Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

SoMa Block Parties set to return for the summer in May

A past SoMa Block Party. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

Starting next month, a favorite Harrisburg neighborhood get-together returns for the season.

SoMa Block Parties will kick off for the summer on Thursday, May 29, bringing back music, food and community to the downtown block, announced Sara Bozich and Harristown Enterprises on Tuesday.

Each month, the block of S. 3rd Street between Market and Chestnut streets will close to vehicle traffic, businesses will stay open late, and food and drink vendors will set up shop. Craft breweries and wineries, non-alcoholic drink vendors and food trucks will participate.

Additionally, each block party will feature live music and yard games.

This season’s musical lineup includes Mark DeRose & the Dreadnaughts (May), Cass and The Bailout Crew (June), Vivid Vinyl (July), Smokehouse 4 (August), and Oversoon with special guest Comb Over Here (September).

Block Parties run from 6 to 10 p.m. Parking is free for most of downtown after 5 p.m.

SoMa Block Party dates are as follows:

  • 6-10 p.m. Thursday, May 29
  • 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 20 – Juneteenth SoMa Block Party with YPOC and HYP
  • 6-10 p.m. Thursday, June 26
  • 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 31
  • 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28
  • 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25

For more information, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harrisburg mayoral candidates at a debate hosted by ABC27.

It’s your last chance to grab our April issue of the magazine before our May issue hits the stands. Don’t miss out on reading our special home and garden section for spring and then prepare for a mouth-watering May dining issue. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Autism Acceptance Month is in April and our story shines light on the topic locally. Several Harrisburg area organizations are working to raise awareness and improve support for neurodiverse families.

Country artist Russell Dickerson will take the stage in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this July as part of the Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported.

Dauphin County shared that its elections office has begun sending out mail-in ballots ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election, our online story reported. They have also deployed ballot drop boxes around the city.

Disability Pride Harrisburg festival celebrated community members with disabilities, as well as the grand opening of the Thrive CIL office, our online story reported. Thrive was formerly called the Center for Independent Living, however, the center has moved locations and rebranded.

Families this month should take time to explore the area’s rivers and bodies of water and get their hands in the mud. Our columnist has several fun ideas for how to teach kids about soil, wildlife and gardening.

Harrisburg couple Bruce and Eva Burchfield’s home renovation process was featured on a national television show. In our magazine story, read about the huge undertaking and historic transformation.

Mayoral candidates in Harrisburg participated in a televised debate this week, our online story reported. The five Democrats shared their stances on pressing issues and, while making jabs at each other.

Park Harrisburg announced that it would terminate use of its “LUVHBG” code on the Park Mobile app, which gave users four free hours of parking on Saturdays, our reporting found. The organization also noted that it is removing many of its pay stations as it transitions to an online platform.

Refugee resettlement has been significantly affected as the federal government has made changes. In our magazine story, we delve into the local impacts on resettlement agencies and how churches and volunteers are stepping up to help. To hear from several refugees themselves, read our online article.

Sara Bozich’s list of weekend happenings channels all things spring, with a flower bouquet bar, outdoor dining and neighborhood trash cleanups.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

 

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!


What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend 💐 at Maggie Adams; Arcade Night at City Island; CPFJ Spring Concert Series: Melissa Aldana Quartet Worth noting: Independent Book Store Day is Saturday. There are just loads of wonderful events happening this weekend — blues, jazz, bluegrass, classical, rock music — plus, 3 (3??!!) beer festivals on Saturday (what year is it?), several big Earth Day-related events, a few fundraising galas. Things on my agenda this weekend: Lots of cultural events! Seeing friends’ kids perform in The Hobbit at Open Stage, Red Land Youth Baseball opening day, a house concert, and a Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist on Sunday!

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

  1. May 16: WXPN Welcomes Tanjo & Crow with special guest Virginia Masland LIVE in Strawberry Square
  2. May 26: SoMa Block Party | May 2025 – season kick-off!
  3. Are you on my email list? 
  4. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline spoke to reporters following an arson attack at the Governor’s Mansion.

Happy Easter! We hope you have a nice holiday and maybe even take some time to “hop” around the city this weekend while the weather is good. Before you begin stuffing baskets and eggs, catch up on the news from the week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed Friday’s 3rd in the Burg events, including art, music and markets.

The Broad Street Market’s former executive director, Tanis Monroy, pled guilty to stealing from the market, our online story reported. Monroy was sentenced to one year of probation, 10 hours of community service, and he has already paid over $21,000 in restitution to the market.

