What's Up in Downtown Easton

Watch videos from last weekend's 4th Annual Riverside Pet Parade on our YouTube Channel

2010-06-11T08:45:00.007-04:00

Better late than never! We've just uploaded 6 short videos from last weekend's 4th Annual Riverside Pet Parade to our channel on You Tube. Check them out.

See the Doggie Wedding, the parade and the judging with winners. It was a great day in downtown Easton's Riverside Park. Even the weather held out for us! And check the Pet Parade Facebook fan page for photos of the event.

Were you at the event? Tell us what your favorite part was. Who was your favorite pet? Which vendor did you like best? How can we make next year's event even better?

Artist-Designed Bicycle Racks Phase II Unveiling Ceremony

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

A 2010 Public Art Project presented by the Easton Main Street Initiative and generously funded by the Easton Environmental Advisory Council.

Unveiling Ceremony
Thursday, June 10 @ 3 p.m.
Spring Garden Plaza, 100 N. Third Street (home of Sovereign Bank)

Please join the Easton Main Street Initiative Design Committee, Mayor Sal Panto and members of the EAC Transportation Affinity Circle for the unveiling of three new, artist-designed bicycle racks in downtown Easton. Join us on a short tour through downtown and be among the first to see these innovative designs created by artist, Ellen Shaugnessy and sculptor, Trevor Kent.

Bicycle Rack Locations:

* Spring Garden Plaza, 100 N. Third St. (home of Sovereign Bank)

* 19 S. Bank Street (across from School of Rock)

* 11 Centre Square (outside Pearly Baker's Alehouse)

Many thanks to the City of Easton for supporting this public art project and green living initiative in downtown Easton.

Buy tickets for the Main Street Bike Raffle at today's Easton Farmers' Market

2010-05-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

WIN a TREK 7.7 FX Fitness & Road Hybrid 17.5" Matte Titanium Frame
(Original purchase price: $1,700 at Genesis Bicycles)

Special amenities include: ball seat pack, water bottle cage, cycle computer, cage petal, toe clips and straps, gel seat cover and bar ends.

Purchase raffle tickets at the Easton Farmers' Market every Saturday.
Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20
Raffle Drawing to be held Saturday June 12th

Bicycle donated by downtown supporter, Karen Johnson, in loving memory of her husband, Russ.

Raffle proceeds benefit Easton Main Street Initiative's downtown revitalization projects.

Are you ready for the return of Live in the Square next Friday?

2010-05-21T10:00:00.004-04:00

Have you marked your calendars yet for next Friday night's return of "Live in the Square?" It's our free summer concert series which features a different musical performance each month in Centre Square on the last Friday of the month from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., May - September.

The concert series kicks off next Friday night, May 28 with The Doug Hawk Proposition: Funk, jazz, r&b - "historically soulful yet progressively hip." Brought to you by sponsor Porters' Pub.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair with you and be sure to come early to get a good seat. Or better yet, dine out in downtown Easton before the performance and join us after your meal.

In the event of rain, the free concert performance moves to the Gold Room at The Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel.

Become our fan on Facebook.

Dancing on the Thirds turns three tomorrow!

2010-05-20T10:00:00.004-04:00

Main Street's Dancing on the Thirds Celebrates 3 Years this Friday!

Join us Friday, May 21st for a lesson in the Fox Trot and an Anniversary Party with refreshments and prize giveways!

Time: 8 - 11 p.m.
Where: Third Street Alliance, 41 N. Third Street
Cost: Admission $10 - (Students - 1/2 Price w/ID)

Dancing on the Thirds is a monthly ballroom dancing event presented by Easton Main Street Initiative in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network.

Call 610-330-9942 for more information.

Spotlight on Downtown's Newest Business: PHYLLIS

2010-05-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Phyllis (Phyl) O'Donnell, formerly of Theatre Vue Antiques invites you to discover the charming treasures nestled within her quaint new shop, located just down the alley from Pearly Baker's Alehouse. You'll find exquisite brooches, stylish scarves and an amazing collection of hats, all artfully arranged in this fun, fresh shop.

PHYLLIS
12 S. Sitgreaves Street
610-252-7500

Vintage Jewelry, Clothing
and Accessories

Hours:
Thursday-Friday -1 pm - 1 pm
Saturday - 11 am - 7 pm
Sunday - 1 pm - 7 pm

Update on the 4th Annual Riverside Pet Parade

2010-05-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Main Street Promotions - Events Committee has been hard at work preparing for this year's fun-filled parade of paws at Riverside Park on Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. So start planning your parade entry or get your pooch ready to perform in the Pet Trick Contest.

Competitive canines can also join in fun-filled games organized by Bianca Falbo and the College Hill Dog Owners Association. And of course our event would not be complete without the infamous Bow-Wow Wedding. This year's lucky couple will be Sunny & Harlan, two frisky Labradoodles! And don't miss the Orange Dog Raffle! Preston Hindmarch's 2010 original Orange Dog Painting is entitled, "Orange Dog Trio." Raffle tickets are available NOW.

Parade categories include:

Prettiest
Funniest
Most Colorful
Best Pet & Companion
Best Non-Canine Entry
Best Pet-Owner Look-Alike

Great Prizes, Great Fun! Download your parade application on Facebook or stop by the Main Street Office or Easton Farmers' Market info. tent and pick one up. Enter your pet in our Photo Contest on Facebook.

Meals for Main Street in May

2010-05-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

There are still three Monday's left in May to support Easton Main Street by eating out downtown (including tonight!).

Dine at Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136 Spring Garden Street on Mondays in May and 10% of your bill will be donated to Easton Main Street Initiative.

It's a WIN-WIN! Enjoy Colonial's famous "upside-down" pizza and colossal antipasto salad and support downtown revitalization!

For more information on Colonial visit www.ColonialPizzaPub.com or call 610.252.3033

Next month's "Meals for Main Street" host is Wednesdays in June at Ocean.

Easton Farmers' Market Presents A Must See Earth Day Movie Event

2010-04-21T07:32:00.005-04:00

WHEN: TOMORROW! Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel, 140 Northampton Street in downtown Easton

DETAILS: The Easton Farmers' Market invites you to join us for a special screening of FRESH, a celebration of the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who
are re-inventing our food system, not unlike our own EFM vendors.

