First Friday In Lancaster City Draws Thousands To Downtown For Food, Music and Shopping

Steinman Park – Pressroom Restaurant outdoor seating

Hanging flower baskets beautify the downtown

Large urns of flowers beautify the downtown

One of may pianos around the downtown that anyone can sit down and play

Food trucks on Queen Street between Hotel Lancaster and old Boluva Building

Another view of food trucks

Hotel Lancaster

Queen Street looking south toward Griest Building and Marriott

Food Trucks

Penn Square

Penn Square, monument and Marriott Hotel

Penn Square, gazebo across street

Queen Street looking north toward Hotel Lancaster

Crowd gathered watching break dance competition next to food trucks

Looking south on Queen Street

Looking South on Price Street after dark

Another great First Friday in Lancaster City.  The day appeared to possibly be “iffy” weather wise but despite some ominous looking clouds at one point in the afternoon, the sky cleared in the early evening and the sun came back out.

There were a bevy of food trucks on the plaza next to the Hotel Lancaster. Musicians lined the streets. The pianos are back and we didn’t pass one that somebody was playing.  We even heard some very good jazz being played in Lancaster Square.  People from many cultures mingled and enjoyed the entertainment, shopping, eating and warmer weather.  The Lancaster Police Department was present along with the Ambassadors ensuring everyone behaved themselves.  There was even a break dancing competition going on next to the food trucks that drew a very large crowd.

We also checked out the new pop up pocket park on Prince Street before the First Friday throng arrived. What a nice thing for tourists and city residents, alike.  A coffee company and an ice cream vendor (selling Carmen & David’s ice cream) have set up shop here.  The park makes use of a parking lot which eventually will be a boutique hotel.  The asphalt was been painted, trees and flowers and seating were added.  There was even a television crew there from Blue Ridge Cable TV who were filming and interviewing the vendors.  Many people were checking this out.  When we went by much later in the day it was very full!  People were really liking the space!

Pocket park later in the day with much larger crowd

Passenger Coffee Roaster truck

Penny’s Ice Cream (serving Carmen and David’s Ice Cream)

View of Penny’s truck with seating and trees

Clever use of wood to make flower boxes

Balloons make a party

The park is the future home of the Surveyor Hotel, a boutique hotel that is opening next year at this location

Pop up park signage

another view of the park

Coffee and ice cream vendors

Lancaster is such a great example of what revitalization can do for a downtown.  Up until the 90’s there was no reason go to downtown (other than Central Market).  Now, it’s full of shops and restaurants. There are always people on the streets taking advantage of all downtown has to offer.  There is nothing better than spending time in a vibrant city!

To check out Passenger Coffee Roasters, click on

http://www.passengercoffee.com/