Harrisburg’s Fourth of July festival to return, city announces new July Music Series

June 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams announced the Fourth of July Food Truck and Fireworks Festival on Wednesday, along with event sponsors.

As July rounds the corner, Harrisburg plans to kick off the month with food, music and spectacle.

The city announced, at a press conference on Wednesday, its annual Fourth of July Food Truck and Fireworks Festival, which will return to N. Front Street on Tuesday, along with an upcoming summer music series.

“The 4^th of July is when Harrisburg shines,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “We urge everyone to come happy and definitely hungry and ready to have a good time.”

The festival, from 1 to 9 p.m., will include nearly 50 food trucks, featuring everything from dumplings to shaved ice to specialty waffles to PA Farm Show milkshakes. There will also be a wine and beer garden with selections from several local brewers and vineyards.

For families, the festival will have free kids’ activities with balloon animals, face painting, yard games, a magician and more.

Live music can be heard all day at the main stage, located between Liberty and State streets.

New this year, the city will host a “shop local” vendor area near the Civic Club of Harrisburg, where people can shop wares from local artisans and small businesses.

To close out the day, a fireworks display will shoot off from City Island beginning at 9:15 p.m. and will be visible from the riverfront. The display, which officials called “one of the best fireworks shows in central Pennsylvania,” will last about 15 minutes and include some 2,000 fireworks shells.

After an incident at last year’s Fourth of July festival in Harrisburg that caused attendees to flee from the riverfront just before the fireworks show, city officials assured the public that this year’s event will be safe.

“There will be a large complement of officers detailed just to the riverfront for the festivities and will be there all day,” explained Lt. Kyle Gautsch of the Harrisburg Police Bureau. “We are taking every step we can to ensure that last year’s events don’t take place again this year and everyone has a safe and happy 4^th of July.”

Police vehicles and officers will be located along N. Front Street throughout the day, as well, he added.

Free street parking will be available in the city on July 4. Parking is also available on City Island for $5 and $10 parking, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., can be found at the Square Garage.

N. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Forster to Walnut streets, from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., on July 4. The Market Street Bridge will close westbound from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

In addition to the holiday festivities, Harrisburg announced its new July Music Series, which will take place at the Reservoir Park bandshell, from July 2 through 30.

The series, hosted by the city and Harrisburg-based nonprofit Pop’s House, will offer the community six free nights of music in the park.

The program will include the following events:

July 2—Mayor Williams’ Rising Stars Youth Showcase, 6-8:30 p.m.
July 4—Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
July 9—Gospel Night with R.E.I.G.N., 6-8:30 p.m.
July 15—Jazz under the Stars with Mike Philips-5-10 p.m.
July 23—Reggae Night with Jah Works, 6-8:30 p.m.
July 30—Latin Night with Mako Swing, 6-8:30 p.m.

“There is something for everyone in July at the bandshell,” Williams said.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Harrisburg School District to demolish long-vacant William Penn building, approves 2023-24 budget

June 27, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School Board meeting on Tuesday

The Harrisburg School District on Tuesday took action on two significant agenda items—the district’s budget and the future of one of its most storied buildings.

District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the demolition of the long-vacant and blighted William Penn School building, citing the financial burden that it has caused the district.

“We have gone through extensive dialogue about this property,” Suski said. “The building was improperly shuttered years ago, and I agree with the residents that it’s a travesty. But we need to look at how best to use our resources. It doesn’t really appear that there is any other direction to go than to proceed with the demolition.”

Suski approved a $6.8 million proposal from the Gordian Group to demolish the building, built in 1926.

According to district officials at a previous board meeting, William Penn has increasingly suffered structural damage, fires and break-ins. Over the years, the school district weighed options such as selling the building and renovating it for use as a magnet middle school. However, Suski explained that the district wasn’t interested in any sales offers it got and received quotes estimating renovations could be as high as $90 million.

Several William Penn graduates and community members attended Tuesday’s meeting to express frustration with the plan to demolish the building.

“I’m upset that they allowed the building to deteriorate,” said Elle Richard, of the William Penn class of 1966. “It shouldn’t have gone this far. It’s sad because it seemed so much like home.”

David Morrison, executive director of the Historic Harrisburg Association, said that while he wished the building could have been adaptively reused, “that moment, sadly, appears to be long gone,” he said.

“To lose that majestic façade that looms over Italian Lake will indeed be an enduring loss,” he added. “But we know that you can’t save everything.”

Some school board members expressed support for the decision to demolish the building, agreeing with district officials that maintaining the building had become too costly.

