Tag Archives: City Island

PennDOT revises Market Street Bridge rehab plan, adds ped/bike crossing

July 5, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

The Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation again has tweaked its proposed design for the rehabilitation of the Market Street Bridge, adding a separate bike/pedestrian crossing.

In this latest proposal, a 14-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian path would be built on top of a utility bridge that would be constructed along the south side of the bridge.

A rendering of the proposed utility bridge, with bicycle/pedestrian lanes

The Market Street Bridge actually consists of two separate bridges. A 95-year-old stone arch eastern span connects Harrisburg to City Island and is on the National Register of Historic Places. A concrete “box beam” western span links Wormleysburg/Lemoyne to City Island.

In late 2021, PennDOT first proposed rehabilitating the entire bridge. Then, in May 2022, the agency proposed adding a separate utility bridge, which would carry utilities now housed beneath the bridge’s sidewalks.

According to PennDOT, building a separate utility bridge would cut overall construction time significantly, from about 10 years to five to six years, while allowing easier access for future utility work. The utility bridge would be built first, so bicyclists and pedestrians would be able to cross the river while work proceeds on the main bridge.

Otherwise, the project proposes four, 10-foot travel lanes, similar to current conditions on the Market Street Bridge. In addition, the main bridge would continue to have a sidewalk, despite the construction of the separate utility bridge with bike/pedestrian paths.

The eastern bridge would expand the existing upstream sidewalk width by 1 foot, and shoulders would be added. For the western bridge, shoulders and a 7-foot-wide upstream sidewalk would be constructed. The downstream sidewalks for both bridges would be eliminated.

A rendering of the south side of the historic Market Street Bridge, with a separate utility bridge

PennDOT anticipates that construction would begin “as early as 2025.”

Reached by phone, local bike advocate Ross Willard said that he applauds PennDOT’s decision to offer biking and pedestrian access on the proposed utility bridge. However, he’s puzzled why the agency wants to build a separate utility bridge when a possible alternative–the unused CAT (Cumberland Valley Railroad) bridge–is just a few hundred feet downriver.

“We’re happy that they’re trying to save time, and we’re happy to have bike and pedestrian access,” he said. “We thought it would be better to use the existing CAT bridge.”

In fact, just last year, the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) put rehab of the CAT bridge on its five-year priority list for transformation to a linear park, focused on bike and pedestrian access, at an estimated cost of $22.5 million.

Meanwhile, PennDOT’s estimated cost of the Market Street Bridge rehab has ballooned from $63.8 million, before the proposed addition of the utility bridge, to $113.6 million today, over the course of about 18 months.

PennDOT is accepting comments on its proposal through July 18. It also plans to hold an in-person open house on July 12, 6 to 8 p.m., at Knisely Hall, 127 S. 2nd St., Wormleysburg.

For more information on the Market Street rehabilitation plan, visit the project website.

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Harrisburg Senators to host “City of Harrisburg Family Day,” give out free tickets to residents

May 2, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Harrisburg Senators Manager Delino DeShields, Senators mascot Rascal and Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams in a promotional video posted by the city.

Get your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, because the Harrisburg Senators are taking local residents out to the ballgame.

Harrisburg announced on Tuesday that the baseball team would host a City of Harrisburg Family Day on May 21, offering thousands of free tickets to city residents.

“We are so thrilled to partner with the Senators on this exciting event for our city,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “There is no better way to spend a Sunday in the city than at the ballpark, and I really want to thank Senators team President Kevin Kulp for making this possible.”

The Sunday game will be played on City Island’s FNB Field against the Erie Seawolves and will start at 1 p.m., with Williams throwing the first pitch.

All city residents are eligible for a complimentary ticket voucher, good for two free tickets, to be exchanged at the box office on game day. Seats will be selected once a ticket is exchanged at the box office.

Ticket vouchers are available to pick up at the following Harrisburg locations:

The MLK City Government Center, 10 N. 2^nd
Camp Curtin YMCA, 2135 N. 6^th
Allison Hill Community Center, 1524 Walnut St.
Boys & Girls Club, 1227 Berryhill St.

Pickup times for each location are dependent on business hours, and will be available until the close of business Friday, May 19.

