It was Halloween on Monday night. And Harrisburg didn’t take a back seat. There were a few events marking the night with the Literary Halloween Fete that took place from 8 to 10 at Midtown Scholar, located at 1302 N. Third Street. Attendees had to dress as their favorite literary characters for the costume contest that was judged by the staff at the bookstore. The contest had a number of categories that included: “puniest,” and most historically accurate. For music lovers the Matt Monticchio Trio provided the entertainment. And of course no Halloween event would be complete without trick or treating which was available too, along with themed food and drinks.
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Halloween in Harrisburg
Harrisburg Cancels Holiday Parade
Every year the city of Harrisburg enjoys a Holiday Parade. This year it was scheduled for November 19 but will not take place due to financial problems the city is incurring, which probably was not helped by its recent flood. In addition, while Harrisburg usually receives sponsors for its parade, this year no businesses came forward at all with an offer.
Big Harrisburg Debt
The truth of the matter is, Harrisburg has to face reality and its financial situation is not looking good. The city is up against huge amounts of debt right now – currently $310m in unpaid bonds for the incinerator as well as close to $300m of other debts etc. Thus to spend $30,000 now on a Parade would at best, be inappropriate, even though it’s been a Harrisburg tradition since 1986 and always ends up supporting the city’s local businesses.
What will happen in the future to Harrisburg and its entertainment remains to be seen. There is now talk of the possibility of canceling the fireworks the city usually enjoys on New Year’s Eve. By the end of the month they’ll know if they have the sponsors needed for this.
Clearly the city has to work hard to get out of debt. That must be a priority. But in the meantime, it has to realize that to make money, money has to be spent. And these entertainment activities are always good for local businesses so that must be brought into the calculation as well.
Getting in Some Harrisburg Culture
The summer seems to be ending. But that does not necessarily mean that all the fun has to stop as well. Indeed, there is still a lot happening in Harrisburg now and in the near future. For those wanting a bit of culture, the Theatre Harrisburg has a lot on offer right now. While the summer is bowing out, Christmas is on its way and next month you can already start getting into the spirit of the holiday with the performance, ‘A Christmas Story,’ by Leigh Brown, Bob Clark and Jean Shepherd, produced with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Located at 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg, the Theatre Harrisburg has a reputation for entertaining the whole family. A Christmas Story is no different. This is the original version of the popular movie classic and will give everyone a warm feeling in time for the holidays. Playing between 4-20 November, this will be a perfect jump start to the upcoming Christmas holiday, appropriate for the entire family.
Foose School Meets Broadway
Harrisburg’s Foose School sang and danced the month of September away, entertaining their audience with scenes and music from 42nd Street, Girl Crazy and Pippin. More than 100 fifth and sixth grade students took part in Rosie’s Theater Kids – a NYC based art program for underprivileged kids, led by Rosie O’Donnell. Fifteen thousand dollars of the funds were donated by Shipley Energy. This enabled the group to come to Harrisburg.
It was indeed “thrilling” for O’Donnell “to be able to offer these kids at Foose Elementary this introduction to musical theater,” she said in an email. She loves the whole acting thing, in the same email claiming that Broadway and the arts, “changed [her] life and gave [her] hope.”
The kids at the school got so much from this program. Children who had never been privileged enough to take lessons but just enjoy dancing and singing at home, were, for the first time, able to actually get real lessons, from a professional instructor. One kid at the school, 10-year-old Saul Ramos, in a recent article in Penn Live was reported to have said, “it’s cool because everybody can see me.” Along with another student, Ramos got a special honor and was given $2,000 scholarship which will enable him to study at Rosie’s Theater Kids’ summer camp in New York for a week next August. He will meet O’Donnell, Broadway celebrities and a talent agent as well as getting professional headshots.
From Harrisburg’s Foose School to Broadway? Stranger things have happened. This really could be just a start for these underprivileged kids. Way to go Harrisburg.
Funny Times in Harrisburg?
Can Harrisburg Residents Laugh Again Following the City’s Recent Flooding?
The residents of Harrisburg haven’t had all that much to smile about recently. The huge flooding the city encountered – along with its sad economic situation and possible takeover – hasn’t exactly led to giggling in the streets. But perhaps even amidst all this doom and gloom, there has been a glimpse of a silver lining. Or at least an opportunity has been created to give the people of Harrisburg something to smile about for a little while.
Last weekend, Michael Feldman hosted a public radio variety show, called “Whad’Ya Know?” that was broadcast again on Sunday on WITF 89.5 which – for those tuned in – definitely generated a lot of laughs. Feldman attacked the city’s current Mayor, Linda Thompson, terming her the “mayor-not-for-life” as he had, on a previous comedy tour, named the other mayor, Stephen R. Reed, the “mayor-for-life.” A huge rib-tickling chuckle was evident from the audience.
Indeed, the man attracts close to one million listeners every week with his comedy routine that seems to have been able to get a giggle even in tough times. He has a section entitled, “Harrisburg news that isn’t,” and on his most recent show he discussed the city’s debt-ridden incinerator. As recorded in Penn Live, Feldman said, “most towns build aquariums. That’s the big thing. Let’s build an incinerator … Great idea. … We can burn the garbage in it. It’s a money maker. Wish I could have been there for the pitch.”