“It does hurt that this decision had to be made,” said school board director Danielle Robinson. “We’ve done everything to try to figure out how to save this building but realistically it just can’t be done.”

The school district will likely begin demolition in August or September, which would take around a year to complete, said John Reedy, chief of operations for the district.

According to Superintendent Eric Turman, the district plans to host community meetings in the fall to hear input from residents on how they’d like to see the property used after William Penn is demolished.

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved the final 2023-24 budget of $218.5 million, which does not include a property tax increase.

Taxes will remain at a millage rate of 30.78.

In an earlier form of the preliminary budget, the district proposed raising taxes by 3.25%, however, officials removed the tax hike from the proposal at a previous meeting.

The 2023-24 budget is lower than the 2022-23 budget of $223.8 million, due to the end of some of the district’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) money, COVID relief funding, officials stated.

In other news, Suski also approved the termination of a license agreement of the district’s Joshua Farm with Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries, effective June 30. According to Suski, since the district began the partnership with the nonprofit about a month ago, the district has had concerns with the way the organization has used the property, located at 213 S. 18^th St.

Suski said that district officials will create a new plan later this summer for the use of the property.

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New content creation, event space opens in downtown Mechanicsburg

June 26, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Interior of The Content Creator’s Collective

A new space where entrepreneurs can create and collaborate debuted over the weekend in downtown Mechanicsburg.

Brand photographer Shannon Claire opened The Content Creator’s Collective in first-floor space at 1 E. Main St., formerly the home of Glitz Soap Co.

“We have beautiful natural light, multiple sets and backdrop options set up, props and tripods that make it easy and convenient for our members and guests to create content for their online marketing needs,” she said.

Shannon Claire

Claire said that it took her some five years to find exactly the type of space that she wanted for her business.

“As a photographer, I had specific criteria and aesthetic in mind for a space like this,” she said. “It’s been well worth the wait because this location has everything I was looking for.”

The 1,000-square-foot space also will be used to host a variety of events, Claire said. These include co-working sessions, content creation days, workshops and pop-up shops featuring local boutiques and small businesses.

In addition, businesses can rent out the space for small events such as baby showers, bridal showers, business meetings, etc. Memberships and sponsorships are also available.

“I am passionate about helping other business owners succeed, and opening The Collective gives me many avenues to make that happen,” Claire said.

The Content Creator’s Collective is located at 1 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.theShannonClaire.com/studio.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 23, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams (left) and City Council President Danielle Bowers cut the ribbon on the new Chutes and Ladders Playground, along with other local officials and children.

It’s a rainy weekend around Harrisburg, which makes it the perfect time to visit a local coffee shop, art museum library or movie theater. Don’t forget to support small businesses! First, take the time to catch up on our local news coverage, below.

“Blue Jean” gives a “beautiful portrayal” of a woman struggling with sexual identity, says our movie reviewer. The film plays this month at Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg.

Chutes and Ladders Playground opened in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg this week, concluding a six-year-long project, our online story reported. The new $1 million playground is inspired by the children’s board game of the same name.

Harrisburg University announced a partnership with Recycle Bicycle, our online story reported. The partnership will provide free bikes, training and internship opportunities to students.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced David Cohen as its new president and CEO, our online story reported. Cohen will help the federation transition to the new Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, which is slated to open later this year.

Juneteenth HBG organizers joined with Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members on Monday for a press conference to celebrate the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, our online story reported. The press conference capped weeks of educational, artistic and musical events.

Mansion Concerts is bringing the house concert culture to Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The performances, held at the Manor on Front, feature singer-songwriters and acoustic guitarists, among other musicians.

M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab concluded after seven weeks of courses for local entrepreneurs, our online story reported. The lab finished with a pitch competition, crowning three winners.

Panna cotta is the perfect summer dessert, says our cooking columnist Rosemary. Find the recipe for the Italian delicacy, here.

Pedal Pusher Bicycle Shop is celebrating 50 years of serving the Harrisburg area. In our magazine story, read about Ted Carskadon, the new owner, and the future of the shop.

Pickleball popularity is sweeping the nation and the Harrisburg area will soon have its first indoor facility devoted entirely to the sport, our magazine story reported. Smash Point Pickleball is expected to open the first week of July in Hampden Township.

Sara Bozich has a ton of great ways to spend the weekend around Harrisburg. Find them all, here.

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Capital Region Multicultural Business Lab concludes, awards several area startups

June 22, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Josue Osorto (front, third from right), pitch competition winner from M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab, among other officials.

Several Harrisburg-area startup businesses have received a financial boost after participating in a local small businesses training program.