“The Harrisburg Senators have called City Island home for more than 35 years, and none of that is possible without the people and the families of Harrisburg,” said Kulp. “If you’ve never been out to a Senators game, you’re missing one of the best shows in baseball. Hopefully, City of Harrisburg Family Day attracts a new generation of Senators faithful.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Senators visit their website.

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Pride of the Susquehanna concludes successful year, boat now docked for season

November 8, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat has wrapped up its best season in years, taking in more than $200,000 in ticket sales.

The iconic red-and-white riverboat hosted more than 20,000 passengers and sold about $215,000 worth of tickets in 2022, according to the nonprofit operator, the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society.

“The community has really stepped up to help us keep the boat afloat this year, and we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said board President Kim Rice.

Besides ticket sales, riverboat revenue comes from such sources as donations, grants, sponsorships, fundraisers and concession sales, according to the society.

The success of the 2022 season follows several challenging years for the 34-year-old paddlewheel boat, which, over the years, has become a symbol of Harrisburg. In 2018, the Pride lost numerous sailing days due to extended high water on the Susquehanna River, followed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, though, the Pride enjoyed a full sailing season, and patrons and sponsors responded, said Rice. In addition to daily cruises and many special events, the Pride held two successful fundraisers, the Float the Boat Race in May and Boatoberfest in October.

“Many people rode the Pride for the first time this past summer, and many generous businesses helped to sponsor events,” Rice said. “We appreciate every ride and every expression of support.”

In addition to keeping the Pride operational, the revenue enabled the society to make much-needed repairs and upgrades, according to the society. The boat has now been taken out of the water and is in dock on City Island until next year.

“Please plan to ride the Pride in 2023!” Rice urged.

For more information about the Pride of the Susquehanna, to donate or buy gift cards, visit their website.

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Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival to return with food, music, laser light show over Labor Day weekend

August 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A wirewalker performs at the 2021 Kipona Festival

Continuing a longstanding Labor Day weekend tradition, Harrisburg will celebrate the end of summer with one of its largest annual events.

This year’s Kipona Festival will feature food trucks, live music and a laser light show during the event, which runs from Sept. 3 to 5 on City Island and Riverfront Park.

“Kipona offers something for everyone,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, manager of special events for the city, during a meeting with the press. “It’s a good opportunity for people to come to the downtown area.”

The three-day event has historically featured Native American cultural experiences. This year on City Island, attendees can enjoy a Native American Pow-Wow, ax throwing, Aztec fire dancing and cultural foods.

Over in Riverfront Park, musical acts will perform on two stages, 28 food trucks will line N. Front Street, artists will sell handmade wares, and beverages will be available in a beer and wine garden.

Several popular experiences will return, as well. Wirewalkers will make the journey across the Susquehanna on a wire suspended from the Walnut Street Bridge to the lower river walk during all three days. There will be a special illuminated walk on Sept. 3 at 8:15 p.m. The Dick Reese canoe and kayak races are also back this year, continuing an over 80-year-old Kipona tradition, according to Ranck-Cameron.

On Sept. 4, at 8:15 p.m., a laser light show, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, will display laser effects choreographed to music.

For families attending the festival, there will be a UPMC Family Fun Zone with crafts, face painting, magicians, balloon animals and live theater performances. The Bubble Festival will also return, on Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with entertainer Grandpop Bubbles creating up to 70-foot long bubbles.

Ranck-Cameron said that she expects around 70,000 attendees from across the region at Kipona over course of the multi-day event. According to Lt. Kyle Gautsch, the Harrisburg Police Bureau will have a “significant police presence” at the festival.

Street parking in the city is free on Sunday and Monday. On Saturday, downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. and the code LUVHBG can be used before then to receive four hours of free street parking. The Market Square Garage is discounted to $10, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Recycle Bicycle will provide free bike parking along N. Front Street, near Market and Forster streets.

For more information about Kipona Festival, visit the city’s website.

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Own an Island: Susquehanna River islands, rich in history, hit the sales market in Harrisburg

August 5, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Bailey’s and Independence islands, just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge, cast reflections on the Susquehanna River.

George Clooney has one. Beyoncé has one. And, now, you can have one, too.

Actually, you can have two — private islands, that is.

