Burg Review: Slurp up the laughs at Open Stage’s madcap “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”

October 5, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

Open Stage vants you to attend Count Dracula’s open house at his creepy castle.

But don’t be scared off by the dimly lit, cobwebbed corners, brocaded wallpaper and creaky doors. There are scads of impromptu dance parties, actors randomly throwing sparkly confetti, and Count Dracula baked a gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan cake… That one’s for his realtor. He also baked a cake that tastes good, just to velcome you.

Mixing campy comedy, gothic horror, slapstick farce, sexual overtones, and a bag of A-positive platelets from the snack bar, director Stuart Landon brings us a silly twist on Bram Stoker’s already twisted tale, reminiscent of Mel Brooks’ Frankenstein (“Franken-schteen”) and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Count Dracula (Brad Barkdoll) and his realtor Jonathan Harker (Isaac Austin) set the scene at Dracula’s London castle location, location, location. The setting itself becomes a main character, with its spooky crimson lighting (Tristan Stasiulis) penetrating the canned mist, and the strains of world music I’m certain I hear in my weekly Zumba class. Although I give the mirror at my gym the clumsiest salsa dance ever witnessed, the players’ onstage dances are much more watchable (Aréanna Hope Kroll, choreographer). They’re meant to be silly, and they’re easy enough that you could try them out during your own living room dance parties.

Barkdoll plays his Dracula with an over-the-top brand of sultry, pumping his cautious-but-clueless realtor for information about his adventurous fiancé, Lucy (Jasmine Graham.) Later, at the couple’s engagement party, the dynamic between Austin and Graham feels initially strained and unromantic. Enter the leather-bound, sexually charged Barkdoll flashing into the party during a well-placed thunder clap, carrying his cake plate. Dracula is thirsty for blood spritzers, and it’s Lucy’s neck he wants as his party punch cup.

At that same party, we meet Lucy’s father, Dr. Westfeldt (Joellen Terranova), who runs a mental asylum in his house, and his straight-jacketed patient Renfield (also Terranova). This double-casting and constant quick-changing earns Terranova admiration as they skillfully play both characters in many of the same scenes, all ridiculously and riotously constructed.

We also meet Westfeldt’s other, less favorite daughter, the flighty Mina (Anthony M.C. Leukus), who tries too hard to attract the same level of attention as her sister, Lucy. When Mina falls ill after a snog-sesh with Count Dracula, Dr. Van Helsing (also Leukus) pays her a house call. As lightly as Leukus plays Mina, he presents Dr. Van Helsing with more gravity. Although Dr. Van Helsing is a caricature of a German housefrau, (and I think I recognize the costume from “The Sound of Music,”) Leukus’s character interpretation gives credence to being a female doctor in 1897.

The otherwise lighthearted storyline is easy to follow, peppered with running gags, humorous sound effects (Anthony Pieruccini, sound design consultant; Victoria Deiorio, sound designer), and Freudian sips – I mean, slips. Hilarious Easter (and Halloween) eggs abound everywhere, with any bloopers blending seamlessly as part of the slapstick. Also, in a surprising character development, Austin cocoons the boy-like, weakling Harker, eventually emerging him as a fully-fledged badass, as evidenced by his well-hung costume (costumes by Jacob Schlenker and Rachel Landon).

You can pick up Dracula swag.

If you attend Dracula’s open house, with or without your favorite realtor, there are warnings for younger and more sensitive viewers. This comical show is worth attending more than once, drinking in its various viewpoints. If you’re looking for different character renditions and maybe even an alternative blooper reel, there is a special show on Oct. 8 featuring understudies Kroll and Luke Rider. And you won’t want to miss the post-performance discussion on Oct. 19. If you do return for a second or third helping, please be sure to return the cake plate.

P.S. If you stop by Open Stage’s bar, check out Dracula’s rhinestone-studded swag, and bite into your very own plastic fangs.

Open Stage’s “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” runs October 4 through November 1. For more information and ticket sales, visit their website at https://www.openstagehbg.com/shows/dracula.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 3, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

(From left) Dave Baker, city facilities director, Stephen Wilt, project executive with Alexander Construction Co., Debbie Reihart, city project manager, and Darren Rech, safety director with Alexander, on the first day of construction at the Broad Street Market.