We have witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Fresh shows us that there IS another way, depicting the incredible creativity of individuals who are devoting their lives to producing food differently. The success of these individuals shows how organic, ecological farming methods can be viable, in contrast to what the naysayers in conventional food say. Come, get inspired and join the fresh food revolution! If Food Inc. was your wake up call, Fresh, The Movie is your call to action!

Purchase your movie munchies from Green Harvest Food Emporium next door.

Sponsored by: Greater Lehigh Valley Buy Fresh, Buy Local

Saturday, April 24th is Easton’s City Wide Clean Up Day!!

2010-04-19T14:20:00.001-04:00

And we need your help to make it a success!

The Design Committee of the Easton Main Street Initiative is heading up clean-up activities in the downtown and will be focusing on:

The raised flower beds in the south-east corner of the Square (near Wachovia Bank, Pearly’s and Merchant’s Bank). Extensive work will be done in these beds to give them a much needed facelift.
Planting annuals in the flower beds in Centre Square.

Our work will begin @ 8 a.m. in the Square and we plan to work at least until 1 p.m.

Please respond to this email with your availability. We need many hands to chip in on this ambitious improvement project. Bring along a friend or two!

Also:

Wear your Main Street T-shirt if you have one! (if you don’t have one, see me. I’ll be placing an order soon!)
Please bring along your gardening tools such as gloves, shovels, wheel barrows and even pick axes for the beds with tough root systems.
If you are able to be with us up until noon, plan on having lunch with us in the Main Street office. The office will also be open throughout the day for the restroom facilities, hand washing and nice cold water!

Thank you all for helping to beautify downtown Easton. I hope you can join us on Saturday!

Meals for Main Street is back!

2010-04-08T07:21:00.007-04:00

Our Meals for Main Street program combines two great things: downtown restaurants and fundraising for Easton Main Street.

Each month we get a new restaurant partner in the downtown district to partner with us. They agree to donate 10% of the meal receipts on a particular night of the week during a given month to our organization. So far this program has helped us raise hundreds of dollars in much-needed funds for us to continue our valuable programs and initiatives for downtown Easton.

During the month of April, our restaurant partner is Phoenicia at 154 Northampton Street. When you dine there every Wednesday in April, they will donate 10% of your dinner's bill to Main Street.

Our partner for May is Colonial Pizza at 136 Spring Garden Street on Mondays, and in June it's
Ocean at 235 Ferry Street on Wednesdays.

Please dine out this spring at these great local restaurants and support Main Street as you do it!

Thanks to our 2010 Live in the Square sponsors!

2010-04-05T10:00:00.002-04:00

Our Live in the Square free summer concert series is still more than a month away but we're excited for its return and hope you are too.

If you're on Facebook and don't already know it, we have created a fan page for it that we'd love for you to become a fan of.

And most importantly, we want to thank our sponsors of the 2010 concert series:

Merchants Bank
Porter's Pub
The Law Offices of Seidel, Cohen Hof & Reid LLC
Jack & Jill Studio
Easton Business Association
Chauncey Howell

Please patronize these downtown businesses (and friends) and thank them for supporting Easton Main Street.

For a list of this year's concert dates and performers, please visit our web site.

Happy Easter from your friends at Easton Main Street

2010-04-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

We wanted to wish all of our Easton Main Street friends, supporters and downtown merchants a very happy Easter Holiday Weekend.

We hope that your time off from work is spent with family and friends making memories, laughing and having a good time.

And if some of that time together happens to be spent in downtown Easton at a local restaurant, shop, boutique or art gallery, all the better!

Cheers!

The facts on parking in downtown Easton

2010-04-02T07:01:00.008-04:00

We often are asked questions by residents and visitors alike about the downtown district in Easton because folks see us as a resource of sorts for all things Easton.

And since we want to make everyone's visit is a great one, we thought we'd share with you a few of the most popular questions we get about parking downtown.

Meters - Parking on the street and in surface lots downtown is at meters. They accept quarters only which buy you half an hour of parking per quarter. The meters are enforced every day of the week except Sundays. Enforcement ends daily at 6 p.m. Expired parking meters will earn you a ticket of $20, so FEED THAT METER! Tickets can be paid in person at the Easton Police Department at the Corner of Third and Pine Streets in the lower level of the parking garage.

Pine Street Parking Garage - this 24/7 city parking garage located on Third Street between Pine and Ferry Streets is managed by the Easton Parking Authority. There are two entrances to the garage but only one exit. Rates are $1 per hour between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and $2 per hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. There are also monthly passes for unlimited 24/7 parking available for $60 per month. There is a walk-up pay station available at all times that accepts cash and credit cards. However only cash payments are accepted at the staffed booth.

Have more questions about Easton in general? Check out the city's web site here: http://www.easton-pa.gov/index.html.

Another sign of spring: Purple Cow reopens for the season!

2010-03-29T12:13:00.010-04:00

Two weeks ago when we first got a taste of the warm spring weather that is on its way to the area, we told you that al fresco dining had returned to several downtown restaurants.

And yet another sign of spring can be seen downtown as of last week: the reopening of The Purple Cow Creamery on Bank Street. If you've never been there, it's a great local ice cream shop with a fun theme. There's indoor seating with air conditioning for those hot summer days and outdoor seating for those cooler spring and fall days.

While enjoying your ice cream, check out the Bank Street mural project by the Arts Community of Easton and listen to the sounds of the Easton School of Rock next door. Ice cream at Purple Cow is also a great way to end your family's visit to The Crayola FACTORY and National Canal Museum just around the corner.

So tell us - what's your favorite Purple Cow ice cream flavor?

Sharing your love of Downtown Easton

2010-03-24T11:39:00.005-04:00

Our friend Laini Abraham at Laini's Little Pocket Guide lives and works in downtown Easton. She recently moved to a new downtown home and is a proud supporter of the city. But like the rest of us she knows more than one person who doesn't think as highly of downtown Easton as she does.

So in today's blog post she addressed those critics who ask her how and why she lives in downtown Easton. She answered their question in a pictorial fashion. Check out her post to see what we mean: http://www.littlepocketguide.com/walk-around-the-block-in-downtown-easton/.

Cheers to Laini for not backing down from Easton's critics and embracing the city as her home! We need more advocates like her.

If you consider yourself to be such an advocate, then we courage you to contact us about how you can volunteer your time and talents with our organization.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Easton Pub Crawl!