An island pair is currently for sale, smack-dab in the middle of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg.

Last week, Independence Island and Bailey’s Island hit the market for the first time in well over a century.

Owners Robert and John Ensminger listed the islands, located near the Harvey Taylor Bridge, for $150,000 as a set.

“My brother and I are both getting up there in age,” said Robert, 71, when asked about their motivation for selling. “So, we decided to just put them on the market and see what we would get.”

The family traces its roots in central PA to 1733, Robert said. A century later, in 1836, their great-great grandfather established Ensminger Auctioneers in downtown Harrisburg, a business that Robert, who nows lives in Susquehanna Township, still runs today.

The islands also have been in the family for generations—Robert wasn’t sure exactly how long—passed down to the current owners 20 years ago from their parents, Hilda and John T. Ensminger IV, according to the property deed.

A postcard shows a makeshift slide and bathing area on Independence, with a pavilion in the background.

A Harrisburg Telegraph article from Aug. 21, 1916, shows that this isn’t the first time the islands have been for sale.

The 106-year-old story, headlined, “City’s Chance to Take Over ‘Independence’ Is Slipping,” states that the city wanted to purchase the larger, 5-acre Independence Island for a “municipal bathing resort.” The day before, on Aug. 20, an estimated 4,000 people had “crowded” onto the island on a warm summer day to swim, the article said.

However, there was competition to a city purchase. An unnamed “New York syndicate” was also interested, eyeing the island for a possible private resort, the article stated.

According to the story, E. Charles Ensminger and his father, Major John T. Ensminger, were asking $15,000 to $20,000 for the land.

“I can’t say whether the city will get a chance to get the island should the New York people buy,” Charles Ensminger was quoted in the article. “I have other business to look after and when my price is met, I am ready to sell. I think the deal will be closed some time to-day.”

The newspaper then took sides on the issue, advocating for city control:

“It is pointed out that if the city takes over the popular bathing resort, Mr. and Mrs. Harrisburger, with all the little Harrisburgers, who are just about learning to kick and splash in the water, can use the beach free, while if outside capital gets control, the public will have to pay the piper. The consensus of opinion to-day seems to be that it is up to Council to get busy before it is too late.”

In the end, neither the city nor the “New York people” bought the island, and a few years later, Harrisburg established a public beach and bathhouse at the north point on City Island. The islands have remained in the family’s hands to this day.

Other news stories from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries mention that Independence Island was used for picnics, races and various sporting contests, including greased-pole climbing. For a long time, a large pavilion for visitors stood on Independence Island.

An undated image shows the Independence Island pavilion.

Today, the islands have no permanent structures, and they’re mostly visited by boaters. Over the years, Independence Island has gained the nickname “party island” for the pontoon boats that stop and dock there.

So, what would a buyer do with the islands?

They’re zoned as “open space recreation,” which, according to the city zoning code, severely limits potential use, though certain recreational uses are allowed either by right or with a special exception.

If nothing else, “you’ve got good bragging rights,” Robert said.

He’s hopeful that, unlike his forebears back in 1916, the islands will sell this time around.

“Someone will buy it somewhere along the line,” he said. “Make me an offer I can’t refuse.”

Click here for the real estate listing for Independence and Bailey’s islands. Historical photos, courtesy of Robert Ensminger.

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Dauphin County Cultural Fest to return to City Island, highlighting the region’s diversity

July 20, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Festival attendees watch a performance at last year’s Cultural Fest.

For one special event, Harrisburg’s City Island will become a hub for cultural food, music and dance from around the world.

Dauphin County once again will host its 14th annual Cultural Fest on Aug. 20 on City Island to showcase the wide-ranging cultural backgrounds of the county’s residents.

“Cultural Fest is a celebration of diversity and the ability to realize that our diversity is our county’s greatest strength,” said county Commissioner George Hartwick.

The event is free and will take place from 3 to 10 p.m.

Festival attendees can expect to see performances from Irish, Latino, Chinese and African dancers and singers, among others from across the globe. To conclude the night, R&B group Dru Hill will perform as part of their 25th anniversary tour.

“Music unifies us,” Hartwick said of the scheduled performances.