Our October issue of the magazine is out! And while this weekend’s weather is looking more like summer than autumn, don’t miss out on some fall fun activities. If you missed any of our news coverage from this week, we have it all, below.

Architect Chris Dawson cut the ribbon on the newly restored Lowengard building downtown, our online story reported. The historic property offers office, commercial and residential space.

Broad Street Market construction began this week, our online story reported. Crews started selective demo at the fire-burned brick building.

City Council approved moving $14 million in Harrisburg’s budget to fund the Broad Street Market rebuild, our reporting found. The money supports construction contracts, allowing work to continue.

Community Corner has a list of special events in October, and our Happenings section has all the details on art, culture and educational festivities this month.

Concerts are in full swing, and now that the weather has cooled off, it’s the perfect time to take in a show. Find our recommendations, here.

Downtown Harrisburg is on a lot of peoples’ minds as the city struggles with a lack of foot traffic. In his column, our publisher weighs in on the discussion.

Harrisburg Planning Commission officials approved several housing projects that would adaptively reuse vacant office buildings as apartments. In our story, find which projects have been proposed for downtown, Midtown and Allison Hill.

Nonprofits in Harrisburg are trying innovative ways to address homelessness. In our magazine story, read about initiatives including tiny homes and organized encampments.

Open Stage debuts, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” this weekend. Read our magazine story to find out more about the funny and spooky show.

Our publisher, in his note, reflected on our Friends of TheBurg Bash, at which he got to meet Burg friends and discuss city topics.

Sara Bozich fills you in on this weekend’s events taking place in Harrisburg, here.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg group to introduce tool library concept to the city, asks for donations

October 3, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Tool Library

When it comes to neighbors helping neighbors, a new community group hopes its initiative will hit the nail on the head.

The Harrisburg Tool Library will hold an open house on Oct. 17 on the 1300-block of N. 3^rd St., with plans to bring a big-city concept to the community in hopes of easing access to equipment.

“It kind of just came together as a group of five people who were just interested in the project,” said Veronica Adams, one of the board members. “Tools are something that provide sustainability to people who own households.”

The tool library is not yet open to the public and does not have a grand opening date set, but organizers hope to get people into their space to see their vision and bring tools to donate.

The tool library, at 1314 N. 3^rd St., will be just what it sounds like—a place where locals can rent equipment for projects, home repairs, gardening and creative work. The initiative is aimed at making it affordable for people to obtain tools and use them as needed.

Memberships will be required for renting tools, and the library will allow people to select how much they are able to pay for the membership, from $0 to $100 per year.

Adams sees the library as being beneficial to renters and homeowners, and useful to those with limited space for storing large tools, lower-income community members, and to those who may only need a specific tool for one project.

The team was inspired to open a library in Harrisburg after seeing successful examples in cities like Baltimore, Portland and even locally, as Carlisle has a small tool library.

“It’s kind of like a library economy, which is a subset of community organizing culture, that aims to make sustainable systems and accessible resources available to the community through a library structure,” Adams said.

The team is collecting inventory through tool drives and donations and plans to hold annual fundraisers to support the library’s operation.

Most of the board members and people who will staff the location will have construction experience and knowledge of repairs, and they plan to eventually host workshops.

The housewarming party will take place during 3rd in the Burg, from 5 to 8 p.m., and include guided tours, tool demonstrations, refreshments and opportunities to sign up for memberships.

“Like any good housewarming, this event is about opening our doors, welcoming neighbors, and celebrating the idea that when we share resources, we all thrive,” said tool library founding board member Kate Lally. “We’re excited to show Harrisburg what’s possible when tools meet community.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Tool Library, visit their website.

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

Once dilapidated, a historic downtown building is restored, modernized with stunning views of the Capitol

October 2, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Chris Dawson and wife Tracie, along with staff, local officials and supporters, cut the ribbon on the Lowengard.

Over a decade ago, the historic Lowengard building in Harrisburg caught architect Chris Dawson’s eye.

The building, constructed in 1917 and nestled along N. 3^rd Street’s historic streetscape facing the state Capitol, stood out to Dawson for its potential.

The Lowengard, 210 N. 3rd St.