2010-03-23T08:17:00.003-04:00

What are you doing on Saturday, April 24 in the afternoon? Well we'll tell you. You're going to be at the 2nd Annual Easton Pub Crawl! It starts and ends at Larry Holmes Ringside Restaurant & Lounge, 91 Larry Holmes Drive.

Your $25 registration fee entitles you to the following benefits:

Commemorative T-shirt
Drink Specials (non-alcoholic too!)
Food Specials
Game Card (for drawing)
Trolley Service (from Larry Holmes Ringside to the starting pub only)
Free Parking at Ringside

Proceeds benefit the Easton Business Association. The EBA works to constantly improve and promote business and services, both professional and retail, helping make Easton a better place to live, work, and play!

For more information and to register, contact Paul Luongo 610-588-9214 or email eastonpubcrawl@verizon.net.

Live in the Square announces free concerts for 2010

2010-03-19T07:38:00.006-04:00

Last year's Jazz in the Square concert series has been reinvented for 2010 and renamed too. Starting in May the series becomes Live in the Square with free musical concerts of all types.

The concerts take place the last Friday of each month in Centre Square from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and listen to a free concert under the stars in downtown Easton. Enjoy dinner at one of our great restaurants or bistros before or after the show.

Performance Schedule:

May 28: Doug Hawk Proposition
Funk – jazz - r&b…”historically soulful yet progressively hip.”

June 25: Turning Tides
Traditional songs of America, Ireland & Scotland…sure to get your toes to tapping and emotions to stirring!

July 30: Trouble City All Stars (Reggae)
The Lehigh Valley’s premiere roots rock reggae band.

August 27: Burnt Toast
Pop rock covers from last four decade, Santana to Citizen Cope, it’s an “eclectic sound with an infectious groove.”

September 24: Tom Goehring Quartet
Featuring four of the Lehigh Valley's finest Jazz musicians, playing Progressive Jazz classics and originals."

Thanks to our sponsors, Merchants Bank and Chauncey Howell, a friend and supporter of downtown Easton!

Time once again for Dancing on the Thirds!

2010-03-18T10:00:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow night is our monthly Dancing on the Thirds program at the Third Street Alliance. If you've ever wanted to learn how to dance the East Coast swing, now is your chance!

Instructor Con Gallagher leads the group in a one-hour lesson followed by two-hours of open style dancing to a DJ. The fun gets under way at 8 p.m. and wraps up at 11 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person. Singles and couples are welcomed. Students with a valid school ID pay half price. Call 610-330-9942 for more information.

Special thanks to sponsor St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network!

Al fresco dining returns to downtown Easton for the spring

2010-03-17T10:00:00.003-04:00

The warm weather that followed this past weekend's extended wet weather has prompted many of our downtown eateries to open up their outdoor seating areas.

Since most of us enjoy sitting outside to eat, it got us to thinking about our favorite places in downtown Easton at which to do just that.

Some that came to mind include:

Pearly Baker's
Sette Luna
Sogo
Valenca
Quadrant Book Shop
Purple Cow Creamery

But that is by no means all of the places in downtown Easton that offer outdoor seating for your dining experience. Tell us which ones are your favorites and why.

Easton Main Street announces its 2009 accomplishments

2010-03-16T13:17:00.002-04:00

The staff and volunteers of the non-profit Easton Main Street Initiative announced at its annual meeting last night the group’s accomplishments for the 2009 fiscal year.

The non-profit Easton Main Street Initiative’s mission is to maintain economic stability and vitality in downtown Easton. Its many successful programs and initiatives are created by its four volunteer-led committees: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. The Initiative covers a 20 square block area bound by the Delaware River on the east, the Lehigh River to the south, Route 22 to the north and Sixth Street to the west.

The top three achievements for each of its four committees include:
• Economic Restructuring Committee:
o Conducted survey work in support of Phase 2 of the Retail Recruitment Plan.
o Started Phase 3 of Retail Recruitment Plan focusing on implementation of the Strategic Merchandising Plan.
o Implemented the Vacancy Standard project “Snowflakes for Easton.”
• Organization Committee:
o Secured more than $15,000 in small grants and event sponsorships.
o Conducted presentations on Easton Main Street to community and professional organizations through its speaker’s bureau.
o Recruited 14 new committee members.
• Promotions Committee:
o Coordinated and presented seven special events including Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree and Riverside Pet Parade.
o Developed a strategic social media marketing campaign for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the “What’s Up in Downtown Easton” blog.
o Conducted retail and restaurant tours for Lafayette College Orientation Leaders as well as other college student organizations and area hotel management staff.
• Design Committee:
o Implemented artist-designed bike rack program, installing four unique bike rack sculptures.
o Continued Façade Grant program with focus on signage and general façade improvements.
o Created “Golden Bloom Award” program, rewarding business and property owners for the greening of their outdoor spaces.

In 2009, a total of 2,066 hours were donated to Main Street by volunteers, which equates to approximately $40,514.26 in wages.

The Easton Main Street Initiative was also named the Overall Top Performing Main Street in Pennsylvania by the PA Downtown Center for 2008-2009 based on its quarterly reporting figures.

Established in 1980, The National Main Street Center program is coordinated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center within the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Reminder: Tonight is the Easton Main Street Annual Meeting, and you're invited!

2010-03-15T10:00:00.004-04:00

Just a quick reminder that tonight is our Annual Meeting at The State Theatre's Alvin H. Butz Gallery. Join us for networking from 5:30 - 6 p.m., followed by the formal program from 6-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and there will also be a cash bar.

The Annual Meeting is our opportunity to tell you what our small but vital volunteer-driven non-profit organization has achieved in the past year, as well as what we have planned for 2010. Mayor Sal Panto is expected to attend and speak as well.

Our keynote speaker is Paul Levy, a Lafayette College alum who heads Center City District, a Central Philadelphia Business Improvement District.

The event is free and open to members of the general public. It is not necessary to RSVP.

So if you're passionate about Easton like we are, then please consider attending. We hope to see you there!

View past issues of the Main Street Minute e-newsletter on our web site

2010-03-12T10:00:00.003-05:00

Did you know that you can view previous issues of our Main Street Minute e-newsletter on our web site? Visit our e-newsletter archive here to see issues for the general public and for business owners.