Fort Indiantown Gap played a significant role in resettling Vietnamese refugees 50 years ago. Find out more about the history, in our magazine story. 

The Governor’s Residence was the target of an arson fire that significantly damaged the historic mansion, but left no one injured, our online story reported. Police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, in connection with the arson.

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline addressed the fire at the Governor’s Mansion at a press conference, our online story reported. He described it as a “surreal scene,” but said that it was close to being an even worse fire.

Home sales and prices in the Harrisburg area mostly remained the same in March compared to the previous year, our online story reported.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced its spring slate of events, our online story reported. The center hopes that the festivities will bring the community together.

Local conservancies and nurseries hold native plant sales each year, our says our magazine feature. Our writer rounded up several of the sales that aim to promote the return of native habitats.

Midtown Cinema is showing “A Nice Indian Boy,” a modern rom-com. The film centers on a gay and intercultural relationship and touches on familial relationships. Find out more, here.

Penbrook man, Cody Balmer, was charged by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office for the attack and arson at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, our online story reported. According to court documents, Balmer harbored animosity toward Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Restoration of the fire-damaged Broad Street Market has been slow to begin and still has a lengthy construction process ahead. Our writer reviews what has happened since the 2023 fire and how the community has stepped up to help and make their voices heard.

Sara Bozich has found plenty of fun events, including Easter-related festivities and listed them, here.

Tec Centro Capital Region ceremonially cut the ribbon on its job training office in Midtown Harrisburg, which opened several months ago, our online story reported. The organization offers employment services, adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and more.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!


What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: 1933 Restaurant & Tavern opens TODAY at The Hotel Hershey; 3rd in the Burg CPFJ Jam Jazz Session at Pursuit Coworking! Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg! Easter events — plenty to choose from, including where to eat day-of. Things on my agenda this weekend: Jazz for 3rd in the Burg! Easter, youth baseball, who knows

For your weekend planning

  • Have you checked out Mason Dixon Distillery yet? You should.
  • See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Jon Taffer | VIBE | Harrisburg Regional Chamber

  1. Time to grab your (exclusive discounted) tickets to Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s VIBE featuring Jon Taffer on April 29 – less than two weeks away!
  2. Add to calendar now: The full Strawberry Square Music Series lineup! It’s almost Block Party season!!
  3. Are you on my email list? 
  4. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Easter Sunday

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

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Officials broke ground this week on the new “Tunnel to Towers” development for homeless veterans.

The weather may have been cool this week, but the local news was hot. If you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below in our weekly news summary.

Broad Street Market has a new market manager following a lengthy search. The market board approved the hiring of Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor for the post, says our online article.

Capital City Music Hall is expected to open its doors in mid-summer, reports our music writer. The new venue in downtown Harrisburg replaces a centrally located restaurant and tap room.

Dauphin County Commission Chair Justin Douglas called on fellow commissioner George Hartwick to resign his seat, following a DUI charge. Our online story reprinted his public statement.

Harrisburg School District has reversed a plan to establish a full-time police department. According to our online story, the move comes as the district expects to exit a years-long receivership.

MG Mercantile is “retail theater,” according to our arts writer. In his magazine story, he outlines why you should take a trip to Mt. Gretna to experience the eclectic store.

Pride of the Susquehanna expects to hit the water in June. According to our online story, the iconic riverboat missed all of last year’s sailing season due to repair issues.

Sara Bozich has your party plan for the weekend. Check out her weekly summary of what’s going on around town.

Sonya McKnight, a Harrisburg judge, was convicted last week of attempted homicide. The out-of-town jury reached a verdict quickly following a two-day trial, our reporting found.

Tariffs threaten to harm local businesses, according to our recent news feature. Many local retailers import goods, even ones you might not expect.

Tunnel to Towers broke ground last week on a new residential complex for homeless veterans. The south Harrisburg development is one of three such facilities planned for the area, our reporting stated.

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!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

 

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!


What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Senators Baseball is back! Plus, check out their Women in Sports Summit on Saturday Worth noting: Camp HIll’s Spring Fling is Saturday; The Artisan Guitar Show goes all weekend; lots of egg hunts (for kids, parents, and … dogs?) Things on my agenda this weekend: We’re kicking off the weekend Thursday with our elementary school’s Race Into Reading event. Baseball, Spring Fling, recovering from last weekend … 

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Jon Taffer | VIBE | Harrisburg Regional Chamber

  1. Time to grab your (exclusive discounted) tickets to Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s VIBE featuring Jon Taffer on April 29 – less than two weeks away!
  2. Add to calendar now: The full Strawberry Square Music Series lineup
  3. Are you on my email list?
  4. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

The former Polyclinic Hospital building may become apartments.