After years of vacancies and the building becoming increasingly dilapidated, Dawson pulled the trigger, purchasing the property and completely renovating it.

On Thursday, he and his team were joined by local officials and supporters to cut the ribbon on the newly rehabbed building and offer tours of the completely remade space.

“The building was in really rough shape,” Dawson said. “You might not get a sense of that entirely with all of the beautiful historic photos we have up, and just hopefully how great it looks to you when you walk through.”

The $3.5 million project included rehabbing first first-floor commercial space, which Dawson hopes to find a business to occupy. The three upstairs floors house Chris Dawson Architect’s new office, as well as a one-bedroom apartment unit and a two-bedroom unit. The apartments will either be leased or used as short-term rentals.

One of the most stunning elements of the project is the rooftop deck, which offers a view of the Capitol dome.

Rooftop deck

According to Dawson, the renovation process was extensive.

Historically, the building was erected for use by Courier Printing, with the first floor housing the first Mary Sachs department store in 1918, which eventually grew into the neighboring building. In more recent years, the first floor housed various restaurant tenants, but the upstairs floors were mostly vacant and accumulated debris, dirt and even dead critters.

“It looked like a bomb had gone off on the third and fourth floors,” Dawson said.

An apartment unit in the Lowengard

Now, the building features a modernist design, with white walls, exposed brick, rich black accent walls and natural wood cabinetry, desks and doors. The two-bedroom unit’s primary bedroom features a freestanding soaking tub, and both units and the office have views of the Capitol.

Dawson’s firm previously had office space in the downtown Commerce Tower, but outgrew it. The full team has already begun working in the new location.

And while it wasn’t easy—Dawson dealt with a difficult negotiation process when purchasing the building and had a contractor go bankrupt during construction—he was happy with the result.

Apartment in the Lowengard

“By revitalizing the blighted property and reactivating it for the community, this project preserves a missing piece of a key city block, provides much-needed additional studio space to support CDA’s growth, and contributes to the greater cause of revitalizing downtown Harrisburg,” Dawson said. “We are proud to do our part for Harrisburg as a long-time downtown business owner.”

Chris Dawson Architect’s office

The Lowengard is located at 210 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information about Chris Dawson Architect, visit their website.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 2, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: NEW MUSIC VENUE! Capital City Music Hall opens this weekend; Benaiah’s has new hours + happy hour specials

Worth noting: Taste of Ireland at Whitaker Friday; Hop Dash and Pigtoberfest at Boneshire Saturday; also Alex’s Chili Cookoff for a Cause.

Things on my agenda this weekend: idk about you, but in my household, the focus is on the first day of archery season. Also, Tres Bonne Annee.

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

New + Noteworthy

you know, ICYMI

A night out – and overnight, plus brunch – for 2 for less than $300! — and your chance to WIN this is here
See what else you missed on the blog
and check out the new “Extras” section at the very bottom

Sara’s Top Picks

for the group chat

from TheBurg: Stealey’s Tavern is a hit in Midtown
💜 Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!
📤 Share this with the friend who always asks, ‘What’s going on this weekend?’
👨‍💻 Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Sunday

Sunday Tea at the Willows | $ | Mechanicsburg
Prenatal Yoga Class at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Kundalini Yoga with Keane Living at Consciousness Coffee | $ | Lemoyne
Sundays at Stumpy’s! | $ | Hershey
Boobs Without Borders at Buhrig’s Gathering Place | $ | Mechanicsburg
Oktoberfest 2025 at Royal Winery | Free | Harrisburg
Pumpkin Weekend at Gruver Farms | Free | New Cumberland
Canine Carnival at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey | Free | Hershey
Wyndridge Farm’s Oktoberfest | $ | Dallastown
Pumpkins + Pints @ Tröegs Independent Brewery | Free | Hershey
Trinity Concert Series: Peter Sirotin & Ya-Ting Chang at Trinity Dillsburg | $ | Dillsburg
1775: The Prequel – A Lecture on The Spirit of 1775 from the Olive Branch Petition to “Common Sense” at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion | Free | Harrisburg
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime with Tomas McCarthy & Indio Downey at XL Live | $ | Harrisburg
Tobymac & Mercyme at GIANT Center | $ | Hershey
HBA Parade of Homes | Free | various locations
Time Travelers Weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire | $ | Manheim
Open Stage presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors | $ | Harrisburg
Gamut Theatre Group presents The Revolutionists | $ | Harrisburg
The Vampire Circus – The Scariest Side of Cirque at The Appell Center | $ | York