And don't forget to sign up to receive these free, informative e-newsletters here.

Know someone that might like to know more about what's happening in downtown Easton? Then please share the link with them and encourage them to sign up too. It's a great way to find out about new shops and restaurants, upcoming promotions, special sales and other news.

Lehigh Valley Style magazine writer is "Enamored with Easton"

2010-03-11T10:00:00.005-05:00

If you haven't yet seen the March issue of Lehigh Valley Style magazine, then you don't know what you're missing! It features a great article all about downtown Easton written by Lehigh Valley resident Megan Santucci.

Megan writes a monthly column for Style called "The Valley Newbie" which correlates nicely to her Lehigh Valley Transplant blog. Her magazine article, "Enamored with Easton," begins on page 37 and stretches for five more pages lovingly detailing her passion for the restaurants, shops and arts of downtown Easton.

She gives shout-outs to several downtown businesses including Sette Luna and Valenca, The State Theatre, Connexions Gallery, and Easton Yoga, as well as new businesses like Intrinsic Foods and Christine's Secret Garden.

We're delighted that Megan loves downtown Easton like we do. So pick up a copy of this month's magazine on newsstands around the region. Or view their e-zine on the Lehigh Valley Style web site. And b sure to check out Megan's Lehigh Valley Transplant blog too!

Easton Main Street volunteer Alan Raisman gives "Voices" to Lafayette College students

2010-03-09T09:07:00.009-05:00

Lafayette College student and Easton Main Street volunteer Alan Raisman has started a his own blog on the College's Voices blog. His first post deals with his experiences at Lafayette. He's promising to write a follow-up post later this week about his experiences in Easton.

One of the ongoing goals of Easton Main Street is to improve the town-gown relationship. Too often new students coming to Lafayette have been told by professors, staff and fellow students to be afraid of going downtown. We're here to tell them there's nothing to be afraid of, unless cool restaurants, shops, boutiques and the arts are something to fear!

We encourage them to come downtown with their friends and parents to explore the ongoing redevelopment of the city's center. We even do a special event each fall aimed at welcoming them back to campus called "Lafayette Day in the Square."

Alan has played a big role in helping us achieve this town-gown goal. He's not only been an advocate for Easton Main Street but also for all of Easton, let alone the downtown district. He's very involved in the community and was the brainchild behind the Pards to People program, created to connect college students with the community.

We salute Alan and the other Lafayette College students like him who volunteer in their community and with our organization.

Easton's Metamorphosis

2010-03-08T09:55:00.004-05:00

We recently gave a presentation about our organization and the work it does in downtown Easton and Lehigh Valley Ramblings blogger Bernie O'Hare was in attendance.

He wrote a blog post entitled "Easton's Metamorphosis" about it and appeared to be quite impressed with what we've accomplished in 2009, not to mention with what we have coming up yet this year. Since Bernie's blog is so popular and well read, it only made sense that his post would receive dozens of comments (more than 30 so far) from readers.

Give Bernie's blog post a read and take a moment to also read over the comments that were submitted. Then give us your input on what you think about where downtown Easton has been and where you see it going in the future.

Do you like the changes you see happening downtown? Do you see changes for the better happening at all, or do you think it's just same-old, same-old? What improvements would you like to see take place downtown, and are you willing to volunteer your time, talents and energy to help make it happen?

"Love, Fear & Juice" exhibit comes to Connexions Gallery

2010-03-06T09:06:00.003-05:00

Connexions Gallery at 213 Northampton Street presents a new exhibit entitled "Love, Fear & Juice" by Easton-based artists Kim Robertson from February 26 through April 11.

The show features over 25 paintings created within the last twelve months. The bright, bold works fashioned on canvas, wood and paper take the observer through a psycho-emotional maze. Robertson's paintings challenge the viewer to access deep topics of loss and pain while tempering the visual journey with depictions of love, sensuality and abundance. Join us in welcoming Kim Robertson back to Connexions Gallery and be shocked, surprised and delighted by her poignant and painterly works.

Opening Reception - Saturday, March 6 from 6 p.m - 9 p.m.
Artist Talk - Sunday, April 11 beginning at 2 p.m.

For more information, please contact Connexions Gallery at 610-250-7627 or www.connexionsgallery.net.

Connexions Gallery -1990-2010-Celebrating 20 years of local and regional art in the Lehigh Valley.

Easton on list of Best College Towns

2010-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

In the 2009-2010 edition of the Pennsylvania Pursuits Insiders Guide, the official tourism guide of Pennsylvania, Easton was noted as one of the Top 10 college towns in the Commonwealth thanks to Lafayette College.

In fact, we were ranked #4 behind University Park (Penn State), Lewisburg (Bucknell), and Haverford (Haverford College).

Items of note were the Crayola Factory and National Canal Museum, our many dining options including Valenca and Pearly Baker’s, our fun art galleries like Connexions, and unique retail offerings such as Baby Gift Clouds.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

2010-03-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

Want to stay updated on all of the great things going on in downtown Easton? Ever wanted to know what’s happening this coming weekend or when the next event takes place? Then get connected with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

We’re using our accounts with these social media outlets to get connected with people just like you who have their finger on the pulse of what’s doing on in downtown Easton.

Here’s where you can find us online in addition to this blog:

• Twitter – follow us at www.twitter.com/eastonmainst
• Facebook – become a fan of the Easton Main Street fan page
• LinkedIn – join the Easton Main Street group

Welcome new businesses to Downtown Easton

2010-03-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the business community and residents of Easton, we'd like to welcome these new businesses to our downtown district.

Terra Café - 321 Northampton St. This café combines great coffee, breakfast and lunch items along with delicious bakery items and unique art. •
Philosophie Hair Studio - 312A Spring Garden St. A premier New York-style salon featuring dry cuts and a “color bar.”
JC Penney Catalog Location - now open inside Partyology located at 230 Northampton St. Great convenience for JC Penney customers in Easton and surrounding suburbs. Place and pick up orders and catalogs.
Christine’s Secret Garden - 249 Northampton St. This clever little shop features teas, coffees, fudge and other gourmet food items. Also candles, soaps, textiles and decorative items.
King’s Farmers Market - 132 S. Third St., features fresh produce and grocery items.
Intrinsic Foods - 34 N. Third St. Retail shop featuring teas, granola, breads, baked goods, spices, oils that are all made with fresh, stone ground ingredients. Healthy foods that taste great!
Phoenicia - 154 Northampton St. Easton’s newest fine restaurant featuring Lebanese cuisine and bakery and also belly dancers and gift baskets.

