Tag Archives: Strawberry Square

Harrisburg YMCA takes over Strawberry Square boutique fitness space

April 30, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Rendering of Y on Market signage.

Harrisburg fitness enthusiasts can get their sweat on at a new YMCA location.

The Harrisburg Area YMCA on Thursday announced that it has taken over operations of the former “Fit on Market” fitness studio in Strawberry Square downtown.

The 3,420-square-foot boutique fitness center opened in 2020 at 312 Market St. and was operated by Harristown, the owner of Strawberry Square. However, beginning April 1, the Y began leasing the space and operating it.

“We are always looking for new ways to serve our members where they are, and this space allows us to bring the YMCA mission directly into the center of downtown Harrisburg,” said David Ozmore, president & CEO of the Harrisburg Area YMCA.

Previous Fit on Market members’ rates will be matched until their membership terms end. Strawberry Square tenants and Fit on Market members can get 20% off the standard Y membership rate, if applied for before the end of June.

YMCA members can access the new location even when Strawberry Square is not open. Shower facilities and lockers are available to all members.

On-street parking downtown is free before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., and all day on Sundays.

According to the Y’s press release, the organization’s expansion reflects its commitment to the revitalization of downtown Harrisburg. The Market Street gym is the Y’s second downtown location, with its first being located on N. Front Street.

“We welcome the Harrisburg Area YMCA as our new tenant here to bring its respected brand to Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president & CEO of Harristown. “Serving both the workforce and residential populations here in the city, this location will add a very convenient branch to the YMCA lineup of central PA locations.”

For more information about the Y on Market, visit their website.

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HYP taps former communications coordinator as new executive director

February 18, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

Cody Goss, the new executive director of Harrisburg Young Professionals

Harrisburg Young Professionals appointed a new executive director Wednesday, filling a post open since last fall.

Cody Goss, of Midtown, who has served as the group’s part-time communications coordinator since 2024, has been hired to lead the city-based nonprofit. Originally from Milton, he and his wife have lived in Harrisburg for the last nine years.

The 31-year-old will be officially introduced as the organization’s leader later this month at its Feb. 25 annual meeting. In the meantime, Goss said that he is jumping into the full-time role “head first.”

“HYP is just such a positive organization to be around,” Goss said, noting he is excited to uphold the organization’s mission—“to make Harrisburg a better place to live, work and play.”

“Meeting people within the community, making a positive impact, and driving HYP to be more successful— those are my overarching goals,” he said.

Goss graduated from Harrisburg University last month with a degree in business administration.

While obtaining his degree, he said that he gained a good understanding of how to build customer and sponsor relations and bolster community engagement. He sees opportunities for HYP to engage more up-and-coming professionals at local colleges like HACC, Central Penn College, and Harrisburg University and help them understand what the group can offer.

“There’s tons of organic social opportunities where you don’t have to necessarily be in a suit and tie and passing out your business card, but you can genuinely meet people,” Goss explained.

HYP President Faniel Yemane indicated that Goss’s existing commitment and involvement with HYP give him a great starting place as the organization’s lead.

“As we step into this next chapter, I have full confidence in Cody’s ability to lead with clarity, energy and purpose,” Yemane said.

The organization’s former executive director, Meghan (Bachmore) Vanderstappen, left the role in October of last year after a three-and-a-half-year stint. She began in January 2022.

Prior to Vanderstappen, the position had been empty for two years. Her predecessor, Derek Whitesel, stepped down just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

HYP will host its 28th Annual Meeting and Awards Night on Feb. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Strawberry Square.

For more information on HYP, visit its website.

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Plants + Pints to return this spring with plant-based vendors and a charitable mission

February 18, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Plants + Pints 2025. Photo by Michael Yatsko.

An upcoming event will make living healthy fun.

Plants + Pints returns to Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg on Sunday, April 12, bringing together plant-based vendors and craft beverages for a good cause.