Extras

Be the taste everyone talks about! We’re looking for partners to support Berry Bash as “Food Station Sponsor” – great opportunity for fun, engaging activation! Email me with interest!
Vendor applications are open for the (outdoor) SoMa Christmas Market on Nov. 30! Sign-up here! Deadline to apply is Sept. 15.
Save the date for Plants + Pints 2026! Sunday, April 12 at Strawberry Square
Want to share an ‘extra’? Email Sara with interest!

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

Planning commission approves office-to-residential projects that would create over 100 new housing units in Harrisburg

October 1, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

1909 N. Front St., the proposed site of an office-to-residential conversion.

Several new proposed projects would add around 150 apartment units to Harrisburg’s housing stock.

At a Harrisburg Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, local developers presented proposals to repurpose former office buildings and a funeral home, as well as construct new housing.

Starting along the riverfront, Harrisburg-based WCI Partners proposed converting an office building at 1909 N. Front St. into 60 apartments. The building is currently occupied by Hersha Hospitality, but according to WCI, the company is downsizing and moving locations.

Under the proposal, WCI would create all one-bedroom units in the four-story, 58,832-square-foot building. There are also 71 off-street parking spaces.

The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the land development plan, as well as a special exception to allow a multifamily dwelling in the Riverfront zoning district.

333 Market Street, the site of a proposed office-to-residential conversion.

In downtown Harrisburg, Harristown Development Corp. has proposed another office-to-residential conversion at 333 Market Street.

The 22-story building is the tallest in Harrisburg, according to the city, and, for years, has housed state government offices and commercial spaces. Currently, apparel store DTLR occupies ground level space on Market Street and a WGAL News 8 studio has a space at the corner of N. 4th Street and Blackberry Street.

The proposal includes renovating floors 11 through 19 of the building, currently vacant offices, into 81 apartments. Units would be one- and two-bedrooms ranging from 828 to 1,225 square feet.

The project would not include off-street parking, but the building is attached to the Chestnut Street Garage.

Approval for the project was granted by the commission.

On a smaller scale, developer Breneman Properties has proposed adding apartments to the building at 1332 N. 2^nd St. The building currently includes five apartments and previously housed Neumyer Funeral Home on the first floor. Breneman would convert the former funeral space into eight additional apartments.

The planning commission recommended approval of a variance to allow the existing parking lot to be used commercially and spaces rented out, and a special exception to allow for more units than permitted by right, for the project.

Lastly, Handles Helping Hand Foundation has proposed consolidating five parcels at 1605 to 1613 Market St. and subdividing the land into four lots. The developer would then construct a three-story affordable townhome on each lot.

The project site is currently owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. A small community garden used to operate onsite, but the lot has since become blighted.

The planning commission recommended approval of the land development plan, lot consolidation and subdivision. They also recommended approval of a variance and special exception for relief from lot width and off-street parking requirements.

All of the zoning issues mentioned above will now move to the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board for approval. The land development plans will head to City Council for final approval before the projects can start.

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

12th Annual Latino Ball to Recognize Lo Mejor de lo Mejor Award Winners on October 11 in Harrisburg

October 1, 2025 | by Admin

Latino Connection will host the 12th Annual Latino Ball on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Hilton Harrisburg. Known as the region’s premier Latino cultural celebration, the event will once again bring together hundreds of leaders, partners, and community members for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and recognition.

At the heart of the evening is the presentation of the Lo Mejor de lo Mejor (Best of the Best) Awards, honoring three extraordinary leaders whose work exemplifies service, advocacy, and innovation in the Latino community:

Humanitarian of the Year: Senator Patty Kim, Pennsylvania State Senate, District 15 – Recognized for her compassionate leadership and commitment to advancing equity and opportunity through policy and public service.
Community Leader of the Year: Karen Rollins-Fitch, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Highmark Wholecare – Honored for her visionary leadership and dedication to fostering partnerships that improve health and strengthen communities.
Workforce Champion of the Year: Rossanna Gabriel, Executive Director, Hazleton Integration Project (HIP Center) – Celebrated for driving economic mobility and creating sustainable career pathways that empower Latino families and immigrants across Pennsylvania.