We hope you will visit and patronize each of them.

SNOW DAY in downtown Easton is coming to an end

2010-03-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

One by one the paper snowflakes adorning hundreds of windows in downtown Easton are coming down. SNOW DAY, our community art project, is coming to an end. It was a great success and we hope everyone who came to see it enjoyed it as much as we did.

In January, Easton Main Street Initiative mounted a community-wide campaign to cut 10,000 paper snowflakes and paint the town white. The goal was to fill all the windows of Northampton and Third Streets (both occupied and vacant) with these symbols of community spirit.

We not only met our snowflake goal, but we blew it away with a grand total of 27,126 snowflakes contributed. That’s more than enough snowflakes for every city resident to have one! Hand-cut snowflakes of all shapes and sizes were showcased the downtown district’s wonderful businesses while highlighting the available properties awaiting potential businesses.

The best part about the program is that the entire community got involved and worked together to make snowflakes; from schools and community groups, to families and city residents. Mayor Panto instructed the City Public Services department to keep the holiday snowflake lights in place through January. He even declared Friday, January 22 a "Snow Day in Easton" at a special press conference attended by dozens of local residents, volunteers and supporters.

We were surprised and delighted by the community support that surrounded this promotion and we hope to do it again in winter 2011.

If you missed it, check out the Snowflakes for Easton fan page on Facebook for tons of photos, and submit some of your own.

Community Benefit District feasibility study gets under way

2010-03-01T09:40:00.002-05:00

Like the improvements taking place in downtown Easton? Enjoy the city’s many events? Want to see the continued growth of businesses? Then help us by supporting our efforts to start a Community Benefit District.

A Community Benefit District (CBD) is a public-private partnership in which property owners in a designated area pay an assessment (a fee for service), the funds from which will allow us to continue programs that market the area, litter and graffiti control, and increase customer traffic and sales, and retain, expand and recruit viable businesses, among other activities.

Our parent organization, the Greater Easton Development Partnership, has hired New Communities East to help us with a feasibility study. We started by meeting one-on-one with 11 downtown business owners to explain the benefits of a CBD and obtain their feedback.

A meeting with downtown property owners was also held back in November during which a presentation by New Communities East was made to the 40 attending property and business owners. They learned what a CBD is, who participates and how, how the process works, why to do it now, trends and success stories of other CBDs, and an overview of the Main Street and Ambassador programs which will be supported with the CBD assessment monies.

So far, 16 stakeholders have signed on to be part of a Steering Committee that will work on the remainder of the feasibility study. The next step will be for the committee to determine the boundaries we want to consider for the District. They will also send out a survey to determine whether there is conceptual support for a CBD. Finally, they will analyze the surveys to see if there is enough support to move forward with the actual formation of the CBD.

Stay tuned for more information on our progress with establishing a CBD in downtown Easton later this year.

E-newsletter reminder and a call for more volunteers

2010-02-25T10:43:00.006-05:00

It's time for our monthly reminder that you can sign up for our free bi-monthly e-newsletter on our web site by clicking here. It's a great way to keep up with all of the things going on downtown, like new restaurants and shops, upcoming promotions, special events, and things that YOU can be a part of.

So if you're not already signed up, please do so today. And remember to tell your friends about our free e-newsletter to and encourage them to sign up. The more, the better!

We'd also like to take this opportunity to remind you that our organization is always looking for volunteers. Everyone has a special talent - something that they are good at and enjoy doing. Well, the five volunteer committees that help to run our organization can use your talents to help improve the downtown district.

Like to attend events? Then help us coordinate and plan them as a member of the Events Committee.
Know about developing business, managing finances or local politics? Then join the Economic Restructuring Committee.
Into beautification projects, the arts and making the downtown more visually appealing? Then the Design Committee could use you.
Skilled in marketing, advertising and/or public relations? Then we need you on the Marketing Committee.

To volunteer on one of these committees, or to be one of our episodic volunteers who helps out every so often on an as-needed basis, contact Megan at 610-330-9942 or e-mail megan@eastonpartnership.org.

Join us for The State of Main Street Annual Meeting

2010-02-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Please join us on Monday, March 15 for The State of Main Street Annual Meeting. This is when our committee chairs get to share with you our accomplishments from the past year and our upcoming projects for 2010.

Here are the details:

Date: Monday, March 15

Location: Alvin H. Butz Gallery at State Theatre, corner of 5th and Northampton Streets in downtown Easton

Time: 5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception; 6 p.m. - Presentation

Keynote Speaker: Paul Levy, CEO Center City District, a Central Philadelphia Business Improvement District

Last call for Artistic Bike Rack design submissions

2010-02-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

The March 1 submission deadline is fast approaching for any artists interested in submitting their designs for consideration for this spring's artistic bike rack program. Winning designs will adorn three key locations in downtown Easton.

The Easton Main Street Initiative, the Easton Environmental Advisory Council and the City of Easton are calling on artists to design functional, artistically innovative bicycle racks to be installed in downtown Easton’s central business district as part of a 2010 Public Art Initiative. This initiative will build upon the successful 2009 Public Art Installation of four bicycle racks.

Funding for the 2010 program has been made available through the Easton Environmental Advisory Council. Artists are asked to submit a line drawing that is graphically strong and feasible for development into a functional bicycle rack. Up to three design proposals per artist may be submitted, each accompanied by a cost analysis.

Commissioned artists will receive a stipend of $2,000, intended to provide recognition and financial support to purchase materials necessary to successfully complete the project. Artists may partner with an engineer, welder or builder to facilitate construction of the bicycle rack.

Based on the designs submitted, three artists will be chosen by jury to construct the bicycle racks. The goal is to produce three bicycle racks for installation in spring 2010.

For more information call: 610-330-9942 or download the 2010 Call for Entries PDF file at www.EastonMainStreet.org.

Become fans of our new Facebook fan pages!

2010-02-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

Liz Wyant, owner of Partyology on Northampton Street and a dedicated Easton Main Street volunteer, recently created a group of new Facebook fan pages for our many special events and programs. We'd love if you'd become a fan of them!

