Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival will take place this year, though changed due to the pandemic

July 28, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

A fire-eater and wire-walker performed last year to promote the 2019 Kipona Festival.

How is it almost August already? The end of summer is just around the corner.

What the beginning of school and the fall season will look like during the pandemic remains uncertain. However, Harrisburg’s end-of-season festival, Kipona, will return, though in a substantially altered format.

The event will span for three days over Labor Day weekend, as usual, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, only one day, Saturday, will feature in-person events. Saturday through Monday will feature virtual activities.

“It will still be a very nice event,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “You will still be able to see and take part in all your favorite activities.”

Kipona has taken place in Harrisburg for over a century and serves as a celebration of the Susquehanna River and its impact on the city. In the past few years, around 70,000 people have attended Kipona.

“It’s a time for people to come together and appreciate the sparkling water of the Susquehanna,” Papenfuse said.

On Sept. 5, there will be 15 food trucks parked on City Island from 3 to 8 p.m. At night, fireworks will shoot off from City Island.

People are encouraged to enjoy socially distanced picnics along Riverfront Park or City Island. Masks are required in the food truck area.

Front Street will be shut down for the event on Saturday. Parking is $5 on City Island, $10 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the River Street Garage and $10 at the Market Square Garage.

Some traditional events, like the canoe race, may not happen this year. However, others will be streamed online, possibly including the rubber duck race and Native American pow-wow.

While marketplace vendors will not set up in person this year, people can shop an online marketplace of handcrafted items on all three days. Local musicians will perform virtually, and there will be artisan demonstrations as well as children’s activities.

The annual event is sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, among others.

The city’s Artsfest and Fourth of July festivals also had to change plans earlier this summer due to the pandemic. Artsfest went fully online with a virtual market and demonstrations, while Independence Day maintained an in-person food truck experience, but halted musical performances and other activities.

“We are building on what we saw as the success of our Fourth of July celebration,” Papenfuse said. “We took that format and are going to do it again for Kipona.”

Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival will take place Sept. 5 to 7. The live food truck and fireworks event is Sept. 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. and virtual activities are from 12 to 8 p.m. on all three days. For more information, visit https://harrisburgpa.gov/kipona-2/.

Two family-friendly drive-in movies planned for Farm Show parking lot

July 27, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Movies will be shown in the parking lot of the PA Farm Show Complex.

The coronavirus pandemic has robbed us of many fun, communal experiences.

Movie-going is among those, but Midtown Cinema and Friends of Midtown are teaming up to bring it back.

In August, the two will partner for a special drive-in movie experience—“Carpool Cinema”—in the parking lot of the state Farm Show Complex parking lot, featuring two family favorites.

First up, “Jurassic Park,” which is slated for Saturday, Aug. 8. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 29, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” will be screened. Both movies will have two show times: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The movies will be shown on a large, bright LED screen, which allows for daytime viewing, according to Midtown Cinema.

Given the pandemic, certain restrictions will be enforced. For instance, screenings will be limited to a 250-person capacity, and facemasks will be required. Portable toilets will be available on site.

According to the cinema, this is primarily a drive-in event, though a “limited number” of non-car spaces will be available for groups.

Ticket prices will be determined per vehicle or group space: $15 for matinees and $25 for evening screenings.

For more information and to order tickets, visit https://www.midtowncinema.com/carpoolcinema.

Driving Change: Harrisburg streets get new look, design as “Vision Zero” projects continue

July 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Travel lanes were reduced and bike/bus lanes were added on N. 6th Street.

The name of the program may be “Vision Zero,” but Harrisburg officials have more than a vision to improve city streets–they have a plan.

On Friday’s edition of Community Conversations with Mayor Eric Papenfuse, the engineers behind the projects highlighted the work that has recently been done and the construction to come.

The city released its “Vision Zero” action plan over a year ago and pledged to improve road safety. Their goal is to bring the number of annual pedestrian fatalities to zero by 2030.

“It is a commitment to eliminate pedestrian injuries that result from motor crashes,” city Engineer Wayne Martin said.

Most recently, work was completed on N. 6^th Street, where a “road diet” was implemented between Boas and Reily streets. This means travel lanes were removed, bike lanes and bus drop-off zones were added, and more parking was made available, all to make the corridor narrower and more pedestrian-friendly.

Moving right up, a N. 7^th Street project is in the final stages of design as well, according to Martin. The main element of this plan is a roundabout that will be constructed near the new federal courthouse. This eliminates left-hand turning, which has caused issues in that section of the street, Martin said.