“These three leaders represent the very best of service, vision, and impact in our community,” said George Fernandez, President and CEO of Latino Connection and Color & Culture. “Each year, the Latino Ball elevates Latino culture while also shining a light on the individuals who are creating life-changing opportunities for others. It is truly an honor to give our award recipients this platform for their work.”

The annual celebration will also feature vibrant décor, a gourmet menu, and live entertainment inspired by this year’s cultural theme: Argentina. Guests can expect a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the sights, sounds, and spirit of Argentine traditions.

As the Presenting Sponsor, Jefferson Health Plans shares in celebrating the impact of the Latino Ball. “On behalf of my colleagues at Jefferson Health Plans, we’re honored to be a returning sponsor of the Latino Ball and a proud partner of Latino Connection,” said Krista Hoglund, President of Jefferson Health Plans. “This annual gathering is a powerful reflection of the meaningful impact we make in the communities we serve. Together, we are committed to advancing health equity, education, and empowerment within the Latino community, and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

Founded in 2013 as a way to honor businesses and individuals making exceptional contributions to Latino communities, the Lo Mejor de lo Mejor Awards have grown into a statewide recognition and are now the centerpiece of the Latino Ball, the largest and most prestigious Latino event in Pennsylvania.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.Latinoball.org.

Harrisburg moves millions of dollars to support Broad Street Market rebuild, furthering construction

September 30, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market brick building

Construction on the Broad Street Market’s brick building can keep pushing forward, as Harrisburg now has funding lined up for the project.

City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved reallocating $14.4 million in Harrisburg’s budget into its budget for the rebuilding of the fire-damaged market, which allows all contractors to begin work.

Council members voted in support, but many expressed concerns over the cost of the project and over what they said was a rushed approval timeline.

On Monday, contractor Power Component Systems (PCS) began selective demolition on the brick building, starting the 18- to 20-month rebuild, over two years after the fire. However, not all contractors could begin until the city had sufficient funds to pay for all of the work, which totals 11 bid packages.

After Tuesday’s vote to add $14.4 million into the general fund, the city now has about $19.1 million in its 2025 budget for the market. In total, officials estimate that the market rebuild will cost $23 million. The city has already spent about $3.3 million for selective demo, architectural and design services.

The money for the project will be shifted from other budget areas, like the state grants fund and capital projects fund, to the general fund. Also, $9.1 million will move from the city’s fund balance to go towards the market. The city’s current fund balance is about $19 million.

Officials explained that the money will be spent incrementally over the course of the project, and unspent funds by the end of 2025 will be rolled over into future budgets.

Harrisburg has already received $4.9 million in insurance funds, but hopes to receive more, which will come in the form of reimbursements. City Facilities Director Dave Baker previously said that he estimated that the city may get $12 million. $1 million of that is designated specifically for the tent structure.

While the money transfer was approved, council expressed concerns about the price tag.

“I’m very concerned about this project, this is a lot of money that’s being moved,” said council member Lamont Jones. “At the end of the day, this is a lot of money going out of the city.”

City Finance Manager Brian McCutcheon reminded council that all of the money for the market will not be leaving the city immediately, but over several years.

Council President Danielle Hill also brought up her desire to see local and minority-owned businesses involved in the rebuild.

City Solicitor Neil Grover said that city officials advocated to contractors the importance of including minority-owned subcontractors, but that the city couldn’t legally mandate it.

“It’s unfortunate that our Harrisburg-based minority and women-owned businesses won’t have a seat at the table,” Hill said.

Hill also shared passionate comments before voting, saying she was frustrated by the quick turnaround required of council for voting on the resolution. She said that she was voting “yes” “extremely reluctantly.” A few other council members shared similar sentiments.

“It’s not fair to us to constantly receive everything at the last minute,” she said. “It’s a lot of information to digest at the last minute. It seems to be a recurring theme with this administration. It’s not fair.”

Council member Ausha Green added that she would like better communication and transparency from the city about the market.