Various ethnic food trucks will set up shop at the festival, selling dishes from across the globe, as well as other vendors and a kid’s corner sponsored by UPMC. Hartwick added that there will be resources for community members struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, as well.

In previous years, the festival has drawn crowds of around 25,000 people.

Hartwick summarized his goal for the festival in one word–love.

“We do not have to agree but we are diverse,” said Hartwick. “There is an opportunity to learn. We want to plant seeds and build relationships.”

More information on Cultural Fest can be found on the county’s website.

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Cycle Sites: There’s plenty to stop and see while breezing around the Capital Area Greenbelt.

May 31, 2022 | by Deborah Lynch

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Harrisburg’s best-kept secret may be a 20-mile trail first conjured up by City Beautiful planners in 1902 that finally became a reality over nine decades later.

Today, the Capital Area Greenbelt takes riders and walkers not only through nature, but also through cultural landmarks, past sports fields, near restaurants and coffee shops, and by a myriad of historical landmarks.

The Tour de Belt returns this year on June 5 to celebrate the trail while also raising funds to help maintain and improve the Greenbelt. While it’s exhilarating to join hundreds of riders (nearly 1,000 typically ride) on the loop around the city, the secrets of the trail can be discovered more easily on solo or small group rides.

The adventures can kick off from a number of trail locations, but a good starting point is the trailhead off of Derry Street near the City Line Diner. It’s just a few blocks down from The Tiger Eye Coffee Shop (3418 Derry St.), which welcomes Greenbelt traversers with a bike rack, outdoor seating and a variety of tasty drinks and treats.

Most of the trail is either paved trails or gravel roads, so bicyclists, joggers and hikers can largely avoid city streets. Beginning at Derry Street, riders encounter some hills, particularly on the ascent into Reservoir Park that starts out gently, but gradually becomes steeper and steeper until—gasp! The Civil War Museum and various statues and fountains welcome riders to the summit. From there, it’s literally downhill for a bit.

One of the more “secret” areas on and near the Greenbelt includes the East Harrisburg Cemetery off of Herr Street and Edgemont Road. The trail winds to the west of that, bringing riders out near the former Harrisburg State Hospital grounds, where they have a choice to take a short detour to Veterans Park in Susquehanna Township off of Elmerton Avenue. Along with a playground, sports fields, and tennis courts, the park also has monuments to World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.

Take some time to tour around the former hospital campus, which first opened in 1845 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s as pleasant as it is creepy with interesting architecture, climbing kudzu and flashbacks from the psychological thriller, “Girl, Interrupted,” which was filmed there in 1999, launching Angelina Jolie’s career.

Depending on when one is riding, it might be possible to take a brief stop to enjoy some cricket at the Lower Field park at 2301 N. Cameron St., where Pennsylvania United Cricket Association matches are played.

A pedestrian tunnel takes riders under Cameron Street, coming out in front of the Farm Show Complex, where the Greenbelt parallels the busy thoroughfare until turning onto Wildwood Park Drive, then through the HACC campus before following Industrial Road to Wildwood Park.

Not only does the trail become more scenic with the lake, cattails, croaking frogs and singing birds, but it also gets hillier and more challenging as it wraps around the lake with installations from the outdoor exhibit, “Art in the Wild.” The exhibit surprises trail users with splashes of color, unusual shapes and creative integrations with nature.

Soon after exiting Wildwood Park and cruising down Linglestown Road, riders have a choice to detour off the original loop onto a recently completed expansion that follows N. Front Street on a paved path along the river to historic Fort Hunter Park.

Bikers can stop for food at multiple mini-markets and fast food restaurants as well as bar food at The Boro and steaks at the Glass Lounge along this stretch. Getting back on track on Linglestown Road, bikers will take a right onto Kaby Street by the Donald B. Stabler Memorial Park and enjoy the quiet residential streets of Susquehanna Township before returning to the hubbub of Front Street along the river.

Views of wildfowl and bridges, art and sculptures, and historic buildings like the state Capitol—as well as the possibility of a side trip to City Island via the Walnut Street Bridge—are well worth the busyness of the path as trail users travel south through Harrisburg, eventually coming out by the PennDOT building.