In addition, a center median featuring trees will split the lanes. Street trees provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and better manage stormwater, Martin said.

These features also are expected to have a traffic calming effect, Martin explained.

Once permits are in place, Martin expects construction to begin in the spring of 2021. The N. 7th Street project is fully funded by grant money, Martin said.

The public can expect to see a project finished in MulDer Square even sooner.

Signs of work on the city’s Derry Street project are already being seen as new sidewalk has been laid, ADA-accessible ramps were installed and stormwater management features have been added. But this is just one phase of the project.

“The work that’s happening right now in MulDer Square is a precursor of other things to come,” Project Manager Ambrose Buck said.

Starting as early as September or October, construction will begin on the cul-de-sac at the end of Derry Street, including the stairs that lead down to Cameron Street. A green space will be built, in addition to some paths to make the area more walkable for residents.

“This is a way to revitalize this area and improve quality of life in these neighborhoods,” Martin said.

Construction of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Mulberry and Derry streets, as well as the transformation of Nectarine Street’s asphalt to green infrastructure, are also part of the project.

Similar work was done not long ago on the intersection at 4^th and Maclay streets. New asphalt was added, sidewalks were replaced, crosswalks were added and ADA-compliant ramps built.

On many people’s minds has been the proposal to transform 2^nd Street from a one-way to a two-way traffic, Papenfuse said.

Martin gave an update, saying design should be completed this year and construction will likely begin in the spring.

“This is a major, major transformational project,” Martin said.

Besides the changing flow of traffic, the city will add pedestrian refuge islands for people crossing the street, mini roundabouts and ADA-compliant ramps.

Martin explained that the street will become two-way at the beginning of construction to test its effectiveness.

Other coming projects include State Street improvements to tighten travel lanes and boost pedestrian safety, as well as proposed changes to Forster Street that would reduce the road width and add pedestrian-friendly features. These are still in the planning stages.

“We have to make sure we are all willing to compromise–the community, PennDOT and the city–on a plan that everyone can see as a step forward,” Papenfuse said.

For more information on the city’s “Vision Zero” plan, visit https://visionzerohbg.com/. To watch past Community Conversations, visit the City of Harrisburg’s YouTube channel.

Harlem Globetrotter puts a new spin on annual Harrisburg basketball camp

July 27, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Chris “Handles” Franklin discusses his upcoming youth basketball camp.

In a time when COVID is wreaking havoc on some traditional summer events, one favorite will go on, with a new spin on it.

Chris “Handles” Franklin, of the Harlem Globetrotters, presented “The Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp” on Friday’s episode of Community Conversations with Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

This is the 18th annual camp that gives youth a chance to learn skills from a professional. Typically an in-person event, the 18th annual camp will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was important for us to provide something for kids to do, in a positive way, especially during the pandemic,” Franklin said. “We are honored to bring this back to the city.”

The Chris Handles Franklin Foundation is a nonprofit, founded by Franklin in 2014, that provides community outreach to the Harrisburg area, his hometown, focusing especially on youth.

Franklin wanted to make sure all kids had access to this year’s camp and decided to make it free to the first 100 who signed up. Free registration may be extended to more students if there is demand and donations to support it, he added.

The online camp for kids around ages 9 to 16 will run from Aug. 3 to 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be provided with a kit including a basketball, cones, a t-shirt, mask and hand sanitizer. Franklin explained that, for the first hour of instruction, campers can practice drills from home, while the second-hour drills require access to a court.

“Our camp focuses on a number of things, not just basketball skills, but also building young leaders and putting a positive message into our youth,” Franklin said. “A lot of the kids that have been through my camp through the years, they continue to do positive things in the community.”

The basketball lessons are being filmed at Reservoir Park for campers to stream online.

“If you’re like me and you have kids, they are looking for things to do this summer,” Papenfuse said. “Everything has been so impacted by COVID that there have been fewer options than usual. Well, we’ve got a great one.”

To register for “The Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp,” email [email protected]. For more information about the Chris Handles Franklin Foundation, visit https://handlesfoundation.org/. To watch past Community Conversations, visit the City of Harrisburg’s YouTube channel.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership.

The past week felt like one hot, rainy blur with temperatures in the 90s and nighttime showers. Still, our reporters were out in the heat and humidity covering the local news. If you missed any of our stories, we have them all listed and linked here.

Bob’s Art Blog showcased Kelly McGee, an expressionist whose paintings display her dreams and visions. Read more about McGee and another artist who is using her talents to help feed the hungry in this week’s column.