“Plants + Pints is exactly the kind of event that brings downtown Harrisburg to life,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which is hosting the festival with Sara Bozich Events. “We’re thrilled to welcome it back to Strawberry Square in 2026 and continue highlighting the incredible plant-based and plant-forward talent we have right here in our region.”

The event, which has been hosted downtown for several years, will highlight vegetarian and vegan food, products and beverages. Over 40 vendors will be in attendance. Food and drink will be offered as samples and available for purchase.

Plants + Pints will run from 1 to 5 p.m.

Additionally, proceeds from the event will go to benefit Downtown Daily Bread, a nonprofit that feeds and shelters unhoused community members.

“We’re so grateful for this event supporting Downtown Daily Bread,” said Kristen Herman, executive director of Downtown Daily Bread. “Plants + Pints brings people together around a fun community event, and the proceeds provide critical support for the meals, shelter, and services our guests rely on every day.”

Tickets are $20 and kids under 12 years old are free.

Downtown street parking is free on Sundays.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 23, 2026 | by TheBurg Staff

A Harrisburg High School wrestling team member and assistant coach pass off carpet being removed from Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach’s new property, as they volunteer on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Ready for the projected snow? As you stay cozy in the storm, catch up on what happened in Harrisburg this week. We’ve listed all our work below for you, from a story on where to find free garage parking during the big snow to the hearing this week in the ongoing lawsuit between Harrisburg mayor and City Council.

ACS Movement is a Camp Hill-based fitness studio that offers Gyrotonics in the Harrisburg area, our January magazine story reports.

Dauphin County Judge Jeffrey Engle, after an all-day evidentiary hearing Wednesday, will make a decision in the coming weeks on whether or not City Council was within its rights to defund salaries for several top city officials. Find our coverage of the hearing here.

Élevé Event Studio will open in the coming months in Midtown Harrisburg where Cafe 1500 once was, according to our online story.

Fit Abilities helps those with special needs focus on fitness, as seen in our January magazine story.

Harrisburg announced that there will be free garage parking available ahead of the forecasted snowstorm. Find the details here.

Harrisburg announced earlier this week that a demolition crew plans to raze a portion of a wall at the Broad Street Market’s brick building. Read more here.

Harrisburg University, in collaboration with Members 1st Federal Credit Union and PA’s auditor general, is running a financial literacy competition for high school students. It offers a $2,500 grand prize, according to our online story.

Logos Academy will host a school fair at Strawberry Square next month, giving parents and students a chance to explore schooling options around Harrisburg, our online story reported.

MLK365’s annual Day of Service brought out hundreds of volunteers, including Harrisburg High School’s girls’ and boys’ wrestling team members, to help with various projects across the city. Click here for more.

Our food columnist has the perfect sausage soup recipe for a cold January evening, as seen in our January issue.

Sara Bozich has consolidated the best events happening around town this snowstorm-fated weekend, including morning yoga at Boneshire Brew Works and an “Over 30 Dance Party” at Capital City Music Hall. For a full list, click here.

Urban Land Institute issued a new report on downtown Harrisburg this week that urged city stakeholders to de-emphasize office space and focus more on residences, small businesses and public spaces, according to our online story.

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School fair to offer a space for parents, students to explore Harrisburg-area options

January 20, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

The “Find Your Fit” school fair will take place in downtown Harrisburg at Strawberry Square.

Curious about K-12 schooling options in the Harrisburg area?

Next month, Logos Academy will host a tabling event at Strawberry Square with representatives from public, private, charter and online schools across the region, according to school administrators. The private Christian school’s “Find Your Fit” schools fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The hope is to create a one-stop shop that allows parents and children to explore their options when it comes to education.

“Instead of feeling like the other schools are competition, we want collaboration—because everyone wants the same thing. We all want the right student to be at the right school,” said Angelina Bartorelli, the event’s lead organizer.