Phoenix Park rises along the river past the building, including a construction site that will be the home for the future Tiny Homes Veterans Village. Gravel trails then loop riders near the Lochiel Hotel, a big, yellow curiosity with a checkered historic past. From there, the Greenbelt parallels Cameron Street until it crosses over just past 13th Street by the Dauphin County Recycling Center.

This area of the trail that follows Spring Creek between 19th and 28th streets offers wild solitude in the middle of urban chaos. The trail here (and also off Derry Street) includes StoryWalk cards sponsored by the Dauphin County Library System, offering children playful interaction. It also provides the only access to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, an 11-foot jet-black obelisk in a memorial garden.

Sculptures, flowers and native plants sprout up in the Five Senses Garden off N. Harrisburg Street. Not far after drinking in the garden’s splendor, the trail challenges bikers to safely cross over Paxton Street and wraps along City Park Drive and Derry Street before depositing them back onto the safety of a dedicated trail at the Paxtang Parkway.

That riders can escape to nature hidden along the river, through parks and within the city proper, is a treasured legacy from the early 20th century planners. This emerald necklace is a true urban gem.

For more information on the Capital Area Greenbelt, visit www.caga.org. The Tour de Belt takes place June 5, beginning from the HACC campus at 9 a.m.

Bike It, See It

Numerous sites and stops dot the 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt loop. Long-time CAGA and Bike Harrisburg member Dick Norford, who offers tours around the Greenbelt, drew up a list of 39 interesting things to see along the way.

- Paxtang Park
- Reservoir Park
- National Civil War Museum
- Harrisburg East Cemetery
- Harrisburg State Hospital
- Farm Show Complex
- HACC
- Wildwood Park
- Fort Hunter
- McCormick Island
- Jewish Community Center
- Italian Lake
- Scottish Rite Cathedral
- Harrisburg Obelisk
- Governor’s Mansion
- Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
- Broad Street Market
- Riverfront Park
- Peace Garden
- Myra Lloyd Dock House
- Little Roundtop Rock
- Sunken Gardens
- YMCA
- Civic Club of Harrisburg
- Kunkel Plaza
- City Island
- Market Street Bridge
- Pennsylvania State Capitol
- Old Governor’s Mansion
- Dauphin County Courthouse
- Harris Cameron Mansion
- John Harris Gravesite
- UPMC (Harrisburg Hospital)
- Dock Street Dam
- Lochiel Hotel
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Five Senses Garden
- Spring House
- The Rutherford House

Dick Norford offers private bike tours of the Capital Area Greenbelt. You can reach him at [email protected].

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June Editor’s Note

May 31, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Last month, Harrisburg received some stunning news.

It was about tacos.

TheBurg broke a story that the city’s beloved taco truck would be no more. The third-generation owner was trading in his wheels for a permanent, brick-and-mortar location downtown.

You can’t blame the guy. Eventually, we all put aside our nomadic ways and look to settle down in a place with a few rooms and a bath.

I personally delighted in the news, since the MASA restaurant (opening this month) will have extended hours, will be open in the winter, and will be near my house. And, like much of Harrisburg, I love their tacos!

But, even more so, I was happy that their storefront (316 N. 2nd St.) will be occupied again. Much of Harrisburg has survived the pandemic in relatively good shape, but it’s taken a toll on the downtown.

Due to fewer state and office workers, a stroll down 2nd or 3rd streets often seems like a lonely exercise. Yes, the neighborhood has come back a bit, but it has a long way to go to reach its pre-pandemic state.

So, this is an appeal, an appeal to visit downtown Harrisburg. There are some wonderful restaurants there, most still operating. Remember that great meal you had just before COVID hit? There’s no need to sit at home and reminisce—just come on in and take a table!

Since it’s June, that table might be outdoors. And, since it’s June, you’ll also find TheBurg outdoors, as it’s our annual issue focused on “summer fun.”

Within these pages, you’ll discover numerous stories about day trips, festivals and outdoors activities. We also toss in a little history, some arts events and a community feature or two.

June may be my favorite month of the year. The air is warm, and the days are long, perfect for a baseball game on City Island, al fresco dining on a city sidewalk or socializing with friends in your own backyard, late into the night.

Lawrance Binda
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Click here to read the digital version of our June magazine.

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Sipping Surfside: Harrisburg Beach Club brings the shore to the Susquehanna.