Chocolate Lovers' Soiree
Dancing on the Thirds
Riverside Pet Parade
Live in the Square (formerly Jazz in the Square)
Easton Farmers' Market
Snowflakes for Easton

And of course we hope you're already a fan of our own page. And don't forget to connect with us on Twitter and our LinkedIn group too. Thanks for your support!

The February Dancing on the Thirds is tomorrow night!

2010-02-18T10:00:00.003-05:00

Just a quick reminder that the next Dancing on the Thirds dance night is tomorrow, Friday, February 19, from 8-11 p.m. at the Third Street Alliance.

Come out and learn the West Coast Swing! Don't be shy... novices welcome!

Singles and couples of all ages can join in on the dancing action. Casual dress.

Admission is $10 per person, half price with student ID. Call 610-330-9942 for more information.

Dancing on the Thirds is presented each month in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network.

Easton Main Street welcomes new Events Committee Chairperson

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Easton Main Street Initiative is thrilled to welcome Missy McGinley as the new chairperson for our Promotions-Events committee.

Missy, a lifelong lover of Easton, is excited to continue to grow Main Street's four annual events: Riverside Pet Parade, Lafayette Day, Holiday Open House & Peace Candle Lighting, and Chocolate Lovers' Soiree.

As events chair, Missy will also oversee "Dancing on the Thirds" and the "Live in the Square" summer concert series. Missy looks forward to adding her creative spark to all of these events and attracting more volunteers.

In addition to managing Main Street events, the Promotions-Events committee also helps to support Easton events such as Garlic Fest, Heritage Day, Shad Doo-Dah Parade and Soap Box Derby. Last year Main Street worked hand-in-hand with the organizers of Soap Box Derby to expand the event to include entertainment, a car show and kids' activities. Missy has some very interesting ideas for revving up this year's Derby, so stay tuned!

Interested in joining this fun and active committee? Give us a call at 610-330-9942.

The Mayor's Snowflake has been spotted!

2010-02-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Karla Laguia of Easton, winner of the Mayor's Snowflake Contest.

Karla spotted the tiny snowflake featuring a photo of Mayor Sal Panto in the window at Partyology, 230 Northampton Street. Her prize was a gift bag full of prizes donated by downtown Easton merchants.

Have you seen the 27,162 snowflakes adorning the windows of businesses and shops in downtown Easton yet? If not, then you'd better check them out soon before they disappear!

Drive or walk through downtown and experience the magic of this amazing public art installation. Check out photos at Snowflakes for Easton on Facebook and see the video on YouTube.

Who says there's nothing to do downtown in winter?

2010-02-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

There are plenty of things going on this winter in downtown Easton, and here are three workshops/classes/demos that you are sure to enjoy.

Super Fresh Kitchen Cooking Demo & Dinner Series at the Grand Eastonian Suites

Series begins Sunday, February 21 with French Twist. Suite 301 at the Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel. Meat lovers and vegetarians welcome. Explore ingredients in Vegan recipes used to make delicious entrees, creamy soups and sauces without the use of dairy or other animal products. Then, sit down with a glass of champagne and enjoy your fresh-cooked meal! For more information, go www.superfreshkitchen.com.

Workshops at Connexions Gallery - www.ConnexionsGallery.net

Crochet Basics with Susan Huxley
Friday, February 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. - $10

Build-A-Bear Crochet Class with Susan Huxley
Friday, February 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. - $20

Tea Tasting and Pairing Seminar

Join two new downtown businesses, Intrinsic Foods LLC and Christine's Secret Garden, for an afternoon of tea and learning. You'll explore the art of combining Christine's lovely brewed teas with Intrinsic Foods' delicious and healthy treats. Along with enjoying the combined samplings, you will learn of the important health benefits of teas and the use of freshly milled stone-ground grains in the baking process.

Sunday February 21
1:30 to 3:30 at Intrinsic Foods
34 N. Second St., Easton
Tickets: $11 per person
Please reserve your place for this event as seating is limited, by calling 610-252-7781.

Need last minute Valentine's gift ideas? Look no further than Downtown Easton.

2010-02-12T09:31:00.011-05:00

If you still haven't picked up something special for that special someone, there's still time to shop this weekend at the many shops, boutiques and restaurants in downtown Easton. The city is all plowed out from this week's snow storm and we're ready for your visit!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Beautifully handcrafted, one-of-a kind glass hearts by Massachusetts artist Luke Adams (see image above). Special - $24. Just Around the Corner, 5A N. Bank Street. 610-258-9850

Valentine's Weekend at Mex-Tex Trio, February 12-15. Treat your sweetheart to dinner featuring a chocolate fountain with all the fruit and treats you can eat. Reservations suggested. 610-253-2236. www.mextextrio.com

"Break-a-Heart" at Bloomies! Stop in for gorgeous and unique flowers and while you're there, pop a heart balloon for a chance to win Valentine's, prizes, discounts and add-ons. Valentine hours: Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-6; Sunday 9-3. Bloomie's Flower Shop, 21 N. Second Street. 610-258-6331.

Valentines Day at Connexions Gallery featuring jewelry by artist Yanina Saini. Simple, clean designs with semi precious stones; an elegant, unique memento for the one you love. Also enjoy live music with Mike Fran Saturday 8-10 p.m. www.ConnexionsGallery.net

Mercantile Home wants you to Be Our Valentine with 15% off all heart-shaped art, objects, and curiosities this Friday - Sunday. ("Be Still My Heart" Pin Cushions, Color Me Sweets, Anti-Valentine Pin Cushions, "They Love Me" Note cards, and more!) www.MercantileHome.com

Warm Fuzzies at Partyology 25% off all Valentine's plush through February 14. www.Partyology.com

Sweet surprises at Nature's Way - Check out Nature's Way for locally created Valentine's cards, some special chocolates or lovely candles. And if you just can't decide, then give a gift certificate, the gift of healthy choices. www.NaturesWayEaston.com.

"Last Minute V-day Extravaganza" at Suddenly Samantha. 50% off Bedhead products, jewelry consultant from Premiere jewelry, raffle drawings for local businesses, TiGi and jewelry baskets, gift cards for manicures, massage and more. Suddenly Samantha, 140 Northampton Street. (610) 559-8590.