And of course, it’s always great to be able to laugh at one’s problems which the comedian encouraged his listeners to do. When Feldman pointed out that “Harrisburg was also No. 7 among recession-proof cities because what the heck else could go wrong, really?” how could listeners not laugh?
Feldman’s Critics
Although the show did receive some criticism for being too harsh on the city’s Mayor who is trying her best under extremely challenging circumstances, Thompson was defended by Corky Goldstein, former City Council member, and one of the show’s guests. So there was some kind of balance.
And, truth be told, if you can’t laugh at your problems, you’ll only cry, so surely Feldman really touched the spot when he took the recent misfortunes of Harrisburg and let people see them from a funny point of view instead.
Apple Picking in Harrisburg
It was that time of year again when Harrisburg residents got to go pick their apples close to home. And what great ones there seem to be in Harrisburg right now, arriving just in time for the city’s 13th annual Apple Fest. Last weekend there was so much more than just apple-picking fun. Engage in this fun family activity on a tractor wagon ride or horse-drawn hayride. And for those who have filled their baskets to the brim with apples, they were able to send their kids out to enjoy a pony ride, or a train ride especially tailored for little ones. For those with boundless energy, the inflatable playground no doubt exhausted them and the artistic kids were able to enjoy some face painting. The Apple Fest is truly so much more than an apple-picking fete; it’s fun for everyone.
So that was what was going on in the city Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th, located three miles south of Sioux Falls on Minnesota Avenue. If you missed it this year, be sure to check it out next year; it really is a fun thing to do.
Relax with Some Laughter at Harrisburg’s Comedy Central
September 14, 2011
Entertainment
Comments Off on Relax with Some Laughter at Harrisburg’s Comedy Central
Following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Lee flooding, things do seem to finally be getting back to normal in the Harrisburg region. So it might be a good time to take in some comedy. Check out Comedy Central over the weekend as Tony Boswell, esteemed writer, stand up and actor, will be performing.
Boswell has an impressive resume. To date, he has performed at The Boston Comedy Festival and on Comedy Central, KSHB’s Kansas City Comedy Hour, the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, the New Orleans’ Comedy Festival, the Seattle International Comedy Competition, Night Shift, Comedy on the Road, and in two movies (The Babe, and Meet the Parents).
Boswell’s performance is rib-tickling, sarcastic, intelligent and, most importantly, enjoyable. He is popular and good-natured with his audience and it really is a not-to-be missed show for Harrisburg residents who need a laugh.
Who Won the Kipona Chili Cook Off?
Kipona Festival Fun
Harrisburg could take pride in their chili experts since it was resident Doug Johnson who took first place for best chili at the Kipona festival last Saturday. Thankfully the weather held out and fun has been had by all so far. According to Mayor Linda Thompson, “the reason [Kipona is so successful is the camaraderie of the people and the different varieties of entertainment and activities we have.” She even went so far as to call it one of the region’s “premiere events of the year.”
But what really seems to attract people to the event is the Keystone Regional Chili Cook-Off. Indeed, as Dawson Flinchbaugh, the event’s organizer said, “chili’s a pure American food. Chili equates with a good time. You have a good party and the people will come.”
But there was more than just a competition for good chili going on. At the Kipona Artfest there were 150 artists and artisans who had come from all around the world. Those interested were just required to pay $5 to look and purchase some of the great works available. In addition, there was a karate tournament, the Native American Pow Wow Festival which included a group of Aztec dancers from Mexico city performing.
Enjoy a Global Dining Experience
Yes, Harrisburg does indeed have it all. At Bricco, you will be privy to a world-dining experience. Take yourself out to International Place, Chestnut Street, for an unforgettable meal that will have you coming back for more.
A Taste for the World
There are many different taste sensations to enjoy at Bricco. From Tuscan-style, to local Penn tastes, with a Mediterranean kick, diners are privy to dishes that hail from Greece, France, Italy, Spain and more, depending on the season.
If it’s a simple pizza you’re after though, rest assured that Bricco can provide, but of course, with something extra – baked in a gourmet wood stove to give it that extra tasty delight. Take in some seafood, or check out the Calamari Fritti and roasted tomato sauce. If you like the meat, you’ll have to try the Braised Beef Short Ribs or Lamb “Due Sensi.” And then if you still have a bit of room, don’t skip the restaurant’s “decadent dessert” choices.
“Bricco is a collaboration between the Olewine School of Culinary Arts at Harrisburg Area Community College and Harrisburg Hotel Corporation, managing general partner of The Hilton Harrisburg.”
Get Yourself a Fine Brew at Arooga’s
If you’re up for a fun, relaxing night out, check out the various different Arooga’s in the Harrisburg area. There you will be served top quality cold brews, yummy food and be privy to awesome sports viewable on more than 100 HD TV screens. In 2009 Arooga’s was awarded the Harrisburg Magazine Reader’s Poll, ‘Simply the Best,’ and the 2010 Central PA Reader’s Choice Award.
Choose from fresh burgers, sub rolls, wings with homemade sauces, chicken, shrimp, mozzarella, sticks, unique pizza styles and toppings, salads and end your meal with the cookie pizza: chocolate chip cookie pizza with vanilla ice-cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.
Arooga’s definitely makes for a fun, delicious meal out where you can forget about your worries, kick back, take in some sports and top it all off with a fresh cold one.