COVID-19 cases keep climbing in PA, with an average of 800 new daily diagnoses over the past week. Our weekly reporting on the pandemic has the details.

Dr. Kimeka Campbell shares her story of finding joy in justice during a time of nationwide and local Black Lives Matter protests. Read her magazine piece to learn more about why community work brings her peace.

The Firehouse Restaurant is re-opening under new ownership. Much of the downtown Harrisburg restaurant’s character will remain the same with a fresh menu to choose from. Our online story has more information.

The Harrisburg Mile will go on this year despite the pandemic. Our online reporting explains the new modifications to location and rules.

Lenwood Sloan reflects on being a Black historian in Harrisburg and the search to find his “people” in the community. His submission for this month’s “Voices of Our Community” section recounts his efforts to uncover and highlight the city’s African American history.

Maestro Stuart Malina extended his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony for another three years. Our online story tells of his decision to stay and why the symphony feels he is such a great fit.

Paper Moon Flowers is Midtown’s newest flower and décor shop. Owner Shawn Durborow-Bowersox simply wants to make people happy by giving them a local place to buy a bouquet, a candle or a birthday card. Read the story behind the shop in our magazine article.

Peyton’s Law, which seeks to bring awareness to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, including the signs and symptoms, was passed into law. Read more about The Peyton Walker Foundation’s efforts to save the lives of at-risk student-athletes.

The Parkway apartment complex has stood tall for 100 years, still as popular and elegant now as it was when it was built. Read the story behind the landmark building and why it still attracts tenants to this day.

Running has acted as therapy for many people, especially during the pandemic. Our magazine story shows the psychological and social reasons behind that and discusses what running in races looks like during a crisis.

Summertime shrimp is on the menu for Rosemary this month. Fire up the grill and find this “Spicy Calabrian Shrimp” recipe in this month’s issue of the magazine.

A town hall was hosted by activist group The Movement to give Harrisburg residents the chance to ask questions and provide input to city officials. Our reporting discusses the big questions people had and how officials responded.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

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New COVID-19 cases continue to climb in PA, as tests also increase

July 24, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Daily COVID-19 cases and tests, over time. Source: PA Department of Health

New COVID-19 cases in PA edged up again this past week, with the state reporting an average of more than 800 new daily diagnoses over the last seven days.

The average of 870 new cases over the past week is up from an average of 800 new cases per day last week and 733 the week before. The department reports that testing has also increased.

Just today, the department confirmed 1,213 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania.

With today’s update, 105,571 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus since March, an increase of 6,093 over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

Locally, diagnosed cases have generally risen more modestly than in the eastern and western parts of the state over the past week.

Adams County: 441 cases (prior Friday, 410)
Cumberland County: 1,090 cases (prior Friday, 995)
Dauphin County: 2,499 cases (prior Friday, 2,366)
Franklin County: 1,176 cases (prior Friday, 1,043)
Lancaster County: 5,228 cases (prior Friday, 4,988)
Lebanon County: 1,533 cases (prior Friday, 1,484)
Perry County: 105 cases (prior Friday, 96)
York County: 2,119 cases (prior Friday, 1,963)

Overall, 9.5 percent of PA residents tested have shown to be positive for the virus.

Much of the recent increase has originated from Allegheny and Philadelphia counties. For instance, over just the past 24 hours, Allegheny reported 198 new cases, while Philadelphia County reported 227.

The department also reported an additional 109 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 7,101 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March.

Around central PA, the COVID-19 fatality data now stands as follows:

Adams County: 17 deaths (prior Friday, 15)
Cumberland County: 70 deaths (prior Friday, 68)
Dauphin County: 152 deaths (prior Friday, 150)
Franklin County: 46 deaths (prior Friday, 46)
Lancaster County: 400 deaths (prior Friday, 390)
Lebanon County: 54 deaths (prior Friday, 51)
Perry County: 5 deaths (prior Friday, 5)
York County: 79 deaths (prior Friday, 70)

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 24,630 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 9,385 cases. The two counties also have reported the most deaths statewide from the disease: 1,665 and 844, respectively.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” health Secretary Rachel Levine said.

Nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 4,844, or 68.2 percent, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 18,991 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,727 cases among employees, for a total of 22,728 at 813 distinct facilities in 60 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 7,827 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 1,104,948 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 999,377 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 999,390 people had been tested for the virus.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the health department:

1 percent are aged 0-4
1 percent are aged 5-12
3 percent are aged 13-18
8 percent are aged 19-24
37 percent are aged 25-49
23 percent are aged 50-64
25 percent are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, as are most of the reported deaths, according to the state.