M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab recently concluded with a pitch competition, crowning three local businesses as winners.

“The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab empowers Greater Harrisburg’s entrepreneurs and provides their small businesses with the resources to grow,” said Nora Habig, M&T’s regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania.

The pitch competition, held on June 21, wrapped up a seven-week business accelerator program that began in May in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University. During the free program, local minority entrepreneurs attended weekly business classes at HU.

Josue Osorto, founder of Bespoke Vending, won the $6,000 grand prize for pitching his vending machine company that sells popular, trending, nostalgic and hard-to-find snacks from around the world. Osorto, the son of El Salvadoran immigrants living in Hummelstown, started his business in September 2022 and plans to use the funds to purchase more vending machines and create a website.

Coming in second place and winning $4,000 was Corey Dupree, owner of Men Raising Black Boys. BreAna Blount, owner of Bre’s Eats-n-Sweets, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab launched in 2022 to provide minority small-business owners with free access to resources and education to grow their businesses. Last year, M&T Bank and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University received the 2022 Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC for its impact on the area.

“Supporting small businesses remains at the core of M&T, and we’re proud to invest in diverse small businesses within the Harrisburg community,” Habig said.

For more information, visit M&T Bank’s website.

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Education on Wheels: Harrisburg University partners with Recycle Bicycle, offers bikes, internships to students

June 22, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Recycle Bicycle at 1722 Chestnut St., Harrisburg

A new community partnership will let Harrisburg University students get hands-on experience in their wheelhouse of interest.

The college is teaming up with Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg to provide students with education, internships and free bikes.

“I hope that all of our students take advantage of the opportunity,” said Dr. A.J. Merlino, associate vice president of Student Professional Development & Experiential Learning.

The partnership will allow all HU students access to bikes from Recycle Bicycle, which provides free bikes and maintenance assistance to the Harrisburg area community.

According to Merlino, who also coordinates HU’s Cycling Esports Club, more students are becoming interested in sustainability. Giving them access to a bike addresses their desire to live more eco-friendly, explore the city and save money, he said.

“I think that’s really the big goal, giving our students accessibility,” he said.

In addition to the free bikes, Recycle Bicycle will also give students a space to bring their classroom knowledge into the community.

According to Ross Willard, the organization’s founder, education is at the heart of their mission. Volunteers and staff at Recycle Bicycle will work with students on projects like creating bike repair stations around the city and building a computer program to keep track of bike inventory, among other initiatives. However, Willard is open to any ideas students might have for projects.

“We are a great resource,” Willard said. “We are a ready-made experimental lab for students. We want them to be able to use us to expand their world and help our community.”

Merlino said that he expects students studying digital marketing, manufacturing and environmental science, among other areas of study, to be involved in the partnership.

HU students may also hold events in conjunction with Recycle Bicycle to bring awareness to the organization’s importance in the community.

“Being good partners and neighbors is important,” Merlino said. “And who knows what this will allow students to do.”

For more information on Harrisburg University, visit their website. To learn more about Recycle Bicycle, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 22, 2023 | 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: Take the kids to play at the new Chutes and Ladders playground in Reservoir Park Worth noting: A silent disco in Riverfront Park on Sunday Things on my agenda this weekend: idk I think PA Speedweeks! And the Friends of TheBurg soiree.

For your weekend(ish) planning

See lovelytheband with Beach Water with HU Presents at XL Live on Tuesday
See NYT Best Selling authors Ruth Ware and Riley Sager at Midtown Scholar
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

The June SoMa Block Party (aka Budget Bash) is June 29 – add to your calendar!
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is now Tuesdays through October
Save the date for Plants + Pints!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg names new president, CEO

June 21, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

David Cohen

A major Harrisburg-area organization has announced a new day-to-day leader, just as it plans to make a big move.

On Wednesday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced the appointment of David Cohen as its new president and CEO, following a yearlong, national search.

According to the federation, Cohen, currently of Boston, has experience helping federations, JCCs, synagogues, summer camps, Jewish day schools and other Jewish organizations succeed.

Cohen will play a critical role as the federation transitions to the new Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, which is slated to open later this year, according to the federation. In April 2022, the federation purchased the former Dixon University Center, located on the 2800-block of N. Front Street in Harrisburg, from the PA State System of Higher Education for its new home.

It will move from its long-time location on the 3300-block of N. Front St. in Harrisburg.

