning

Book Club Pop-Up in SoMa Thursday
3rd in the Burg Friday
HU Presents Beach Weather on Friday at XL Live
Read our review of The Vagina Monologues at Oyster Mill Playhouse
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Our return to Strawberry Square was a success! Catch us in April for a Clock Box Happy Hour!
Plants + Pints tickets are now on sale! Just $20 benefiting Downtown Daily Bread!
Enter to WIN a 4-pack of tickets to KIDZ BOP at GIANT Center!
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- Book Club Pop-Up in SoMa!
- Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz presents Connor Rohrer: A Solo Recital at Susquehanna Art Museum
- Live @ the ‘Shire w/ West & Ward at Boneshire Brew Works
- Irish Fest at all Appalachian Brewing Co. locations
- Girl Scout Cookies & Wine Pairings at Grandview Vineyards
- Lauren Daigle at GIANT Center
- New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally
- Open Stage presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – SOLD OUT

Friday

- 3rd in the Burg!
- SoMa Pop-Up with live music by Holly Serio | 3rd in the Burg
- SOUND@FOUND
- Tequila samples with Tres Agaves at El Sol
- The Night Market at La Cultura
- 3rd in the Burg at Susquehanna Art Museum
- at The Brownstone
- HU Presents Beach Weather at XL Live
- Irish Fest at all Appalachian Brewing Co. locations
- Rescheduled Sip ‘n Swap at HMAC
- Amy Jo Burns with Lindsay Hameroff: Mercury at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- Adrian Blitzer at Lovedrafts w/ Breach The Silence at Lovedraft’s Brewing
- Friday Night Live: Jason Carst at Wolf Brewing Co.
- St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Lancaster Brewing Co.
- Wine and Girl Scout Cookie Pairing at Cross Winds Winery
- Nocturnal 1 Year Anniversary Party!
- Bar Dust – Tribute to The Pogues at Tellus360
- Masters of Illusion at American Music Theatre
- The Vagina Monologues at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Open Stage presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – SOLD OUT
- 9 to 5: The Musical at The Fulton Theatre
- Murder at Mount Hope Mansion
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2
- Friendly Sons of St. Patrick St. Patrick’s Day Party at HMAC
- Another Day Dawns at HMAC

Saturday

- Lucky Charm 4 Miler
- 2024 Harrisburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Saint Patrick’s Parade Day Party at Nocturnal
- Irish Fest at all Appalachian Brewing Co. locations
- The Official Lucky’s St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – Harrisburg
- The Best St. Patrick’s Day Party Ever! in New Cumberland
- Annual Paddletown Flea Market & Pie Sale
- The Lobster Band performs at St Patricks Party at Etters VFW
- 15th Annual Kilmaine St. Patricks Day at XL Live
- St Lawrence Fish Fry
- Ashcombe Spring Open House
- Spring 2024 Home & Garden Showcase – Mechanicsburg at Stauffers of Kissel Hill
- St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Lancaster Brewing Co.
- Adult Egg Hunts at The Vineyard at Hershey
- Wine and Girl Scout Cookie Pairing at Cross Winds Winery
- ShamROCKED Beer Fest at Clipper Magazine Stadium
- Frets With Benefits at Big Bottom Brewery
- Sweet Maple Live @ Ever Grain Brewing Co.
- Hunter Root Live at The Abbey Bar with Cold Spring Union
- Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road at the West Shore Theatre
- U2TOPIA LIVE AT THE ENGLEWOOD
- Morning Glory’s St. Patty’s Day Bash at the DogHouse
- 3 Of A Kind Tour at HMAC
- Hershey Bears v. Syracuse Crunch
- The Oak Ridge Boys at American Music Theatre
- Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series Prokofiev and Brahms
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour
- The Vagina Monologues at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Pride and Prejudice at Gamut Theatre Group
- Open Stage presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – SOLD OUT
- 9 to 5: The Musical at The Fulton Theatre
- Murder at Mount Hope Mansion
- 90s vs 2000s Night at HMAC

Sunday

- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Wolf Brewing Company at Wolf Brewing Co.
- Martini Bros. Shamrockandroll Shindig! at Blue Sky Tavern
- Irish Fest at all Appalachian Brewing Co. locations
- Saint Patrick’s Day at West Shore Theatre with Seasons and Cas Ceol
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Grandview
- Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series Prokofiev and Brahms
- Ashcombe Spring Open House
- Adult Egg Hunts at The Vineyard at Hershey
- Wine and Girl Scout Cookie Pairing at Cross Winds Winery
- St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Lancaster Brewing Co.
- Powerman 5000 with September Mourning at Lovedrafts For St. Patricks Day 2024
- Hershey Bears v. Hartford Wolf Pack
- The Oak Ridge Boys at American Music Theatre
- The Vagina Monologues at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Pride and Prejudice at Gamut Theatre Group
- Open Stage presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – SOLD OUT
- 9 to 5: The Musical at The Fulton Theatre
- Murder at Mount Hope Mansion

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Harrisburg-area girl receives trip to Disney World through Make-a-Wish Foundation

March 13, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Make-a-Wish recipient Shelby (middle) was honored at a special ceremony.