Bartorelli said she’s seen many students and families bounce between schools, searching for the right fit for their child’s unique educational needs. Students with learning disabilities, like ADHD or autism, sometimes thrive in smaller private, charter or even online schools, she said. Other schools might focus on providing special education for students with disabilities.

“Students are all very unique,” she said.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, the Mount Calvary Christian School and the Circle School will be at the event.

The “Find Your Fit” school fair will take place in February.

To learn more about the Find Your Fit school fair, visit this website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 28, 2025 | by TheBurg Staff

Muralist Katie Trainer works on a window at Bacco Pizzeria and Wine Bar.

Happy Thanksgiving! As always, we’re thankful to our readers, our Community Publishers and each and every Friend of TheBurg for supporting our local news operation. Catch up on our weekly coverage below.

Amma Jo, a boutique store, will reopen in Strawberry Square downtown on Dec. 4, our online story reported.

Bella Sicilia Bakery & Deli is a new Italian restaurant scene offering authentic tastes of Sicily and Italy, right in Camp Hill, according to our magazine story.

Capital Region Water announced Harrisburg residents will pay about 6% more for water and sewer next year, our online story reported.

December issue of TheBurg dropped last week, and our publisher welcomes readers to our annual issue focused on holiday fun. He even hints that a gift of Burg merch might be the perfect stocking stuffer.

Downtown Harrisburg is covered in festive, holiday window paintings thanks to artist Katie Trainer, our online story reported. Harrisburg and the DID collaborated to provide the paintings to business owners at no cost.

“Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” new from Open Stage, is a family-friendly show worth seeing this holiday season, says our reviewer. The show runs Nov. 22-Dec. 23.

Governor Dick Park and Tower allows a person to time travel in Mount Gretna, according to our arts writer Bob in his magazine story.

Harrisburg City Council this week pitched a $127.4 million budget for its operations next year, our online story reported. The budget included a proposed $20,000 raise for the mayor, a post which has not seen a raise in 20 years.

Harrisburg parks are in the midst of major renovations and upgrades, thanks to a $13 million grant that the city must use before year-end, our online story reported. The upgrades span four parks.

Harrisburg School District will start outsourcing its payroll operations to a third party, our online story reported. The board also cast votes concerning Hill Farm’s management and John Harris’s spring musical.

Peacock Alley Boutique and Collective is a new consignment shop in New Cumberland that grew from a close friendship, our magazine story reported.

Sara Bozich has a full list of things to do this holiday weekend, including holiday markets and Christmas light shows. Find her compiled list here.

Strawberry Square will host various musical groups during lunchtime this holiday season, our online story reported. The musical performances are free to attend and will take place on the UPMC stage.

Susquehanna Art Museum is celebrating a decade in its permanent home on N. 3rd Street in Midtown with a celebratory exhibit, our online story reported. The exhibition is open Dec. 3 — Feb 15.

Uber rides are offered free through Nov. 29 through a renewed Sober Ride Home program, our online story reported.

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Accessory boutique to reopen in downtown Harrisburg

November 26, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Dewberry Alley in Strawberry Square

A familiar business will soon return to Strawberry Square.

AMMA JO, an accessories showroom, will hold a grand opening in downtown Harrisburg on Dec. 4, marking the third time the storefront has operated in Strawberry Square.

The boutique will offer handbags, accessories, gifts, art and home accessories at its location inside the Market Street entrance of Strawberry Square.

“We are returning to the downtown because we enjoyed our previous experience in Strawberry Square, and we feel that the energy is coming back to the downtown experience – we want to be a part of that!” said owner Amma Johnson.

AMMA Jo will host its grand opening at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 4.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Amma Johnson back to the downtown,” said Brad Jones, president of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. “Amma has a fantastic brand and is an inspiration for other retailers and small businesses here in Harrisburg.”

For more information about AMMA JO, visit their website.