Levine continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
Clean surfaces frequently.
Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
Wear a mask whenever out of your house.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” Levine said. “However, we know the virus has not gone away as we see cases rise, so we must work together to stop another surge.”

For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Currently, we are providing a COVID-19 update weekly, each Friday, or as breaking news warrants.

At town hall, community questions city officials on policing reform, advisory board

July 24, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

A woman speaks to the panel of city officials at Thursday’s town hall.

Thursday night turned out to be a cool, breezy evening, but things in Reservoir Park were rather heated.

Yesterday, a town hall was hosted by The Movement, an activist group in Harrisburg. City officials sat in front of a decent-sized crowd to take questions on policing and policy from the community.

“Today is a day we are demanding policy reform,” Brent Lipscomb, leader of The Movement, said. “We are here because policies must be adopted that center black and brown lives.”

Community members were given the chance to question panelists including Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, City Council members Ausha Green, Ben Allatt, and Westburn Majors, school board member Jayne Buchwach and Police Chief Thomas Carter. Questions centered around the proposed citizen’s police advisory board, policing in schools, the “defund the police” movement and racial inequalities in the city.

Granting more power to the proposed advisory board has been the plea of many citizens lately. Green addressed this by saying that council is considering it.

“As representatives of the citizens of Harrisburg, it’s our job to put the legislation forward and then work around what needs work,” Green said.

She explained that she has town hall-style meetings planned in order to receive more feedback from the community.

One person asked, “if citizens can’t have subpoena power, how will the stark power imbalance between citizens and cops be addressed?”

“There’s a lot that an advisory board can do that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand,” Papenfuse said. “With or without subpoena power, there’s a lot that the board can do to shine a spotlight on police misconduct to inform the public about information that is available and to educate the public.”

The mayor added that he would sign whatever legislation passed by City Council.

“He said something just now that I’ve never heard him say before,” Majors said. “The mayor said he will sign anything that we pass. So, let’s get together and work on progressive things to make some changes to this committee to make it work for everybody.”

Another topic brought up by the community was policing in schools. Buchwach and Papenfuse butted heads on this issue, the former calling for police to be taken out of schools, the later in favor of them.

“In Harrisburg, we do not need police in schools,” Buchwach said. “In fact, I would much rather have the police work on themselves than to be in schools.”

She called for more counselors and mental health professionals to replace the police. However, Papenfuse said that policing in schools should be about mentorship with students, not discipline.

“There is room for police in our schools in Harrisburg,” he said. “What I’d like to see is the creation of a career pathway that’s going to lead more of our youth to consider a career in policing.”

Moderator Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of Young Professionals of Color—Greater Harrisburg, brought up the “defund the police” movement, which calls for the re-allocation of funds from the police department to mental health programs, amongst others.

Green said that, while she didn’t agree with removing all funds from the police bureau, she was in favor of recrafting the department.

“I believe that not only in this city, but in this nation, we need to have a more comprehensive approach,” she said.

Overall, Campbell said she was pleased with the event and plans to be a part of holding more meetings like this.

“We usually definitely don’t get anything like this,” one Harrisburg resident said of the town hall. “So I definitely appreciate this chance.”

For more information on The Movement, visit their Facebook group.

Peyton’s Law passes, raises awareness of the top cause of death for student-athletes

July 23, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Peyton Walker Foundation focuses on educating student-athletes and families on preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

In the midst of daily COVID-19 updates, it’s nice to get some uplifting health news.

Today “Peyton’s Law” was signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. The law aims to better educate student-athletes and parents on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the importance of Electrocardiogram (EKG) testing.

The law was proposed by The Peyton Walker Foundation, which formed after 19-year-old Mechanicsburg resident Peyton Walker suddenly died from SCA in 2013. Her mother Julie Walker is the executive director and made it her mission to decrease the number of young lives taken by SCA.

“Over the past few years, I’ve met too many moms and dads who lost their children without warning to Sudden Cardiac Arrest,” Walker said in a statement. “Most of their children died from detectable heart conditions that were never diagnosed. Had these parents known to request an EKG as part of their child’s physicals, it’s possible their children would still be alive today.”

According to the foundation, SCA is “the sudden onset of an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat ineffectively or not at all.” It is the number-one killer of student-athletes in the United States and, overall, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, the foundation states.

Peyton’s Law requires that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) forms that student-athletes receive must include information on the importance of EKG testing for detecting issues leading to SCA. They will also require an option for a family to request an EKG from their medical provider at their expense. Students and parents must sign these forms before returning them to the school.

