Illustration by Rich Hauck
It’s just after 1 p.m. on a Friday, and there isn’t an open barstool at the Zeroday Brewing Co. “Outpost” in the Broad Street Market.
This doesn’t surprise me at all.
I have lunch at the market regularly, and, passing through, notice this is usually the case. In fact, often, it’s standing room only at the Outpost, even on a weekday, even at midday.
But it’s not just the quantity of people that’s striking. The makeup of the crowd is unique for this city. Young, old, rich, poor, groomed, grizzled—it’s all there, a fascinating cross-section of life here.
As I’ve written before in this space, I regard the Broad Street Market as the crossroads of Harrisburg, a place where people of every background come together to eat, shop, share and socialize. In that spirit, you might regard the Outpost as the crossroads of the crossroads.
I don’t usually imbibe during the day, which I blame (or credit) on my demanding job, so don’t tend to stop for an afternoon pint. But I’m there almost every 3rd in The Burg, when the Outpost is open late, with people, post-work, gathered several layers deep around the bar, breaking off into little groups to chew over whatever: the city, the country, sports, jobs, spouses, vacations.
On any given 3rd in the Burg, you may spot the neighborhood guy chatting up the state legislator, the barber whispering to the banker, the artist making a toast. An Amish gent wades into the crowd, and here come state workers with lanyards around their necks. Several young people squeeze in, passing their IDs over to Matt, the Outpost’s manager, mixologist and jolly organizer of chaos.
“This is the melting pot of Harrisburg,” one patron told me recently, halfway through a tall pour of a Market Research IPA. “This is where everyone comes together.”
I agree. Harrisburg has a reputation for being rather segregated based on race, class, ethnicity, age, etc. But not at the market and, emphatically, not at the Outpost.
I believe that there are only a few other places in Harrisburg that offer such a welcome sense of unity. One is seasonal, and that season is now.
If you stand at the corner of 3rd and Market streets, looking towards Chestnut, you may be surprised at what you see.
This is a quieter, less-trodden slice of downtown Harrisburg, a block with renovated storefronts and a nicely designed streetscape where, once the weather warms, the city comes out to play.
Once a month or so, Harristown closes down this block of SoMa (South of Market) and, along with Sara Bozich, hosts summertime block parties that stretch into the night. This month, there are actually two—one on June 20 in conjunction with Juneteenth and the second just six days later.
The festive atmosphere is like that inside the Broad Street Market for 3rd in The Burg, only larger, more family-forward and, well, outdoors. Sure, there’s food and beer, but also a band, goods for sale, kids’ stuff, games.
In any case, the block parties similarly attract a broad section of the Harrisburg community, folks from every walk of life, joining together for the sole purpose of having a good time. People even venture in from across the river to attend, so we can add “suburbanite” to the demographic mix.
There are a few other places that attract such a blend of the Harrisburg community. Riverfront Park and City Island immediately come to mind. Going for a walk or run or ride on a warm summer day, you may encounter people of all backgrounds, ages and even nationalities.
I don’t know—maybe I’m unusual, or just old.
I remember a time, before social media and streaming, when people eagerly ventured out to gather, meet, connect and celebrate.
At least in Harrisburg, you can still find that spirit, if you know where to look. I recommend the Outpost during 3rd in The Burg or a SoMa block party this summer, two joyful places where a sense of community abides, where having fun together is the only goal.
Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.
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