May 31, 2022 | by Rachel Lindsley

Photo courtesy of Rachel Lindsley.

Sand? Check. Boat drinks? Check. Sunny, summertime fun? Check and check.

You may never confuse the Susquehanna River with the Atlantic Ocean, but the Harrisburg Beach Club is bringing as much of the shore experience to the capital city as possible.

At the point on City Island, you’ll discover a new hotspot where you can play in the sand[box], grab a drink, eat a meal and find a spot to relax with friends, with an unbeatable view of the Harrisburg skyline to boot.

Co-owners Bryan Donovan and Adam Maust opened the outdoor venue last November with a vision to provide a year-round, waterfront hangout spot for locals and visitors alike.

The cold-weather months can be rough in central PA, but, as the weather has warmed, the Beach Club has hit its stride. Swimming isn’t permitted, but, according to Maust, “we have sand, a beautiful view and live music for guests to relax, play and enjoy.”

The city’s beautiful, century-old bathhouse is the centerpiece of the Beach Club, which the business partners brought back to life as part of the venue’s construction.

“Before we stepped in, the bathhouse had been shuttered for more than two decades, and the beach was hidden behind a dilapidated area of the island,” Maust said. “We worked hard to bring this idea to life, restoring the bathrooms and changing areas for guests who would like to take in the sun while avoiding the water, since swimming is prohibited.”

The Harrisburg Beach Club is open seven days a week, from noon to 10 p.m. during the warmer months, weather permitting. Adirondack chairs and “comfort zones” line the lawn for casual lounging and to take in live entertainment—all free of charge. Patrons can listen to live music throughout the day as the Harrisburg Beach Club rotates artists and genres regularly.

“We pride ourselves on providing a space for local artists to play music,” Donovan said. “We have a broad selection of genres and announce the schedule weekly on social media.”

Only a few steps from the shore, beachgoers will find a bar serving specialty cocktails made with local Hidden Still spirits as well as Pennsylvania-made beers and wine. Want to taste before you buy? Harrisburg Beach Club also offers tastings of their partnered spirits on site.

For a more authentic beach day, parties can rent beach chairs and umbrellas just a few feet from the water. Reservations can be made through their website’s booking portal, where guests can choose a chair location and enjoy personal wait service from the bar and food truck. The owners also plan to launch an app reservation system that will guarantee groups a spot on the beach together, Maust said.

Around the corner from the beach, a food truck serves such savory items as Bourbon smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and Coney Island dogs. Starting this month, the food truck will be open daily from noon to 9 p.m.

The Harrisburg Beach Club is a family-friendly venue and even allows canines, if on a leash. Kids can play in the sand, eat some lunch from the food truck or from home and run around in the grass with Fido while adults lounge and sip on spirits. Children under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“We have worked hard to create a free destination that anyone can come and appreciate at the most beautiful spot in Harrisburg,” Donovan said. “From parents to adult couples and even dogs, too—there is something for everyone at the Harrisburg Beach Club.”

The Harrisburg Beach Club is located on City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgbeachclub.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @HarrisburgBeachClub.

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Freedom Festival: This month’s Juneteenth celebration in Harrisburg is set to be the biggest yet.

May 31, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Juneteenth organizers

For Dr. Kimeka Campbell, Juneteenth means a lot of things.

It’s about celebration, history, reflection, rest, education and economics. People may spend the day differently, but one thing’s for sure—it’s an important holiday for all.

“We are celebrating American history,” Campbell said. “It’s an important day for every single American. How you observe it is in your hands.”

All of these different meanings behind the holiday will be spotlighted in this month’s Juneteenth HBG event, hosted by the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC), co-founded by Campbell. And while the holiday itself may be just one day, YPOC plans to celebrate all week long with conferences, reenactments, art experiences, concerts and vendor markets.

Juneteenth—June 19—commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. It is recognized as the day in 1865 when the remaining African American slaves in Texas received word that they were free. While celebrations of the holiday date back to as early as the year after those last slaves were freed, Juneteenth was only officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021.

YPOC has held Juneteenth events for the past few years, but 2022 will be their biggest yet. Their vision is far-reaching, as shown through their theme, “One City. One Team. One Economic Impact.”

