Let’s Rolls: See how the other half lives, without ever leaving the midstate.

May 31, 2022 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Rolls-Royce may be the ultimate symbol of opulence and luxury.

A long-slung commercial stretch on the outskirts of Mechanicsburg? Arguably not.

But the two come together perfectly along Hempt Road, where the Rolls-Royce Foundation exhibits a stunning collection of the world-famous motorcars.

Despite its low-key location, the destination attracts about 1,500 visitors a year. It’s comprised of a show room, an art gallery, a warehouse and a working garage where volunteers employ their mechanical skills.

Mark Lizewskie, executive director of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club and Rolls-Royce Foundation, said that he enjoys seeing people when they first enter the showroom.

“We are the largest organization in North America dedicated to Bentley and Rolls-Royce motorcars,” he said. “It is always fun to see the expressions on our visitor’s faces when they discover our facilities.”

Those who visit are escorted through the showroom, which displays about 30 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars dating back to the 1920s. Guests learn about the history of the brand, including how Rolls-Royce owned Bentley for a period of about 70 years (today, Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, while Bentley is owned by VW).

Visitors also hear interesting details about the cars on display. These include a 1929 Springfield Phantom I, which was a replacement for the original Silver Ghost, and the 1946 Silver Wraith, which was the first post-war automobile manufactured by Rolls-Royce. They also see a unique-looking vehicle that may prompt them to dig a little deeper into the story of a cult leader who was a huge enthusiast, the owner of 93 Rolls-Royces.

After the showroom tour, guests are led into an adjacent room to view a gallery of artwork. There, they’ll see works by the painter and illustrator Melbourne Brindle. The Australian-American artist’s passion for Rolls-Royce motorcars shines through in his work. Among the vehicles featured are the first Silver Ghost shown in front of the Cook Street factory in Manchester, England, in 1907, a 1911 tulip-back limousine, and a 1914 Rolls-Royce that belonged to a Russian aristocrat by the name of Prince Yusupov. A handy printout allows visitors to learn about the history of the cars shown in the paintings.

Gearheads can delve into the weeds as much as they like since this is also the largest research center for Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. Sarah Holibaugh, research librarian, is on site to answer any questions.

The public is permitted to look through books, technical manuals, handbooks, sales literature and periodicals, as well as historical documents.

“One of the favorite parts of my job is researching all the hidden stories that come with a Rolls-Royce or Bentley,” she said. “[Also, I] get to show new owners that these are more than just classic cars, but drivable art, complete with rich histories, notable ownership and unique provenance.”

The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club & Rolls-Royce Foundation is located at 191 Hempt Rd., Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.rollsroycefoundation.org or call 717-597-4671.

On a Roll

Here are some fun facts about Rolls-Royce:

The hood ornament called “The Spirit of Ecstasy,” which debuted in 1911, was commissioned by car collector Baron John Edward Scott-Montagu, who based it on a likeness of his secretary-turned-mistress. Initial ornaments portrayed the sculpture with a finger pressed against her lips.
More than 60% of all Rolls-Royces are still on the road.
Rolls-Royce offers a “White Glove” training program, which teaches drivers how to open and close doors without leaving fingerprints behind, how to brake without jolting the passenger, and how to drive for maximum smoothness.
Rolls-Royce uses only bulls for the leather interior, since cows can get stretch marks from pregnancy. They don’t use just any old bull, though. They source bulls from Europe, since higher altitudes mean fewer insect bites.
The Rolls-Royce wheels logo always remains upright. When the car is in motion, the logo on the center cap remains static. A gyroscopic mechanism keeps it from rotating.

Perhaps these few fun facts will pique your curiosity enough to pay a visit and maybe more than once, since the donated cars rotate every few months.

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The Painted Word: A world of creative surprises awaits at “Art House.”

May 31, 2022 | by Bob MacGinnes

Paintings by Michael McCullough.

Art House “is a very, very, very fine house with two cats in the yard…”

At the risk of dating myself, the two cats are “hep” as in “way cool” (‘60s beatnik lingo), and the house nestled in the Fairfield Valley is full of art from floor to ceiling. June may be the perfect month for road trips. In fact, anytime through the fall works well to venture to the McCullough “House of Art.”

Michael McCullough and wife, Sharon Pierce McCullough, have made art their life, and it is evident in the shrine they have built to it throughout their eclectic dwelling. Both artists work in diverse media and their tastes, although uniquely different, complement each other as represented in their approaches and presentations. As with other married couples, they complete a yin and yang with ample latitude for limitless imagination coming together to create a holistic habitat rich and deeply textured. Both deal in abstract expressionistic paintings, with Sharon adding statuary as well as geometric equations to the mix. Schooled in the self-taught realm of “experience being the best teacher,” the couple constantly pushes their art to dramatic heights, embracing challenges as opportunities in developing new works.

Michael started his career as a furniture maker, evolving into photography, printmaking and painting. All mediums are based in large part to his “connection and exploration with the world.”

“The work is intended to evoke an emotion or thought which might not necessarily be my own,” the artist shared.

Michael’s outsized abstract paintings are often depicted on stretched canvases that permeate outdoor installations. He engages with the world through assemblage, drawing, photography and painting. He leans into “personal interactions linking a place or book to the process involved in creating, often informed by the movement of layers of paint.” They bring about remembrance and resolution. Michael’s work has been juried into national exhibitions that include the Washington County Museum of Art in Maryland and the State Museum of PA in Harrisburg.

Sharon’s journey started out as a “visual artist engaging in a multi-disciplinary practice that encompasses painting and sculpture,” she said. Her ever-expanding universe now eclipses four decades of creating her own orbit of art.

With elements of cement, plaster, cardboard and found metal objects, her statues take on a personality all their own. Standing up to 5 feet tall, they often appear larger than life. Colorfully abstract in their construct, the paintings she creates are lyrical and narrative, following the muse of the artist, which leads her to expand a theme that becomes serialized. In their rendering, they offer a before, now and after, allowing the viewer a complete story by the end. She holds a deep appreciation for negative and positive space, which influences the process of creating, as well as providing color and form.

Geometric configurations play a repeating role in Sharon’s art, offering dimensional problem-solving resulting in a different algorithm. Well known and shown, she is most proud of a statue on exhibit at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. The juried exhibition features work created by the Washington Sculptors Group, of which she is a member. In addition, McCullough took first place in the “Sculpture” category in 2015 at “Art of the State” at the PA State Museum. Her body of work has included stops nationally and internationally in Europe.

Perhaps the elephant in the room is the house itself, in its role as repository of an ever-expanding collection created by the McCulloughs and friends and then curated to perfection by the couple. Pulling up to the property in Cashtown, one sees a stage already set with statues dotting the landscape, canvases floating off the line, and acreage relegated to massive rustic wheels connecting the present to the past. Part museum, part fantasy theme park, the property takes visitors through time in viewing folk art that pays homage to historical tradition, offering treasure upon treasure that leads from one vignette to the next, room by room. When viewed as a whole, the effect may feel like Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole. But, when taken in small doses, the art is educationally sound and, like Graham Nash wrote, “the windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them.”

Art House exists in large part for the art enthusiast who embraces creativity and is willing to take a drive for an adventure to a magical land of imagination and meaning, a world of enchantment full of treasures, jewels and “fiery gems for you, only for you.”

Art House “is a very, very, very fine house.” The “cats” await.

For more information, visit www.sharonpiercemccullough.com, follow on Instagram @share333 or email at [email protected].

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 27, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Mayor Wanda Williams swore in five new officers on Thursday.

Happy Memorial Day, Harrisburg. Whether you’re headed to Artsfest or plan to grill with friends, make sure you first get up to speed on this past week’s local news.

Another Round Lemoyne resells professional-grade restaurant wares at a fraction of their original prices, our magazine story reported. Owner Jon Bellem purchased the items from the pandemic wave of closed cafes and restaurants.

Artsfest will return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this weekend from May 28 to 30, our online story reported. The event will feature 150 art vendors, as well as food, music and entertainment.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region received its largest donation ever, our reporting found. Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott awarded the organization $1.1 million. In total, she donated $122.6 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which then allocated a portion of the funds to 38 local agencies.

Dauphin County announced tourism grants for dozens of local programs, projects and organizations, our online story reported. The county will award over $2.3 million in grants to 77 recipients.

Dauphin County Library System opened a new downtown Harrisburg Print Shop, our online story reported. The facility will allow the library to print its own materials, as well as provide affordable services to local nonprofits.

Harrisburg plans to begin a Group Violence Intervention program to prevent gun violence in the city, our online story reported. According to officials, it will only be successful if the community is committed to helping out.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau swore in five new officers on Thursday, our reporting found. They also presented officers with awards of bravery and recognized retirees.

Jeannetta Politis was appointed executive director of the Joshua Group in Harrisburg, filling the shoes of founder Kirk Hallet, who retired. In our magazine story, read more about the organization’s mission to support at-risk youth.

Obesity is a national pandemic that has been exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic, says George Fernandez, founder of Latino Connection. Latino populations are especially at risk. For tips on how to combat obesity, read our online story.

One13 Social is an upscale, casual restaurant specializing in dishes created with locally sourced ingredients, our magazine story reported. The restaurant is relatively new to Carlisle, but already has dedicated customers.

Once Upon a Pesto, an online blog, showcases unique pesto recipes from around the world. In our magazine story, read about Dauphin County resident Jessica Paholsky’s vision behind the blog and find a few recipes to try.

PennDOT announced that it expects to move forward with a plan to rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge, our online story reported. The project would include adding a new utility bridge.

PennDOT’s proposal for the Market Street Bridge has our editor wondering how one agency could have so many bad ideas. In an editorial, read why he’s opposed to the proposal to add a utility bridge next to the historic structure.

Poets in Harrisburg have found healing and meaning through writing, our magazine story reported. Read about several local poets who not only write to help themselves, but to impact others.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company will premiere “Crowns” this weekend at Open Stage in Harrisburg. In our magazine story, read about the show, which centers the experiences of Black women finding their place in the world.

Sara Bozich has lots of ideas for how to spend your weekend, including Artsfest, Harrisburg Senators games and Memorial Day festivities.

“Saving Our Streets” will honor the families of gun violence victims, as well as educate the youth, on May 28, our online story reported. The event will be held at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg and feature vendors, community resources and kids’ activities.

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Dauphin County, Harrisburg weigh vacant Paxton firehouse for service center for unhoused

May 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Paxton firehouse building at 336 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg

Harrisburg and Dauphin County may repurpose a prominent, long-vacant building to serve as a facility for the city’s unhoused.

The Paxton firehouse, located in Shipoke, has sat empty for years, but is now being weighed as a potential service center to support residents experiencing homelessness.

According to Randie Yeager, Dauphin County human services director, the proposal came after the county noticed an increased need for shower facilities for the unhoused population. Several area organizations that have provided those services have either reduced capacity, reached max capacity or closed, she said.

The county, along with the city and local organizations that serve the unhoused, are working together to address this issue, she said.

Their current proposal, dubbed “Showers on Second,” would be to use the 85-year-old firehouse as a place for residents in need to possibly access showers, among other services, according to a written proposal sent to Shipoke residents by the county.

County, Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness representatives held a closed meeting with Shipoke residents on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. When contacted by TheBurg, the Shipoke Neighborhood Association declined to comment on the proposal.

The Paxton Fire Co. firehouse, formerly known as Station 6, closed in 2014 due to its need for significant repairs and its location in a flood zone.

Yeager said that the county is still considering other locations for a service center and that no decision has yet been made on the firehouse.

“The City of Harrisburg is committed to addressing homelessness in our city through non-traditional ways and we are excited to collaborate with local partners,” said Harrisburg Director of Communications Matt Maisel.

According to Yeager, if the county moves forward with the proposal, it would seek a local organization to run operations at the facility.

Other possible services offered at the center could include providing locker space, snacks and visits by Dauphin County Human Services staff.

According to the proposal document, the Paxton firehouse location could serve around 15 to 30 people daily and is in close proximity to south Harrisburg and downtown encampments of unhoused residents.

While the initiative is still in draft form, Yeager said that she hopes to soon see action to fill the gap in services.

“The sooner, the better,” she said.

The Paxton Firehouse is located at 336 S. 2^nd St., Harrisburg.

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A new initiative to combat gun violence in Harrisburg will need community support, participation to be effective, officials say

May 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A Town Hall for Justice held in April to discuss gun violence.

A new program in Harrisburg could change the way the city addresses gun violence, but, according to officials, it will take the community’s commitment for it to work.

After gaining approval from Harrisburg City Council this month, the city plans to start a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) initiative this summer with the goal of preventing violent crimes.

“We wanted to address a lot of the gun violence that’s been going on in the city,” said Adrienne Hoffman-Lewis, crime analyst for the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

In December, Harrisburg received a $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for violence prevention efforts. The grant was tied to a requirement for the city to contract with The Research Foundation of the City University of New York, on behalf of the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC) at John Jay College, to provide services for a two-year term. The organization is a pioneer in GVI strategies that provides evidence-based, crime-reduction strategies to communities across the nation.

The GVI program is centered around an ultimatum of sorts—one that Harrisburg offenders may soon face. Members of violent groups in the city will be presented with the option to either receive help and stop the violence or to face consequences.

“You either have the choice to accept social services and get out of that life, or if you don’t, we are going to come down hard on you,” explained Chardan Huston, director of community relations and engagement for the Harrisburg police.

Under the program, which could begin as early as June, staff members with the NNSC will conduct research and analyze group violence in Harrisburg. This will include identifying members of violent groups.

Huston explained that the GVI program uses the term “group” rather than “gang,” because not all violent groups are gangs.

According to Hoffman-Lewis, the city doesn’t currently have formal data identifying violent groups in Harrisburg. This is information NNSC will gather, likely by the end of the year, Hoffman-Lewis said.

Identifying community participants is another large part of the puzzle. These “moral voices”—as the GVI program refers to them—will partner with the city to help support and convince group members to accept help.

“The biggest piece of this strategy will be that collaboration between law enforcement, social services and the community,” Hoffman-Lewis said. “We really need the community to be involved, we need their voices.”

Huston predicts that the data-collecting and partnership-building first phase of the program will take up the rest of the year. In 2023, the bureau will then focus on implementation. Officers and other community members will conduct call-ins—presentations to members of violent groups about their options moving forward.

Within the coming weeks, the bureau is looking to hire a project manager, preferably a resident who already has knowledge of and relationships with Harrisburg law enforcement, social service organizations, and residents, according to Hoffman-Lewis. The person in this role will spearhead the program and serve as a liaison between violent group members, law enforcement and other organizations.

If the program is successful, it could reduce violence in the city and help those involved on a better path, officials said. But there are still many unknowns with the initiative, which will be new to Harrisburg. At previous city council meetings, council members expressed their concerns, asking questions about the timeline and strategy.

No one can know for sure how the new program will play out in Harrisburg, but bureau officials have studied how other cities, like York, have fared under the model.

Since 2016, York city has utilized the GVI program in an attempt to combat gun violence.

According to Lt. Daniel Lentz of the York City Police Department, the initiative has impacted the way that the department has approached policing.

“The whole goal is to keep group members safe, alive and out of prison,” Lentz told TheBurg. “We don’t want to be arresting you, but we want the violence to stop.”

In York, getting violent group members to participate has included requiring attendance at call-in meetings as a condition of probation and even confronting members at their homes. For those they can’t reach, the goal is that group members spread the message.

Lentz said that the department has seen small changes over the years. From 2020-21, York experienced a 10% decrease in non-fatal shootings. But he believes that, even nearly six years into the GVI program, the real change is yet to come.

“I don’t think we will see the true effects for 10 to 20 years,” he said. “It’s about breaking a cycle and that takes a lot of time.”

In Lentz’s opinion, Harrisburg’s two-year contract with NNSC should be enough time to get the GVI initiative established. From there, the fate of the program will rest on the community’s dedication to keep it going.

“The ultimate success relies heavily on strong partnerships,” he said. “Every entity has to be committed.”

Hoffman-Lewis believes that help from the NNSC will leave Harrisburg in a place of self-sufficiency, where, like York, the GVI program can become a regular part of how the city operates and interacts with offenders. But more than that, she’s hopeful that it will prevent future tragedies.

“The hope is that, as group members and other people that are committing violence see that these things are being offered, that maybe they will be proactive in reaching out,” she said.

For more information on the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, visit their website.

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Harrisburg Police Bureau swears in five new officers, presents awards of bravery

May 26, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Mayor Wanda Williams swore in five new officers.

Harrisburg celebrated the addition of several new police officers on Thursday, as the city held its annual swearing in and awards ceremony.

Mayor Wanda Williams welcomed five new officers to the Harrisburg Police Bureau at the ceremony at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The new hires bring the complement to 128 uniformed police officers.

“I believe, with the selection we have made, that these five candidates rose to the top,” said Commissioner Thomas Carter. “I am very proud of them.”

The following officers were newly sworn in:

Officer Dalton Aldrich
Officer Joshua C. Appleby
Officer Timothy Cheng
Officer Isaiah P. Cuthbertson
Officer Haden Landis

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the difficulties of being a police officer, while acknowledging the family-like atmosphere of the bureau.

“Harrisburg City has the best police officers of any agency I’ve ever worked for,” Carter said.

During the ceremony, many officers were recognized for their heroic actions during difficult situations, such as assisting with an infant overdose, arresting homicide suspects, helping suicidal people and using lifesaving techniques on someone undergoing cardiac arrest.

The ceremony also honored the following retirees:

Officer Robert E. McKenzie
Sgt. Quinten E. Kennedy
Detective Christopher Krokos
Detective Ryan J. Neal
Detective Richard C. Gibney
Detective Richard J. Iachini
Detective Libertad Ramos
Capt. Todd A. Abromitis

Lt. Kenneth Young was promoted to captain during the ceremony.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 26, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

For something new: If you haven’t been to Artsfest in a while, it’s this weekend in Riverfront Park.

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: A couple birthday parties, maybe an ArtsFest visit, backyard hangs.

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

Plan a getaway – without the hassle
Start a book club
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

Giving away some hot sauce here
Subscribe & save with Broadway Series at Hershey Theatre
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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Copy That: Dauphin County Library System opens new downtown printing facility

May 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Dauphin County Library’s new Print Shop

Materials that used to take the Dauphin County Library System over a week to print can now be done in less than half the time, thanks to new technology.

On Wednesday, library officials showed off their new Print Shop, which will allow them to print paper products and offer affordable services to local nonprofits.

“It allows us to provide better service to our community,” said Christina Lauver, marketing and public relations manager for the library. “We want to be an integral part of the community and this is one way to do that.”

The shop is located in the Penn National Insurance (PNI) building on N. 2^nd Street. The first-floor space was donated by PNI for a three-year lease.

Previously, the Dauphin County’s McCormick Riverfront Library held printing technology in the lower level of the building. However, moving the operation to the new building will help free up space in the library, Lauver said. Currently, the library is undergoing a construction and expansion project, set to be completed by mid-September. The lower level will then be open to the public.

The print shop will not only offer the library a space to print, cut, fold, staple and package materials, but it will serve as a resource to other organizations. According to Lauver, they plan to partner with area nonprofits to provide lower-cost printing services. It will also offer services to the Capital Area Library District in Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin counties.

The arrangement will also give the library a source of income and save them money that otherwise would’ve been spent on outsourcing for printing needs.

The shop features a large new digital press, purchased with money raised from the library’s capital campaign, which allows faster printing than the library’s previous printer. Using its technology, the Print Shop can offer posters, flyers, notecards, program booklets and business cards, among many other products.

While Lauver said that the library does utilize many online and digital resources, paper products are still important, especially for accessibility reasons. However, she noted that the Print Shop uses sustainably forested products.

“There are still plenty of reasons to keep printing,” she said.

The Print Shop is located in the Penn National Insurance building located at 2 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Dauphin County Library System’s website.

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Harrisburg families of gun violence victims to be honored at Italian Lake community event

May 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg mothers of gun violence victims were honored at last year’s “Saving Our Streets” event.

This weekend, community members and those affected by gun violence will gather in Harrisburg to bring awareness to the issue.

For the second year, Harrisburg resident Mercides Roland is holding “Saving Our Streets” at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg on May 28. The event will honor local families of gun violence victims, as well as aim to educate the youth.

“I’m excited for the event and heartbroken at the same time,” Roland said.

The event, beginning at 5 p.m., will feature vendors, local community resources and kids’ activities.

The State Police and Harrisburg Police Bureau will attend to interact with residents, provide horse rides for children and participate in other activities, such as teaching gun lock safety.

“Our goal is to have the police interact with the community,” Roland said. “I feel like that’s important.”

Additionally, several Harrisburg mothers who have lost children to gun violence will speak at the event. Roland said that she identifies with these mothers, as her daughter was also a shooting victim, though she survived.

“It hurts me that there are so many killings and we are having to see the things the mothers are going through,” she said.

Also at the event, organizations like the YMCA-Greater Harrisburg and Youth Advocate Programs will share resources for community members in need of assistance. CPR training will be available on site.

“Last year, the community really came together,” Roland said. “This year, I’m even more excited.”

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Artsfest to return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this weekend with art, music and food

May 25, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Harrisburg officials introduced Artsfest this morning in city hall.

A colorful Harrisburg event is headed back to the Susquehanna shoreline this weekend.

Harrisburg’s 54th annual Artsfest will return to Riverfront Park from May 28 to 30 with vendors, music and food. This is the first time since 2019 that the event will be held in Riverfront Park, having moved to City Island last year due to the pandemic.

“It is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Harrisburg’s Director of Communications Matthew Maisel at a press conference on Wednesday.

The event will feature 150 artisan vendors, 50 performing acts, 25 food trucks and a special “Kidsfest” for children.

The festival will showcase art from across the country such as pottery and ceramics, paintings and drawings, digital art, jewelry, apparel, photography, printmaking, woodworking and more. The HBG Flea will also be onsite selling locally made items from nearly 50 vendors.

The UPMC stage will showcase local bands and dance groups, including Jazzfest, featuring 15 different jazz performers.

Artsfest is occurring simultaneously with the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 140th anniversary. In celebration, the musical group, the Wednesday Club, will hold a piano and vocal concert at the association’s N. Front Street building. The Art Association will also begin its 94th Annual International Juried Exhibition on May 28.

The Susquehanna Art Museum will also be present at the festival. They will show art in their 30-foot “VanGo! Museum on Wheels” where festival attendees can view a portable art museum.

Renewal by Andersen will sponsor the “Kidsfest,” where kids can get their faces painted, learn about animals and insects, enjoy a performance by the Popcorn Hat Players and make their own canvas paintings. “Kidsfest” will also feature a circus activity where kids can do activities such as walk a mini tightrope and learn how to juggle.

New to this year’s festival is a community glass mural, in which event attendees will be able to create their own glass tile to add to a larger community mural. The mural will be completed by students in grades 4 through 9 who will attend the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU)’s summer residency program at John Harris High School at the end of June. The mural will then be displayed at the school.

Maisel said that the purpose of the mural is to drive home the theme of “community.” He hopes to have visitors from the surrounding areas come to the festival and not just Harrisburg residents.

“We want people to know that this is not just a City of Harrisburg event; this is not just for the people of Harrisburg,” said Maisel. “We want to see people from Lancaster. We want to see people from York. We want to see people from all over Cumberland County come to Harrisburg this weekend and experience our city.”

Art can also be experienced outside of Riverfront Park. Visit Hershey & Harrisburg recently launched an audio-guided, mobile tour of the city’s murals. “Murals and More- A Walk of Art” takes visitors down two suggested paths with various murals and 14 check-in spots. After stopping at all 14, participants can win postcards with a picture of the murals on the front.

If attendees get hungry, some 25 food trucks will be on site with items such as crab cakes, cheesesteaks and Farm Show milkshakes for artists and art lovers alike. There will also be a beer and wine garden.

Festival attendees can park on City Island for $5 and at the Market Square Garage for $10 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Street parking is free on May 29 and 30 and after 5 p.m. on May 28 Downtown. Drivers can get four hours of free parking in downtown Harrisburg by using the code LUVHBG in the Parkmobile app. Handicapped parking will be available on State Street near Front Street.

N. Front Street, from Forster to Walnut streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. on May 27 until midnight on May 30.

For more information on Harrisburg’s Artsfest, visit their website.

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Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Memorial Day

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