Here’s to hoping all the April showers bring some beautiful May flowers around Harrisburg, after all this rain we’re getting. Stay dry while you catch up on our news from this week, below.

An apartment development may be coming to the former Polyclinic Hospital building in Uptown Harrisburg, our online story reported. A developer met with community members this week to discuss his proposal for housing and commercial space.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed Wildwood Park’s “Art in the Wild” exhibit, which opens to the public this month. Read here, to find out more about the artists behind the natural displays.

TheBurg won big in the annual advertising contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation, our story reported. We won 22 awards in total, as well as  a “Sweepstakes” award for best performance in our category.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is losing funding and resources due to a federal decision to cut the Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. In our online story, find out how this will affect Harrisburg pantries.

Community Corner has all of this month’s special events. In our Happenings column, you’ll find an even longer list of April events.

Denim Coffee opened a second Harrisburg location this week, our online story reported. They now have a shop inside Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

Election season is upon us in Harrisburg. Our publisher shares several criteria that he uses when heading to the polls, in his column.

HACC approved its 2025-26 budget this week, our reporting found. The tuition for most students will rise to $288.50 per credit, an increase of $22 per credit.

Musical Notes shares all of the great local musical acts headed to the Harrisburg area in April, here.

PennDOT announced that Cameron Street, between Paxton and Sycamore streets, will be reduced to a single lane in each direction, starting this weekend, our online story reported. Work on this corridor is part of the I-83 expansion.

Sara Bozich details this weekend’s happenings in her Weekend Roundup.

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!

Continue Reading

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

 

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!


What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Denim Coffee opens its new Strawberry Square location tomorrow (Fri). A sign of warmer times: Sawyers Grand Reopening Party is this weekend; Improvapalooza at Gamut Theatre Group Saturday Worth noting: Jazz Night at The Scholar on Friday; Plants + Pints on Sunday! Things on my agenda this weekend: Today, I’m joining Anthem’s Marketing’s Social Sip to Success, a sold-out event held at The Willows at Ashcombe. I can’t wait to chat social media and learn from other panelists! On Friday, I’m taking myself to dinner, then to browse some books with jazz on Friday; Saturday some girl time with lunch and shopping to follow; Sunday is Plants + Pints!

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Jon Taffer | VIBE | Harrisburg Regional Chamber

  1. Grab your (exclusive discounted) tickets to Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s VIBE featuring Jon Taffer on April 29
  2. Add to calendar now: The full Strawberry Square Music Series lineup here
  3. Are you on my email list?
  4. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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

Continue Reading

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harmony Towers on N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg

Happy Friday, Burg readers! Our April issue of the magazine just dropped, so make sure you grab a copy. In the meantime, stay up-to-date with our recent news reporting, below.

April’s issue of the magazine features stories of spring—growth, gardening and new beginnings. In his publisher’s note, Lawrance Binda encourages readers to make the most of the warm weather, get out in the city and shop local.

Acting classes allow youth to build confidence, make friends and learn new skills. In our magazine story, learn about several local theaters’ class offerings.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA’s “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” is one of its biggest fundraisers each year. In our magazine story, read about the importance of the event and the impact that the work of BBBS has on area youth.

Eden Village can now begin construction on its tiny home village for the unhoused, our online story reported. Harrisburg City Council this week approved the project planned for South Harrisburg.

The Harrisburg chapter of the national nonprofit, USA Dance, has offered lessons to the community for decades. In our magazine story, read about the organization’s offerings and the benefits of dance.

Harmony Towers in Harrisburg has dealt with hot water issues for the past several months, the city said this week, our online story reported. Harrisburg officials said that they would ramp up code enforcement at the property to try to address the problems.

Open Stage’s production of “I’m Proud of You” tells the beloved story of “Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood.” The show touches on themes of building friendships and sharing feelings, says our reviewer.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes ways to eat, shop and have fun around Harrisburg this weekend.

Sieta Achampong, Harrisburg High School-SciTech Campus principal, was removed from her post by the school district, our online story reported. District officials said that she was removed because her certifications were not active. Achampong shared her thoughts on the news, as well.

“Walk with a Doc” allows community members to learn from and chat with local healthcare professionals, our magazine story reported. The program is part of Dauphin County Parks & Rec’s “Parks Rx” series.

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!

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