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

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!

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/

Lancaster Arts Community Throws Open Doors

Let there be light — or at least some darned good-looking lampshades — on North Queen Street.

Fans of the eye-popping, Art Nouveau glass shades that crowned traditional Tiffany lamps will find a treat waiting at the Art & Glassworks studio, 319 N. Queen St., during Lancaster ArtWalk Saturday and Sunday.

The self-guided tour of local arts venues, organized by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, includes a featured stop to view the glass studio’s six or so polychromatic dragonfly, peony, poppy and tulip lamps.

Art & Glassworks owner Karin Meacham has been buying Tiffany lamp molds and bases from a California company, and she and her staff have created several vivid lamp mosaics of red, green, blue and yellow glass.