The Jonestown Block Party was back in full steam this year after last year’s cancellation. The May 29 event was the site of food trucks, vendors and live music for those who attended.
All photos by Emily Bixler
For six hours starting at 3 p.m., Jonestown’s W. Market St. was shut down and opened to the public as tents lined the streets. Many visitors to the Block Party were bundled up, as temperatures dipped below 50° F.
Over 10 food trucks gathered to sell snacks, meals, and desserts.
Live music emanated from a large tent at the center of the street, with local ’50s, ’60s, ’70s’ and 80s’ rock cover band Generations performing classic hits from 4 to 9 p.m.
Several children’s games were set up, along with a plethora of prizes for them to win.
Local vendors filled the streets, selling products and advertising services.
While Sally Bachman of Bachman Woodworks had been to the Jonestown Block Party as a customer before, this was her first year there as a vendor.
“We’ve had a fair amount of people looking at our stuff,” said Bachman. “For the Block Party I think attendance is a bit on the lower side, but I think that has something to do with the weather.”
One tent was a mother-daughter team. Antoinette Carter, owner of Orlando small business Marie’s Sweet Pleasures sold confections alongside her mother Valarie Moyer, who sold lifelike baby dolls for Valarie Moyer’s LLC.
“I’m here partnering with her to participate in this annual event here, just bringing a little sweetness to the area,” said Carter.
J & P Winery also had a tent set up, where they offered free samples and sold wine by the glass.
“Considering how cold it is today, I didn’t think people would come, but everyone seems to be enjoying it despite the cold,” said J & P sales associate Jackie Brubaker, who was manning the tent.
Some tents were promoting causes, such as the Lebanon County Dairy Promotion Program, which had a tent supporting local dairy farmers and encouraging dairy consumption.
“[Turnout has] actually been fairly good, I’m a little surprised at the turnout but I’m happy for the amount of people that came out to support the businesses here,” said Lebanon County Dairy Princess Audrie Risser.
Other vendors were promoting services they offer, such as Zen Cat Creatives, LLC, which sold art in addition to providing information about its paint parties.
“This year, I think if the weather was a little bit better we’d have an experience that almost felt like Covid never happened,” said Zen Cat Creatives co-owner Vandon Tricamo.
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