“We shouldn’t have to keep coming back, saying, can we get an update? Can we get a presentation?” Green said. “We need more communication with council and with the public.”

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Broad Street Market rebuild has started, as crews begin construction process

September 29, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Crews with PCS began selective demolition work on the brick building on Monday.

Construction has started on the Broad Street Market.

Over two years after a fire tore through the market’s brick building, workers on Monday started an estimated 18-month construction process, beginning with selective demolition.

Previously, crews were slated to begin work on Tuesday, but according to Dave Baker, city facilities director, demo contractor Power Component Systems (PCS) was ready to get to work at 7 a.m. Monday morning.

“With demo, you’ll see a big difference pretty quick,” Baker said.

PCS has begun taking down doors in the brick building to salvage for potential later use. They will also work on taking off windows and boards covering doors and windows.

“We are getting this building wide open,” said Stephen Wilt, project executive with Harrisburg-based Alexander Construction Co., the building manager for the project.

(From left) Dave Baker, city facilities director, Stephen Wilt, project executive with Alexander Construction Co., Debbie Reihart, city project manager, Darren Rech, safety director with Alexander

The demolition team will then work with the other 11 contractors set to come on site to coordinate additional work. Demo will also include taking off the entire roof of the building, while leaving some of the rafters and demolishing and rebricking small portions of the walls that are unstable.

Of the 11 bid packages for the market rebuild, 10 are lined up, and the city is interviewing for the 11th today, Baker said.

However, most of the contractors cannot begin work until City Council approves the funds to pay the contractors. City officials shared their proposal to shift around $14 million in Harrisburg’s budget to add it to the budget for the market. In total, the market rebuild will cost an estimated $23 million. The money reallocation is on the agenda for a council special legislative session on Tuesday evening.

Officials said that the city has to have the money up front to pay contractors, but hopes to get refunded as much as possible through insurance. Baker said that they’ve estimated getting around $12 million total in insurance, but aren’t certain yet exactly how much they’ll receive in the end.

Once contractors are approved, the community will see a “beehive of activity” in the next couple of weeks, Baker said.

Wilt explained that, next week, Alexander will gather together all the contractors to get everyone on the same page with the project schedule.

As for the price tag of the rebuild, Wilt and Baker both stated that they feel comfortable with the current cost, basing their estimates on data for historical projects.

Baker also noted that the city received Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approval for the rebuild of the historic building and is incorporating recommendations from local and state historic organizations.

Baker and Wilt said that, once the rebuild is done, the brick building will look mostly as it did before the fire, but cleaner, brighter and more functional.

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

October Publisher’s Note

September 29, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Each year, just after Labor Day, TheBurg celebrates a very special day.

In early September, we host our annual “Burg Bash” to honor our Friends of TheBurg, folks who generously help support our work through their annual membership.

It’s an evening of incredible food, drink, music and camaraderie, held at the stunning King Mansion, right on the riverfront.

But you know what I love the most about the event? The conversations.

For several hours, people gather in groups and talk about—what else—Harrisburg!

This year, I overheard discussions on everything from development to murals to the mayor’s race. It seems that concern for downtown has eked past the Broad Street Market as the No. 1 issue in the city this year, at least based on our guests.

Over the years, the Burg Bash has become something of a freeform salon for discussion of all-things Harrisburg, granted one with balloons, food stations and a brief speech by yours truly. The opinions, ideas and intrigues flow as freely as the Crosswinds wine. That’s what happens when you get 150 city nerds gathered in one place, all sharing a love (some of it tough) for Harrisburg.

I appreciated meeting everyone and enjoyed all the conversations. I only wish the evening would last longer. Each year, those three hours fly right by and, before I know it, it’s time to pack up and begin the planning process once more.

I hope to see everyone again next year. If you’d like to join us, please become a member of Friends of TheBurg, and you’ll receive an invitation a month or two ahead of time.

Speaking of good times, the weather is cooling down, and the leaves are beginning to turn. That means it’s time for our October issue, which focuses on “fall fun,” in addition to our usual assortment of community news, features, columns and events.

I’ve heard it said that October is the best month to be in Harrisburg, with pleasant weather, a colorful landscape and tons of things to do. I can’t argue with that!

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

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

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🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

New + Noteworthy

Sara’s Top Picks

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Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Extras

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