“We’re grateful to be bringing David on board. He’s someone with all the skills and expertise that you would want in a federation leader, and who’s also an incredibly down-to-earth, haimish¸ warm person who fits in with the culture and sensibility of our Harrisburg Jewish community,” said Abby Smith, federation board chair. “For him, it goes beyond working within the Jewish community, but also being a Jewish ambassador and leader within the community at-large.”

Cohen will join the federation in mid-August. He succeeds Arnie Sohinki, who has led the organization in an interim role since last summer.

Most recently, Cohen served with the Jewish Community Relations Council in Boston and as JCRC director in Richmond. He also has served as an administrator with the Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston and as the director of Congregational Learning at Temple Sinai Congregation in Toronto, Canada, among other prior positions.

“I am excited to meet with even more community leaders and a wide spectrum of community members to hear what they’d like the future of Harrisburg to look like,” Cohen said. “The Jewish Federation is already a great convener of different segments of the community and there are amazing people in leadership of the Jewish community—to take that to the next level is the goal, with even more support for learning, community and connectivity.”

For more information on the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, visit their website.

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New Way to Play: Harrisburg cuts the ribbon on Chutes and Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park

June 20, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Chutes and Ladders Playground at Reservoir Park

Dozens of kids played, laughed and squealed with joy as Harrisburg cut the ribbon on its newest playground.

The city celebrated on Tuesday the grand opening of its Chutes and Ladders Playground at Reservoir Park, concluding a six-year-long project to upgrade a portion of the 87-acre park.

“The Chutes and Ladders Playground is unlike anything in or around the Harrisburg area,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “This is innovation and creativity at its best.”

The new $1 million playground, near the Reservoir Park bandshell, is inspired by the children’s board game of the same name. The playground includes many different slides and rope ladders, as well as other play equipment.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams (left) and City Council President Danielle Bowers cut the ribbon on the new playground, along with other local officials and children.

Harrisburg broke ground on the project in April 2022.

The playground is one phase of the city’s Reservoir Park Master Plan, which aims to increase interest and traffic in the park. Later phases include creating a spray park, constructing a new pavilion, increasing parking, adding a “tot lot” playground for younger children, planting trees and increasing walkways in the park. Construction on the next phase will begin later in the year, according to the city.

During the Chutes and Ladders ribbon-cutting event, Mackenzie Boyd of Mechanicsburg watched her 3-year-old play on the new equipment.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “It’s bright and colorful and unique.”

Leah Fletcher came from Highspire to the park, where she often brings her kids.

“It’s nice to see it updated,” she said. “It’s great for the little ones.”

Her own “little one,” Alessandra, chimed in, saying, “I love everything about it.”

Kids play on the new Chutes and Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park

City officials said that upgrades at Reservoir Park are one of many recent initiatives to modernize and update Harrisburg parks.

In October, Harrisburg received a $13 million grant, which will support the renovation of 7th & Radnor Park, Wilson Playground, Gorgas Playground and Jackson Lick Pool. The money came from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s COVID relief funding.

“This is really just the beginning,” said Dave Baker, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “We really do expect to have some amazing things in the upcoming years.”

Reservoir Park is located at 100 Concert Dr., Harrisburg. For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Local officials mark Juneteenth, celebrate progress, encourage continued activism

June 19, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Local officials discuss Juneteenth at a press conference in front of the K. Leroy Irvis building at the state Capitol complex.

Local officials gathered on Monday to recognize a holiday commemorating freedom.

Juneteenth HBG organizers joined with Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members for a press conference at the state Capitol complex to discuss the importance of Juneteenth, June 19.

“Juneteenth is a day in which we remember America’s original sin—which is slavery,” said Rogette Harris, South Central PA Caucus chair. “However, Juneteenth also reminds us of our ability to heal, hope and emerge from our darkest moments with persistence and determination.”

The holiday, officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021, memorializes the day in 1865 that remaining Black slaves in Texas received word that they were free.

Monday’s press conference capped weeks-long Juneteenth HBG celebrations and events held by the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg. Activities included educational, artistic and musical showcases. According to Dr. Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of YPOC, over 3,000 attendees and over 75 vendors participated in Juneteenth events.

“Look what we accomplished,” Campbell shared.

Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick also announced at the press conference that the county has designated Juneteenth as an official holiday, as well.

Other officials shared information about Juneteenth’s history and encouraged the community to continue social justice work by supporting local Black-owned businesses and advocating for equality.

“Today, as we commemorate Juneteenth, we are not just marking the end of the physical bondage that held our ancestors, but we are also celebrating the spirit of jubilee that continues to inspire our community in Harrisburg and beyond,” said Rep. David Madsen (D-104).

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

What you’ll find:

For your weekend(ish) planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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