In addition, the PA Department of Education must include information on their website about SCA—warning signs and symptoms.

“Our hope is that Peyton’s Law saves even one young life, because if a mom or dad now knows to ask for an electrocardiogram for their child, we will have a beautiful legacy for Peyton and all of the other young lives we lost too soon to sudden cardiac arrest,” Walker said in a statement.

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs form is already included in the Preparticipation Physical Examination (PPE) forms for PIAA as required by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act passed in 2012. But Peyton’s law adds information about EKG testing as an optional part of sports physicals.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Mike Regan (R-31) who said that Walker’s advocacy and persistence on this issue brought it to state and national attention.

Peyton’s law is based off of Cody’s Law, similar legislation passed in Texas in 2019.

The Peyton Walker Foundation has screened over 3,500 students for health issues leading to SCA. They have also provided Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR training for students as well as donated over 115 AED’s to schools and organizations.

The Peyton Walker Foundation is located at 2929 Gettysburg Rd., Suite 8, Camp Hill. For more information, visit their website.

The Firehouse plans August reopening, with new owners, new menu

July 22, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Firehouse Restaurant is getting spruced up as new owners plan to reopen next month.

Amid pandemic restrictions, the restaurant industry has been struggling. Nonetheless, a local favorite has opted to reopen.

The Firehouse Restaurant on N. 2^nd Street closed about a year ago, but was just bought last month by new owners from Atlanta. They hope to open it next month.

“We want to keep the name. We want to keep the feel, and we want to bring it back to life,” co-owner Eric Swilling said. “We know there’s a huge following here. We are going to do everything we can to exceed everyone’s expectations.”

The Firehouse is located in downtown Harrisburg’s historic Hope Fire Station, which was built in 1871. It has been a restaurant for over 20 years, though has been closed since July 2019.

The business will remain The Firehouse, and much of the aesthetic will stay the same. Swilling said there will only be small renovations to brighten up and modernize the space.

The menu will be upgraded, Swilling said, featuring numerous seafood options, as well as entrees like steak and prime rib. The team hopes to bring some dishes from their hometown of Atlanta to Harrisburg.

Most importantly, Swilling explained his desire to create a fun atmosphere that fits with the lively arts scene in the city. They plan to have cocktail hours and live music. Swilling said the third floor of the restaurant will be used as event space.

“We are truly about the community,” Swilling said. “I’ve never had a business where I wasn’t hands-on. One of us will always be here. We need to be on a first-name basis with people.”

He explained that the three owners have about 20 years of combined experience in the food service industry.

With Gov. Tom Wolf’s new restrictions on bars and restaurants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners recognize it’s a difficult time to be opening. Swilling said they plan to follow the state’s orders by setting up tables outside the restaurant and keeping capacity inside limited for the time being.

Swilling sees opening during the crisis as a way to serve the community.

“Our goal is to open as soon as possible,” he said. “With the whole COVID thing, we want to give people another dining option to choose from.”

The Firehouse Restaurant is located at 606 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg.

Maestro Malina inks 3-year contract extension with Harrisburg Symphony

July 22, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

There hasn’t been a lot of good news for Harrisburg’s arts community lately, but here’s some—maestro Stuart Malina has renewed his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO).

According to board Chair Dr. Stephen C. MacDonald, Malina (pictured) has agreed to a three-year extension through the 2022-23 season.

“This contract renewal was not a difficult decision,” Malina said, in a statement. “Harrisburg is my home, and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is my family.”

This year, Malina celebrates 20 years with the orchestra. In addition to conducting the orchestra, he often performs as a soloist and, since 2013, has served as principal guest conductor of the Florida Orchestra.

“Since beginning my position, Stuart and I have worked closely with each other and the board to explore new and innovative ways to deliver an inspired season of music in a time of great change,” Executive Director Matthew Herren said. “Stuart is the heartbeat of the orchestra, both on and off the stage, and one of the reasons why coming back to the region was so very enticing for me.”

Herren officially became executive director on July 1, replacing Jeff Woodruff, who retired at the end of June.

The HSO hasn’t yet made a firm decision on its upcoming 2020-21 season. Last week, it released a statement saying that it was continuing to weigh the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its plans.

“In the coming weeks, we should be in a better position to announce our plans for October and November 2020 programming,” the HSO statement said. “Due to the uncertain nature of events, and where the nation’s response to the pandemic will be this fall, announcements are likely to be made only a few months into the future at a time.”

For more information about the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and its plans for the performance season, visit its website.

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