Surrounded by princes and princesses, a local child received a magical gift on Wednesday.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation and Capital Blue Cross presented 8-year-old Mechanicsburg resident Shelby, who has a blood disorder, with a trip to Walt Disney World.

“This celebration marks a joyful milestone in the wish journey for Shelby and her family,” said Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash. “And helping to make this dream come true, sharing this opportunity to see her joy and her smile, it really doesn’t get much better than that.”

Shelby with parents Michelle and Adam.

Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley will fund the trip for the family in April. Shelby was presented with her wish at a special Disney-themed event at Capital Blue Cross’ headquarters in Susquehanna Township. Staff and local drama students dressed in costume for the event, as well. One local student also sang a song to Shelby.

Shelby said she looks forward to seeing her favorite Disney princess, Mulan, because she is from China like she is.

“This is such a special trip,” Shelby’s mother Michelle said. “She has done a lot of hard work to earn it. This just feels so overwhelmingly joyful.”

Shelby is escorted down the red carpet at Make-a-Wish presentation.

To learn more about Make-a-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, visit their website. For more information about Capital Blue Cross, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg School District employees fight in front of students, officials address incident

March 13, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman during a press conference on Wednesday.

Shortly after the school day started on Wednesday morning, two Harrisburg School District employees were involved in a fight.

The district issued a statement today, confirming that a Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus teacher and a safety monitor got into a verbal and physical altercation during a class period early this morning.

“I want to make it clear that this incident is entirely unacceptable,” Superintendent Eric Turman said at a press conference. “This is highly unusual and is not at all representative of our faculty and staff who take responsibility as role models for our students very seriously.”

According to the district, the safety monitor entered the classroom and confronted the teacher about a personal issue before the brief fight took place. Other safety monitors, staff and one student attempted to break up the fight, Turman said.

No one was injured in the altercation.

A video of the incident was posted on social media.

The district escorted the staff members from the building and placed them on paid leave while they investigate the incident.

According to Turman, the teacher worked for the district for two years and the safety monitor was employed by the district for the past seven years. Neither had prior issues recorded in their personnel files, Turman said.

The high school principal spoke to students on Wednesday, and district social workers are on site to speak with students as well.

“This is not what is expected for teachers or staff members of the Harrisburg School District,” Turman said.

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Food, beverage event returns to downtown Harrisburg for the vegan curious, committed

March 13, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg will host Pints + Pints.

If you’re thinking of making a healthy change, you can start exploring your options at a major event next month in downtown Harrisburg.

In April, Plants + Pints returns to Strawberry Square with a family-friendly event highlighting local vegetarian and vegan vendors, food producers, farms, restaurants, craft beverages, wellness and other plant-based products in the community.

Proceeds benefit Downtown Daily Bread, which helps to feed Harrisburg’s unhoused population. The event is presented by Members 1st Credit Union and is produced in partnership with Harristown Enterprises and Sara Bozich Events.

“We so appreciate the Plants + Pints event,” said Corrie Lingenfelter, executive director at Downtown Daily Bread. “With Sara’s efforts, this fun event will bring much needed funds and support to our hungry and homeless populations through Downtown Daily Bread.”

Guests will be able to sample and purchase food and drink from local restaurants, food purveyors and breweries, and shop from vendors who promote locally made and plant-based products.

“We’re excited to return Plants + Pints to Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, in a statement. “We’ve seen how interest in a healthy or plant-based lifestyle has grown, and the Harrisburg area has so much to offer. This festival allows vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious, to shop, sip, and sample from local vendors in a fun, inviting space — while giving back to the community.”

Plants + Pints Harrisburg takes place on April 14, 1 to 5 p.m., inside Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. Tickets are $20 (adults) and $10 (under 21; kids under 12 are free) at www.sarabozich.ticketleap.com/plants–pints-2024. A full list of vendors can be found at www.sarabozich.com/event/plants-pints-2024.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning