Fa La La La Lake: Bethesda Mission’s Christmas at Italian Lake is back with holiday market, music, food

Italian Lake

It will soon be the most wonderful time of the year at Italian Lake in Harrisburg.

Bethesda Mission will hold its annual weekend-long Christmas celebration at the lake to raise money for its community programs.

“The best part of the event is just being able to see the community come together,” said Kristina Depew, events/volunteer coordinator for Bethesda. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The festival will kick off on Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and extend through Dec. 12, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Last year, the event was cancelled, and the tree lighting was moved to a virtual platform, due to the pandemic. However, this year, Bethesda is back in person, bringing all of the Christmas cheer.

Attendees can experience a tree lighting ceremony, take pictures with Santa, listen to musical performances, go for a horse-drawn “sleigh” ride and make Christmas crafts.

Shoppers can also peruse a holiday market for Christmas gifts from local, small business vendors. The following food trucks will also be on site:

  • The Perk Up Truck
  • 717 Tacos
  • Dough Head Waffles
  • Mad Dash Food Truck
  • Marsico’s Taste of Italy
  • Mel’s Rock N BBQ
  • The Lucky Penny Burger

Some events are ticketed, like the photos with Santa and sleigh rides. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

Proceeds from the festival will go towards Bethesda Mission’s recovery programs at its men’s and women’s shelters, as well as the community center for youth, Depew said.

“Without the community support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” she said. “This event is a big part of the funds we receive.”

At the Christmas celebration, community members can have fun, while supporting a good cause.

“I would encourage people to come out and feel that Christmas spirit again,” Depew said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it supports a fantastic mission that’s there for the community in so many ways.”

For more information about Christmas at Italian Lake, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harrisburg will hold its annual Holiday Parade this weekend. Pictured: a past parade

We’ve made it to the weekend, once again, with Thanksgiving in sight. Before you head to the store to gather ingredients for the holiday meal, catch up on this week’s local news coverage.

The Appalachian Audubon Society is trying to get the word out about bird and wildlife conservation in the Harrisburg area. For 50 years, members have created space for bird watching, conservation and education, our magazine story reported.

Blogger Bob gives thanks to our local arts community, in the spirit of the season. In his blog, he offers an update on arty happenings in and around town.

A bond deal in Harrisburg is expected to close next week, our reporting found. The deal will allow Harrisburg to retire a large chunk of its once-massive debt.

Clay Shaw of York has photographed many of the world’s elite runners, our magazine story reported. Find out about his life as a sports photographer, which has included covering the Boston Marathon, as well as pro football, basketball, hockey and other sporting events.

Harrisburg’s Holiday Parade is this weekend, and the city is ready with balloons, characters, marching bands and dancers set to take to the streets. After the parade, families can visit Santa and enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate, our online story reported.

Some Harrisburg residents have taken it upon themselves to care for their neighborhood. In our magazine article, read about a few unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to beautify the community.

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving meal staple. Rosemary has a simple, yet delicious recipe that can be prepared in advance for a stress-free holiday.

Midtown Cinema is celebrating its 20th anniversary as Harrisburg’s indie movie theater, our online story reported. The festivities will include film screenings, a ribbon-cutting and a reception on Nov. 28.

Rachel O’Connor became the newly appointed curator for the esteemed Art Association of Harrisburg about five years ago, our magazine story reported. Since then, she carved out a name for herself with a portfolio of groundbreaking exhibits.

Rhoads Hallmark & Gift Shop is a popular stop in Hummelstown, with its small-town, welcoming feel, our magazine story reported. The shop specializes in “old school” products, as well as today’s in-demand goods.

Sara Bozich has highlighted many local events coming up during this pre-holiday weekend. Check them out, here.

Shop small and shop local this holiday season. We’ve made finding the perfect gift easy with our curated list of Harrisburg-area businesses, here.

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Feature Presentation: Midtown Cinema celebrates 20 years as Harrisburg’s indie theater

Midtown Cinema

For Harrisburg’s neighborhood movie theater, it’s a red carpet occasion.

Midtown Cinema is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Nov. 28 with film screenings, a ribbon-cutting and a reception.

The cinema reopened to the public this past spring, having only offered private screenings for much of the pandemic.

“It’s been incredible to be open for first run films again,” says Rachel Landon, Midtown Cinema’s new general manager. “Patrons are excited to return and for many it’s their first trip back to see a movie in a theater in over a year and a half. Many patrons have been enjoying movies here since we first opened our doors. It’s truly humbling to know they’ve been with us since the beginning.”

The theater, which opened in 2001, looks a little different these days, having recently undergone renovations to modernize the space.

Midtown Cinema, located at 250 Reily St., was formerly a grocery store before founders Allen Brown and Todd Shill opened the area’s first and only indie art house, according to the cinema. Since then, the theater has continued to show independent, foreign and nostalgic films. Additionally, they’ve held guest appearances, sing-a-longs, outdoor films, movie marathons, community events, film festivals, story slams, drag performances, improv, and red carpet evenings.

At their 20th anniversary celebration, the cinema will screen the three films that they showed during opening week in 2001. David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive,” Julian Fellowes and Robert Altman’s “Gosford Park,” and Guillermo del Toro’sThe Devil’s Backbone” will be shown.

At 6 p.m., they will kick off the festivities with a mixer including cake, punch and offerings from Zeroday Brewing Co.’s Outpost bar, located inside the cinema. Their menu includes beer and gourmet hotdogs.

A ribbon-cutting will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the movie screenings will follow at 7 p.m.

This event is free for Midtown Cinema Members and admission is limited. Members have exclusive access until Nov. 22, when tickets will open to the public.

Midtown Cinema is requiring that all patrons either show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test before entering the theater. Masks are required for everyone, as well.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for Midtown Cinema’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, visit their website.

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Harrisburg set to finalize bond deal, make payment to significantly reduce debt load

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, at its meeting on Wednesday.

A contentious city bond deal is expected to close next week, allowing Harrisburg to retire a large chunk of its substantial debt load.

At a meeting on Wednesday, city financial advisor Dan Connelly said that Harrisburg would pay off the remaining $5 million on a 2005 bond issue that funded upgrades to the city-owned minor league baseball stadium on City Island.

In addition, the city plans to make a lump-sum pre-payment of $4 million to offset additional debt incurred during its financial crisis, after the city defaulted on general obligation bonds initially issued in 1997, Connelly told members of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), the city’s state-appointed financial oversight body.

Harrisburg’s bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp., offered the city incentives to retire the stadium bonds and reduce the remaining debt load. At the close of the deal, expected on Tuesday, the city will make a $9 million cash outlay and, in return, receive $13.1 million in total debt reduction, Connelly explained. The debt reduction includes the city’s upfront payments, plus Ambac’s debt forgiveness incentive.

“This will be a major accomplishment,” said Connelly, who’s been acting as the city’s representative on the ICA for the past few months.

After the deal is closed, the city still will owe about $19.1 million in general obligation debt. Under the terms of the deal with Ambac, the city’s interest rate on that remaining debt will be reduced from 6.75% to 5.25% for three years.

“This is great news, a great development,” said ICA vice-chair Ralph Vartan.

Notably, the Ambac deal excludes a refinancing of the remaining debt load originally planned by the city administration.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse wanted to refinance the remaining debt over a 10-year period at a still-lower interest rate, in the 3.25% to 3.5% range, which, he believed, would earn the city a credit rating and allow it to again access the bond market.

City Council members, however, rejected that proposal, stating that they preferred to use the city’s cash balance to pay off the remaining debt faster.

At a meeting in October, city Controller Charlie DeBrunner told ICA members that the city should wait until next year to decide exactly how it wants to pay off the remaining debt, once it sees how much cash it has on hand.

He said that he expected the city to end fiscal year 2021 with about $24 million in the bank, following the close of the Ambac deal.

“We’re not emboldened to do anything right away,” he said. “So, I don’t think we need to do something Jan. 1. Why don’t we wait and see what is real, say March? If these [revenues] are coming in the way I think they’re going to, then we can start writing some big checks.”

Mayor-Elect Wanda Williams, the current City Council president, has repeatedly advocated retiring the city’s debt load as quickly as possible.

At the October ICA meeting, DeBrunner praised the elements of the deal that the city now is about to sign off on.

“I don’t want to be somebody who looks to be a chronic complainer either. I think this deal is really good,” he said. “I’m really pleased we have this deal. So, I’m glad we’re paying it off.”

 

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This story has been updated to clarify that the administration sought to refinance its bonds so it could access the credit markets.

 

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Weekend Roundup with 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.

Need something NEW to do? Visit SoMa Harrisburg this weekend for tasting rooms, vintage shopping, a pop-up restaurant, and more.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Wine & Wish List night at Meeka Fine Jewelry (then dinner at The Watershed), 3rd in the Burg in SoMa, the recouping from multiple days of socialization.

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

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Top Weekend Recs

  1. Make your Thanksgiving food plans now
  2. Check out Grateful Goat Brewing & Provisions (REVIEW)
  3. Grab tickets to HHA’s Elegant Progressions Dinner (save big time if you’re under 40!)
  4. Update your bar cart for fall
  5. Buy new shoes
  6. Stream episodes of Poured in PA: The Series

COVID-19 Disclaimer: Masking and social distancing policies may vary per business, venue, and event. Please be considerate, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


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

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Float Fun: Harrisburg’s holiday parade returns with balloons, bands, Santa

A past holiday parade in Harrisburg

With Thanksgiving just a week away and the Christmas countdown on, Harrisburg is ready to get you in the holiday spirit.

The city’s 2021 holiday parade will be held this Saturday downtown, featuring all the traditional staples, including marching bands, balloons and floats.

“We are very excited about this year’s parade,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “The parade route spans 1.5 miles, allowing ample space to socially distance and safely kick off the holiday season.”

Last year, the holiday parade was modified to be a drive-through event due to the pandemic. This year, the traditional parade will return with the theme “Merry and Bright.”

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Market Street and travel down N. 2nd Street. It will then turn on North Street and again onto N. Front Street. The parade will then make its way to City Island.

Road closures of the Market Street Bridge, N. Front Street and 2nd street from Market to Forster streets will begin at 7 a.m. and end at about 2 p.m.

The marching band from Harrisburg High School, as well as other area schools will perform, along with local dance and step teams.

Large balloons will be part of the parade and feature Daniel Tiger, Buddy the Dinosaur, a nutcracker and Rudolph.

And what’s a holiday parade without Santa? Following the parade, families can visit St. Nick in Strawberry Square and enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate.

At 12:30 p.m., awards will be given to the top dance, step and drill teams, as well as the marching bands. Parade participants can also enter to win the “Best in Theme” contest.

A free COVID-19 vaccine clinic, provided by East Shore Pharmacy, will administer shots from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on parade day. The clinic will be located next to the stage at 10 N. 2nd Street. The primary and booster series for Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna will be offered. Pediatric vaccines will not be available.

In addition, local coffee shops will offer specialty drinks and discounts including Denim Coffee, Good Brothas Book Café and Little Amps.

Local nonprofit All you Can Inc. will serve a free community Thanksgiving dinner from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the bus station at N. 2nd and Market streets.

The Market Square Garage will offer a $10 special event rate from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Parade attendees can use the ParkMobile App to get up to four hours of free street parking in downtown Harrisburg using the code “LUVHBG.”

Sponsors for the Holiday parade include Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, T-Mobile, Cargill, Capital BlueCross, UPMC, Belco Community Credit Union, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, JP Lilley, Aetna, Fox Pest Control, Staybridge Suites, CBS21 and Park Harrisburg.

For a 2021 Holiday Parade route map and more information, visit their website.

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Bob’s Art Blog: A Season of Thanks & 3rd in the Burg Preview

The Art of a Cover

After all is said and done, the very best art comes from a community of contributors, as evidenced on the latest TheBurg cover for the November issue. A classic autumnal ambiance is achieved with all the colors of the season.

TheBurg’s November cover, photo by Haley Harned

Gracing the front page, the photo has a “wow” factor, staged and shot by Haley Harned. Behind the scenes, no less than nine artists and local businesses added accessories to the mix, elevating it to a still life masterpiece. Candles light the table from Millworks Moonrise Candle Co as its art director, Tara Chickey, provided the china and napkins. Silverware from the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne sparkles and shines. Flowers courtesy of Paper Moon Flowers find a home, as well as an artisinal mug from potter Vivian Sterste of Vivi on Verbeke. Pumpkins from Radish & Rye Food Hub, coffee from Good Brotha’s Book Cafe, apple pie from Raising the Bar and fall spices from Callicut’s Spice Co. complete the frame.

Haley Harned is an editorial and commercial photographer, as well as a “staging stylist” for numerous local magazines. Having graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2008 with a BFA, Hailey employs film and digital media to capture her subjects with aplomb. The still life frame featured on the current issue of TheBurg speaks to a level of art obtained by a trained eye turning assignment to an articulated achievement of beauty.

 

Season of Thanks

A new mural in Harrisburg

In the season of appreciation and thanks, it is a gift to be able to write about the beauty that surrounds us, especially that of seasonal change and the natural landscape that we oftentimes take for granted. For those who live in the city of Harrisburg, there are other special words of thanks.

Over the past five months starting at the end of May and continuing well through the fall, Spocket Mural Works graced the community with myriad marvels of murals now totaling well over 50. The new additions combine with the mix of the previous mural festivals, creating an astounding allure. As before, the thanks are many and far reaching to all who made this third festival so special and meaningful. A thank you to one and all—from the 300-plus volunteer brigade to the artistic vision of the muralists to the generosity of the corporate sponsors and the dynamic duo that founded Sprocket, Megan Caruso and Jeff Copus. The murals are living proof of their commitment to the cause by providing public art that makes a difference, opens discourse and adds beauty beyond measure.

 

 

Gallery@2nd Notes and News

It could be the title for a Quentin Tarantino film, “The Grateful Eight,” as there are eight artists in all. The number included gallery owner Ted Walke, who generously offered studio space to a select group of likeminded local artists to showcase their work rent-free, as well as fee-free when art is sold. The original trio of artists came on board when Gallery@2nd reopened in July. They included Chad Whitaker, Keegan Beinhower and Sean Arce. After the initial response to the gallery’s new presentation, more art disciples were afforded space, including Johanna Martin, Rance Shepstone, Angelica Rios and Ashley Russo, all sharing a fervent zeal for the lowbrow art zen of Ted. It’s easy to see why gratitude is part and parcel from the artists’ point of view and, yet, it cuts both ways. The proprietor was grateful to be in a position for all of this to occur after being closed for almost three years. Gallery@2nd would like its clientele to know that the 3rd in the Burg event on Friday, Nov. 19, will be the closing night for the year, with the gallery reopening sometime in April.

 

HBB On the Road Saturday

Art of the Huckle Buckle Boys

A Saturday road trip to Easton on I-78E will be well worth the while for a Nov. 20 date to see the Huckle Buckle Boys’ “Wondering Ox” exhibit opening and reception party at the Hemlock Art Place for a 6 p.m. kickoff. Garrick Dorsett and Zack Rudy of HBB fame will be “unifying their flow experience” in their trademark style. Located at 9 N. Second St. in downtown Easton, the just-under 100-mile adventure promises to be a night to remember. Hemlock is an alternative art gallery that promotes special events and workshops, as well as being home to avant-garde art and gifts. Newly opened in July, the gallery fosters creativity locally and throughout the state. So, it is no wonder that HBB got the invite as Hemlock is excited to unleash their latest offerings in “Wondering Ox.” Be sure to look for Socrates, just don’t share his drink.

 

3rd In The Burg Preview

Rug hook by Susanne Robinson

With 28 venues participating in this Friday’s 3rd in the Burg, the event now surpasses the level of pre-pandemic involvement, which is a positive sign looking ahead to close out 2021 on a high note. From restaurants to clubs to museums to galleries, all bases are covered for support of the arts and local businesses. In this season of giving, it is important whenever possible to keep local business in the foreground and shop local whenever possible.

The latest art venue, Arts on the Square, opened its upstairs gallery housed in Market Square Presbyterian Church at 20 S. 2nd St. on Nov. 7. At the initial reception, this addition to the local scene found a stellar crowd supporting the quintet of artists showcasing their works.

Acrylic art by Kara Young

One of the highlights was Susanne Robinson, fiber artist, who demonstrated the lost craft of rug hooking, which had its origins in 19th century England. With ethereal woolens from Scotland, Susanne weaves a spell of color and texture throughout her exquisite rug tapestries. In addition, a trio of painters graced the walls of the loft gallery covering acrylic works from A to Z. Lori Sweet, award-winning local artist and congregant, is “inspired by nature, mythologies, as well as universal images of the divine feminine.” Kara Young from Gettysburg believes that “art is medicine.” Her guide to create focuses on “justice, peace and faith in a world she believes needs these qualities desperately.” Gail Walden Coleman, artist of local distinction, celebrates “the human spirit and also our sense of humor.” Mother Nature informs her work, and Gail does her best to capture it in her paintings. Last but not least is photographer Kevin Long, congregant and proprietor of Long Shots Photography. He finds mindfulness through slowing down to fully appreciate the world. Photography “helps me recognize the majesty, intricacy and diversity of creations more fully.”

Also, Pine Street Presbyterian, located at 310 N. 3rd St., and St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery, found at 221 N. Front St., offer up art throughout the church and in gallery spaces. Be sure to view “De-Colonizing Christ,” now in its last month through Dec. 19 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral.

 

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Co-owner of The Fix Café in downtown Harrisburg, Liz Albayero, is collecting Christmas gifts for children in need.

It’s that time of the month—TheBurg Podcast is out! Grab your earbuds and tune in as our host discusses some Harrisburg happenings. Before you hit play, catch up on the local news from this week.

First-grade students at Foose Elementary School cut the ribbon on a “Little Free Library” that they helped design and create, our online story reported. According to teachers, the library offers a way for community members to access books, filling a gap.

The Fix Café is hosting a Christmas toy drive for low-income families in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Co-owner Liz Albayero sees this as an opportunity to give back to the community that supported her during the pandemic.

Gamut Theatre’s rendition of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass” is a dive into the twisted time and space of Victorian England that holds true to the original books, says our theater reviewer. The family-friendly show runs through November.

Harrisburg-area physician Dr. Rodrigue Mortel knows the impact that education had on his own life. That is why he started the Mortel Foundation to raise money to build schools for the children of Haiti, his native country, our magazine story reported.

Home sales dipped in October, but prices increased, our online story reported. Find out the specifics for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, here.

KOTA The Friend, a hip hop artist from New York City, opened a streetwear store in Midtown Harrisburg, our reporting found. He also will headline a concert at H*MAC this weekend.

Local businesses are looking for ways to work around supply shortages this holiday shopping season. In our magazine story, hear from Elementary Coffee Co., Cocoa Creek Chocolates and others on how they’re making it work.

The Manor on Front cut the ribbon on a second bed and breakfast in Harrisburg this week, our reporting found. The owners renovated and restored the building, a historic property that was formerly owned by Harrisburg clothier Mary Sachs.

Mountain biking in central Pennsylvania has become its own subculture. In our magazine story, read about the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association and its mission to support bikers.

PennDOT announced that it will rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg, our reporting found. Officials are encouraging the public to share their thoughts on the project.

Sara Bozich wants to help you make this weekend a great one. In her Weekend Roundup, find ideas for events, restaurants and shows to enjoy.

The Singer’s Lounge has been a platform for budding local R&B artists in Harrisburg since 2016, our magazine story reported. Founder Airis Smallwood hopes her passion will grow an appreciation for indie soul singers.

On Veterans Day, we shared the story of 96-year-old World War II veteran Glenn W. Bushey of Camp Hill. He reflects on his long life and recounts his time in the service. Read about it, here.

Volunteers helped clean up the site of a future tiny home village for homeless veterans on Veterans Day, our online story reported. The organization behind the project, Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, will build the village and a community center on S. Front Street.

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Soup Weather: What’s in Harrisburg’s Pot? TheBurg Podcast, Nov 2021

This month’s podcast is like a giant pot of gumbo, chock-full of Harrisburg happenings.

First, we talk soup, and so much more, with Dr. Rod Mortel of the High Hopes for Haiti Foundation. He explains why he’s not worried about his foundation’s school, and its many additional programs, despite the country’s struggles.

Meet TheBurg’s resident film critic Sammi Leigh Melville, and enjoy an expanded “The Most Harrisburg Thing” with Lawrance Binda, TheBurg’s editor extraordinaire.

Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s most fascinating people. Their stories start on the pages of TheBurg magazine, and are expanded here on TheBurg Podcast… because “there’s always more to the story.”

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.

Backstories: This episode is based upon the following November magazine stories:

High Hopes for Haiti |Now We’re Cooking: “Julia” | Surf’s Almost Up, at Harrisburg Beach Club

DYK? TheBurg Podcast received two prestigious awards in 2021: First place, Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter; and Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

TheBurg Podcast is welcoming sponsors and/or advertisers: Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, PA; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

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New York hip hop artist opens streetwear store in Harrisburg, signs autographs

KOTA The Friend in his new Fltbys shop in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg just got a little cooler.

On Thursday, hip hop artist KOTA The Friend signed autographs at the opening of his Fltbys (flight boys) streetwear shop in Midtown Harrisburg.

“It feels great,” KOTA said. “It feels like a relief.”

KOTA, a Brooklyn, NY-based artist, visited Harrisburg with a friend before deciding he wanted to open a business in the city. Fltbys, his brand, opened in the Reily Street building across from Midtown Cinema that formerly housed several restaurants.

“We came out and really loved the area,” he said. “We want to be a part of a community that is growing.”

KOTA The Friend signs autographs at Fltbys.

The shop sells hoodies, hats, T-shirts and other merchandise.

KOTA is also headlining the “Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” at H*MAC on Friday. Artist Drew Tyrell of Harrisburg and Philadelphia artists Brianna Castro, J Radiant, Derrick Juwan, 10D4YS and Neptune the Poet will perform as well.

Martin Ton and Dylan Shearer live in Midtown, near Fltbys, and came to meet KOTA on Thursday.

“I was excited about them opening up,” Ton said. “It’s a cool place. It’s nice to have something different.”

Other fans flew into the city for the weekend.

“We’ve been dying to see him in concert for a while,” said Danny Ricondo and Leslye who flew from Miami, Fla., to Harrisburg. “His music is amazing.”

Fltbys is located at 263 Reily St., Harrisburg. It is open from Wednesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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