Scranton Chamber hosts new Community Block Party downtown with music, vendors, and more May 7-8

From a press release:
Today, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced its plan to host an outdoor block party featuring live music and entertainment, shopping, dining, children’s activities, and more.
Coinciding with First Friday Scranton, the Chamber Community Block Party will take place on Friday, May 7 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from noon-4 p.m. on the 200 and 300 blocks of Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton. Held in lieu of the chamber’s annual dinner this year, it will follow all CDC guidelines.
“The chamber exists because of our local businesses, and we are here to support them. After the turbulent year of 2020 – and as we continue to come out on the other side of the pandemic – our board and staff wanted to plan a safe, family-friendly event that supports all businesses and celebrates our community,” Chamber President Bob Durkin said.
This new event will include three stages featuring 24 bands and multi-cultural performance groups, as well as vendor marketplaces, children’s activities, art exhibits, and more. Beginning Sunday, May 2 and running through Saturday, May 8, the chamber will also celebrate and promote “Chamber Restaurant Week” across the greater Scranton community.
The chamber has already received local support from block party chairs Peter Danchak, regional president of PNC Bank, and Sarah Effertz, owner of Blu Elefante Event Consulting and Management.
Small business members of the chamber can apply for a free vendor booth in one of the three marketplaces along Penn Avenue here.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by providing programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity, and nurture educational opportunities.
Photo by Rich Howells/NEPA Scene