Also, sweets for your sweet at Carmelcorn Shop, extended hours at Christine's Secret Garden (Sunday 2/14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), gourmet gift baskets from The Quadrant, and remember downtown has a fabulous selection of salons. How about a couple's massage at Sanctuary by Michael Perry or Easton Yoga! And of course there's dinner at all our fine restaurants!

ROY G. BIV BRINGS A COLORFUL AFFAIR TO EASTON’S MERCANTILE HOME

2010-02-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

A chromatic collection of artwork will be featured in ROY G. BIV, the latest collection of art, objects and curiosities presented at Mercantile Home in Downtown Easton.

Running from February 6th to April 4th, 2010, ROY G. BIV offers new creations from Mercantile’s Easton studio, as well as a colorful array of featured work by four artists: Holly Ward Bimba (Upperville, VA), Patricia Fabricant (Brooklyn, NY) (see image left), Rebekah Potter (Brooklyn, NY) and Valerie Roybal (Albuquerque, NM).

In the midst of the grays of winter, Mercantile’s Northampton Street storefront will play host to a wide spectrum of color-based pieces. Owners Ken Jones Jr. and Ron Morris have selected artists that are inspired by color harmonies and the intense visual relationships we, as the audience, have with color. Collages of old paper clippings mixed with bands of color, the flow of wood grain stained with brilliant hues, and woodblocks painted with tongue-in-cheek word/color relationships will fill the room.

Morris and Jones look to their featured artists as inspiration for their own unique takes on the color wheel. Debuting in this collection are the Hanky Panky Picnic Blankies, just in time for the warmer spring weather; new Color Me, Sweet crayon chocolates; and a new line of handmade wooden wicked, soy candles, whimsically exploring color/scent relationships.

Mercantile Home, located at 526 Northampton Street, Downtown Easton, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am – 7 p.m. and by appointment. For information on upcoming exhibitions and new art, objects, and curiosities, please visit www.mercantilehome.com.

Lafayette’s Pards to People organization to host community dinner

2010-02-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

Today's blog post is written by guest blogger and former Easton Main Street intern Mike Handzo who is now President of Pards to People at Lafayette College.

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I’m truly fortunate to be at Lafayette at a time when people on campus and in the city share the same commitment to the campus-community relationship. Lafayette’s Pards to People organization, which I am currently president of, has played a major role in fostering these close ties.

Pards to People was founded in October 2006 by Lafayette student Alan Raisman to encourage neighborly relationships between Pards, or Lafayette students, and the People of Easton. Pards to People additionally serves as a chapter in the much larger People to People International organization, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956 to promote cross-cultural exchange on a personal level.

Since its inception, Pards to People members have attended Dancing on the Thirds and other Main Street events; joined community members to discuss local issues over breakfast at Saturday morning No Name Community Meetings; organized Lafayette-Easton roundtable discussions; provided Eastonians a tour of campus; and hosted a mixer at Lafayette’s “The Spot” social venue, among other events.

This semester, the highlight of Pards to People’s programming will be a community dinner, open to Lafayette students and Eastonians, at Mex-Tex Trio on March 27. We are very excited to be having Mary Eisenhower, President Eisenhower’s granddaughter and current CEO of People to People International, join us that evening! We hope you can join us for what promises to be a memorable night of conversation, camaraderie, and great food.

If you’re interested in coming or want more information, please email me at handzom@lafayette.edu or Alan at raismana@lafayette.edu.

FREDDY© Awards hit the big screen in Most Valuable Players

2010-02-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS, the documentary film shot during the 2008 FREDDY© Awards program by CANYONBACK FILMS, will be shown in a special advanced screening at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, the home of the FREDDY© Awards, on Friday, April 16th. The principal sponsor of the evening is Air Products Foundation.

There are two screenings scheduled for April 16th. The first will begin at 8:30 PM and will also include pre-show reception tickets to benefit the FREDDY© Awards program. In addition, there will be a Midnight screening designed specially for FREDDY© participating schools, students and parents at a reduced ticket cost.

Patrons of the 8:30 PM screening will also be able to purchase Raffle Tickets for their chance to win 2 tickets to be in the audience for the 2010 FREDDY© Awards Ceremony on May 27th.

Filmmakers Matthew Kallis and Christopher Lockhart from CANYONBACK FILMS will be in attendance and will address the audiences at both the 8:30 pm and Midnight screenings. While on location in 2008, they shot over 300 hours of film, following the schools from rehearsal of their own productions through awards ceremony night. They also spent hours with FREDDY© production staff and members of the extended “FREDDY” community of the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

For details on showing times and ticket prices, visit the State Theatre's web site here: http://www.statetheatre.org/index.php?tpl=show_page&id=376.

It's a party for the Shad... and someone invited the mermaids!

2010-02-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

The following is a guest blog post by Laini Abraham, Publisher of laini's little pocket guide to BETHLEHEM & EASTON

First, let me start by saying - I don't fish, I don't eat fish, I don't touch fish. So what am I doing with these Shad? Well, I'll tell you. Several years ago, I was walking my dog in Scott Park at the very beginning of spring. It was a warm day... one of the first, but the ground was still mushy from snow.

What made this day special was out in the river. There were boats everywhere! And people everywhere… in the boats and in the park. The little park that was silent all winter had suddenly come alive – it was the annual Forks of the Delaware Shad Fishing Tournament and Festival!

Over the past several years, I've learned about this annual ritual and started to work on the Festival. The reason this event is special to me, even though I don't fish, touch the fish or anything like that, is that it is the one event that brings people together in this very special spot – the Forks of the Delaware – where the Lehigh River meets the Delaware. In addition, it's a cycle as ancient as any, where the Shad swim up from the ocean to spawn. And what this means to me is Spring is right around the corner!

The Tournament and Festival are held at the end of April/beginning of May. New and very exciting this year, the committee is hosting the first annual “Shad Shindig,” a great big party to celebrate the Shad and Spring! We’ll have incredible food catered by Elizabeth Mulrine, music, drinks and lots of people and imagination gone wild! Guests can get dressed up or dressed down. Think of it as a mix between Halloween, Mardi Gras and the wedding of the Little Mermaid and Sponge Bob. Revenue from this event will help underwrite the Festival and Tournament.