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Free live music coming to lunchtime in downtown Harrisburg this December

November 24, 2025 | by Alexandra Jones

Strawberry Square is a mixed-use complex in downtown Harrisburg.

Downtown for lunch this holiday season? If you go to Strawberry Square, you may be able to enjoy free live music while you eat.

Harristown Enterprises announced Monday that it will host a variety of hour-long shows during the week at UPMC Stage. Regional performers and school groups will perform around noon, Dec. 1 through Dec. 19. Groups include the Hershey High School Jazz Combo, the Lower Dauphin Chamber Orchestra, the York/Adams Mennonite Singers, and the St. Joseph School Choir Chimes and Handbells.

“We’re excited to have so many talented people in our region and we welcome them to downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president of Harristown, which owns Strawberry Square. “We hope this will bring a wider audience into the city to see the talent that the downtown is offering on our stage.”

Patrons of the Square’s second-floor food court will be able to easily enjoy the music while dining.

Food vendors in the Square include Denim Coffee, Chef Chen’s, Fresca Burger and Chicken Shack, Santa Fe Taco Factory, Sakura Tokyo, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Taco Bell.

The holiday performances will cap off Dec. 19 with an evening holiday variety show from 6 to 9 p.m., organized by Sara Bozich. The final show will feature DJ EMD. Open Stage, Harrisburg Improv Theatre’s Hyena Skits, the Rhythm Lounge, River the Bubble Musician, Theatre Harrisburg, the Gamut Theatre Group, Paul Hood, and the musical group Oversoon will also take the stage.

For more information on Strawberry Square, visit its website.

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Berry Bash will bring fun, food and fundraising to Harrisburg next month

September 15, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

There’s no masking the good cause behind an upcoming costume party fundraiser in Harrisburg.

Berry Bash will come to Strawberry Square downtown on Oct. 25, offering entertainment, food and Halloween festivities, while raising money to support Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services.

The event, hosted by Sara Bozich and Harristown Enterprises, will run from 7 to 10 p.m., with proceeds supporting the emergency services nonprofit.

Berry Bash attendees are encouraged to “dress up or dress up,” and wear cocktail attire, a Halloween costume or a mixture of both, with prizes being awarded to top looks.

“We’ve all been to our fair share of snoozy fundraising events. Berry Bash is different —it’s bold, it’s stylish, and most of all, it’s fun,” said event organizer Sara Bozich. “People want connection, energy and impact — and we’re delivering all three.”

Throughout the night, there will be live music from Funktion, cocktails, beer and wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres from the JDK Group, photo ops and a silent auction.

“Support from this event directly helps us save lives,” said Tony Reigle, chief of Harrisburg River Rescue. “We’re so grateful to be part of an event that not only raises vital funds but celebrates community.”

Tickets for Berry Bash, along with additional information, can be found here.

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Plant, crystal shop to open in downtown Harrisburg

August 19, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

The Plant Witch

Something new is sprouting downtown.

Strawberry Square Associates announced this week that a new boutique shop, The Plant Witch, will open in the Shops on 3rd at 11 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg.

The store will offer a selection of houseplants, plant care products, ethically sourced crystals, tarot decks, incense and other metaphysical items. Additionally, they plan to host events such as plant pot painting workshops and bingo nights.

The Plant Witch will hold a ribbon cutting on Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 30.

“The Plant Witch is more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of nature. We’re thrilled to bring our unique collection of houseplants, crystals and metaphysical items to Harrisburg, and we’re especially proud of our commitment to sustainability,” said owner Ashley Zimmerman.

According to Strawberry Square, the new shop hopes to be a haven for plant enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, and to foster community and connection.

“We are very excited to have The Plant Witch joining us in the Shops on 3rd at Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president of Strawberry Square Associates. “This unique and engaging boutique will encourage interactive in-store events and help to bring a new audience into the downtown.”

For more information, contact Ashley Zimmerman at [email protected] or 717-874-9552 or Brad Jones at [email protected] or 717-255-1041.

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