The economic impact of Juneteenth is of special importance to Campbell and the team as they head into the holiday.

“The ending of slavery is not just about freeing people physically, it’s also about being free to economically advance,” Campbell said. “Wealth was stolen from Black people, even post-slavery.”

After slavery ended, targeted policies and structural practices such as sharecropping, Jim Crow laws and redlining made economic advancement difficult. With the long-lasting, multi-generational effect of this history in mind, YPOC came up with its program for Juneteenth.

“It’s this idea of economic impact and restoring wealth to the Black community,” Campbell said. “This is a drop in the bucket of that very huge landscape, but we wanted to do something and craft a week where we had education, economic drivers, entertainment and celebration.”

Throughout May, the committee held microenterprise business courses, free to 10 local entrepreneurs. All of those who completed the course were offered free vendor slots at the June events. La Cultura, a partner in the Juneteenth events, hosted the courses.

“There needs to be more Black businesses to shop from, and they need to last longer,” said La Cultura founder Elyse Irvis.

People will be able to shop from local Black-owned businesses at a few of the Juneteenth week events, most notably the Juneteenth Jubilee.

The Jubilee will take place on June 19 at Reservoir Park. The event will showcase live music, local vendors, speakers, talent acts and community resources.

Additionally, earlier in the week, organizers will hold a concert, featuring rapper Bow Wow, at XL Live, a Harriet Tubman reenactment, and a “Paint Noir” interactive art event with artist Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman on City Island.

Additionally, there will be a downtown restaurant crawl, a joint event with UPMC’s “Healthy Harrisburg” program and a kickoff event at the state Capitol. A Juneteenth conference will be held on June 14 at HACC, featuring local speakers from the region and nationally renowned keynote speaker Michael Eric Dyson. The event will include interactive sessions, panel discussions and a Q&A. Many of the events are free, but some require tickets.

Legacy Building

Campbell is proud of the unity her organization has achieved through partnerships in the Juneteenth event. In past years, community groups have largely held separate events scattered throughout the city, but she feels that this year is more of a collective effort.

“It is probably the most collaborative Juneteenth event the city has ever seen,” she said. “Together, we can do more and leave more of an impact.”

Organizations like UPMC, the African American Chamber of Commerce, The Singer’s Lounge, La Cultura, Capital Blue Cross and Dauphin County are partners in the event.

YPOC also received a state grant from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s “Journeying Toward Freedom” grant program in April. The funds will support their Juneteenth efforts.

“To see it come this far—I’m very grateful,” Campbell said. “This is a legacy building event for the city.”

While the team plans for the day, Campbell has a request for Harrisburg-area businesses—give employees the holiday off from work.

“You’ll actually make your employees feel like you care about them,” Campbell said. “It’s a tangible thing to do. Give people the day off.”

Shaniqua Williams, another member of the Juneteenth leadership team, sees the day off as a way for people of all races and cultures to learn more about the history of the holiday. She hopes YPOC’s events will prove educational for attendees.

“This is something that Harrisburg truly needs,” she said. “There’s just so much to celebrate. The celebration starts in your heart.”

For more information about Juneteenth HBG and the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, visit www.ypoc-hbg.org.

Juneteenth HBG Events

Meeting of the Minds Community Summit: Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Keystone Building

Capital Kick-Off: Sunday, June 12, 12 to 2 p.m. at the state Capitol steps

Harp Love in Action Protest: Monday, June 13, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Harrisburg Mall parking lot, opposite the Dauphin County Prison

Juneteenth Conference: Tuesday, June 14, 12 to 6 p.m. at HACC

It’s Lit Black Theater Cafe + Harriet Tubman Reenactment: Wednesday, June 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at Open Stage Theatre

Paint Noir: Thursday, June 16, 6 to 10 p.m. at the City Island carousel pavilion

Discovery Walk and Restaurant Crawl: Friday, June 17, 5 to 10 p.m., starting at Ad Lib Kitchen and Craft Bar inside the Hilton Harrisburg

UPMC Healthy Harrisburg Kick-Off: Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on N. 2nd Street in downtown Harrisburg

Juneteenth Concert: Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at XL Live

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sunday, June 19, 1 to 8 p.m. at Reservoir Park

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