NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
7 May 2003

‘PNC SATURDAYS’ SUMMER CELEBRATIONS ANNOUNCED

Harrisburg, PA — Mayor Stephen R. Reed and officials from the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District Authority (HDIDA) today announced the free new summer concert series ‘PNC Saturdays’, slated for Center City Harrisburg’s Market Square from May through September. Joined by many of the sponsors, volunteers and coordinators of the popular downtown entertainment series, Reed and HDIDA Chairman Geoffrey McDowell said the ‘PNC Saturdays’ events will be held May 10, June 21, August 2, and September 13, each featuring different themes, family-oriented entertainment, foods arts, crafts and much more. The ‘PNC Saturdays’ Series, is focused on furthering the growing appeal of Harrisburg’s downtown as a destination for the arts, dining, children’s activities and live entertainment.

Reed said the event themes include Latin Rhythms on May 10, featuring the internationally-renowned Rumba Club; Country on June 21; Rock and Roll on August 2; and Rhythm and Blues on September 13.

“Mark your calendars, ‘PNC Saturdays’ is a celebration of music, food and fun for the entire family,” said Mayor Reed. “It will bring national acts downtown and draw thousands of families, music and arts fans to Pennsylvania’s Capital City. This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to enjoy a daylong visit to attractions such as the Art Association of Harrisburg, The Susquehanna Art Museum, Whitaker Center, City Island, Senators Baseball and all of downtown’s many retail and dining offerings. Patrons can enjoy the ‘PNC Saturdays’ celebration from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., have a relaxing dinner on Restaurant Row, and even stay overnight,” added the Mayor.

Each of the event dates will feature live music, street performers, and hands- on Home Depot children’s workshops. Several non-profit partners, such as the Susquehanna Art Museum and Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, will have on-site attractions such as the ‘Van Go’ bus and the Whitaker on Wheels (WOW) van. The Art Association of Harrisburg has special engagements, such as juried exhibits, open to the public during series dates.

The ‘PNC Saturdays’ celebration is produced by the HDIDA, lead title sponsor PNC Bank, and the city, who are joined by a wide array of cosponsors and presenters from many different downtown businesses, media sponsors, non-profit arts and cultural agencies and dedicated volunteers. Media sponsors include WHTM abc27 Television, Clear Channel Communications radio stations; The River 97.3 WRVV, WHP 580 Talk Radio, KISS FM 99.3, Bob 94.9 FM, The Ticket 1460 AM and WLAN 96.9 FM, Harrisburg Magazine and Lamar Outdoor Advertising are contributing production, airtime and promotional materials. Other partners and sponsors include the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers and the Harristown Development Corporation.

Persons interested in learning more about the ‘PNC Saturdays’ events should contact HDIDA Special Event Director Beth Lynn O’Brien at 717.236.9762, or visit the HDIDA at www.HarrisburgHello.com.

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