Please mark the date and come celebrate. Join the fisherman, artists and Easton supporters for merry-making of all kinds on Saturday, March 6 at the Third St. Alliance. Come out, welcome spring, and help preserve one of Easton's most unique traditions.

For ticket information, visit: www.shadtournament.com and connect with us on Facebook, or call 610-559-9881.

Tomorrow is Pearly Baker's 15th Annual Super Bowl Sunday Chili Cook-off!

2010-02-06T12:06:00.012-05:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Sunday 2/7, is the Annual Super Bowl Sunday Chili Cook-off at Pearly Baker's Ale House on Centre Square. Doors open at 11 a.m. and tastings get under way at 11:30. Awards are given out at 5 p.m.

Per their Facebook fan page, here are the details:

Pearly's is hosting it's annual Superbowl of Chili on Super Bowl Sunday. Come down, have a few drinks, and eat a whole lot of delicious chili while helping out a local non-profit organization! It's always a great time, so be sure to come early so you don't miss out on any of the fun.

For a small $5 donation, you'll get to sample chili from 15+ restaurants. Make sure to accompany your chili with one of the 20 beers we have on tap along with our growing selection of craft bottled beers.

This year's event it sponsored by Southampton Brewing Company and will benefit Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter offers safe, clean, overnight accommodations for up to 26 homeless adults and a place to gather during the daytime for low-income, functionally disabled residents of downtown Easton.

Easton Farmers' Market returns May 1

2010-02-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

The groundhog may have seen his shadow two days ago, but we're thinking spring anyway! Specifically we're thinking about the Easton Farmers' Market and its return to Centre Square on Saturday, May 1 at 9 a.m. for a new season of homemade, locally grown, fresh produce, baked goods, and much more.

Did you know that the Easton Farmers' Market is America's longest running open-air market? This season is its 258th as a matter of fact! It will be more vibrant than ever this year with the addition of eight new vendors and a full slate of great market events!

If you have yet to visit the Easton Farmers' Market, then make this year your year to do it! Check out the many booths offering everything from naturally made soaps and fresh flowers, to organic meats and handmade arts and crafts. And be sure to check out their list of 2010 special events.

See you in Centre Square on May 1!

Chocolate Lovers' Soiree breaks records and raises funds for EMSI programs

2010-02-03T09:06:00.003-05:00

Since Saturday evening's 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree was such a success, we wanted to share with you the numbers that went into making it a great event:

A total of 88 hours of volunteer time was donated on Saturday (not to mention many more hours of behind-the-scenes planning time was contributed by those volunteers who participate in the Main Street Events committee.)
More than $6,000 was raised for our organization which will be used to support our non-profit's many programs, events and initiatives. (This is double the profit we made last year.)
The Tricky Tray netted over $4oo too!

On behalf of the Greater Easton Development Partnership Board of Directors and the staff of the Easton Main Street Initiative, we express our most sincere gratitude to everyone who donated their time, talent and enthusiasm.

Phoenicia receives high marks in Morning Call restaurant review

2010-02-02T09:31:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to our friends at Phoenicia Fine Middle Eastern Cuisine at 154 Northampton Street for their great review in The Morning Call's Go Guide section on January 21.

The newspaper's restaurant reviewer visited Easton's newest dining establishment and was delighted at what she found. We think the live music and belly dancers had her hooked. Where else can you get a show like that with your meal?

If you missed the original article, here's a link to it on the Morning Call's web site: http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-ent-review-phoenicia,0,1446873.story

We'd like to get your feedback on Phoenicia. Have you been there to eat yet? What was your experience like? Have a favorite dish? We hear the place was packed during last week's Restaurant Week.

Just a reminder that the restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays, and lunch only on Sundays. It is also a BYOB restaurant.

A big THANK YOU for a great Chocolate Lovers' Soiree!

2010-02-01T07:45:00.009-05:00

Saturday night's 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree was a big hit, selling out of all 400 tickets to the event within its first hour. Ticket pre-sales were HOT this year with well over 100 tickets being sold ahead of time.

Since this signature Easton Main Street event is a fundraiser for our small non-profit, we were delighted at the turnout and response to it this year. The art show by Mercantile Home was popular as were the free back and hand massages offered by Sanctuary by Michael Perry.

We want to thank the vendors who set up beautiful displays in their booths and donated hundreds of free samples of their baked goods, chocolate candies and other delicacies for attendees to try.

We want to thank the volunteers who helped us coordinate the event, set it up beforehand and tear it down at the end of the night as well as work the event as butlers. Special thanks to the Easton Main Street events committee for their time and efforts.

And finally we want to thank everyone who bought a ticket to the Soiree and came out with their friends and family members for an evening of sweet tasting fun. We hope you had a great time and will return again next year.

And if you were one of the handful of people we had to turn away at the door after the tickets sold out, we hope you understand and will come back next year too.

Thanks again!

What's your favorite part of the Chocolate Lovers' Soiree?

2010-01-30T09:40:00.005-05:00

If you follow this blog with any regularity, then you know by now that tonight is the 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree. This signature Easton Main Street event is a fundraiser for our small non-profit organization, the funds from which help us to carry out our many initiatives, events and programs created to promote downtown Easton.

Since this event is in its fourth year, we're hoping that many of our readers have previously attended it. So we wanted to know what your favorite part of it is. We know there are many great parts to this one event but we wanted you to tell us which ONE is your favorite and why. Some suggestions include:

The endless chocolate tastings
The variety of vendors
The venue - the beautiful and unique Bank Street Annex
The evening time frame - so you can make it a night out with your friends or special someone
The cash bar with its variety of chocolate martinis and drinks
The art show organized by the owners of Mercantile Home

Or do you have a favorite part of the event not listed above? Tell us what you love most about our Chocolate Lovers' Soiree!

SNOW DAY goes viral on YouTube!

2010-01-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

Check out the cool 4 minute video the owners of Mercantile Home in downtown Easton created and posted to YouTube. It's a slide show of the many pictures they took of our SNOW DAY promotion - from inception to completion. These guys were personally invested in the project since it was their brainchild. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pl-68jXPHI

SNOW DAY exceeded everyone's expectation. Our goal was 10,000 unique, hand-made paper snowflakes to decorate downtown windows in offices, bushiness and store fronts, both occupied and vacant, during the winter months.

We blew that number away with over 27,000 snowflakes made and donated by everyone from involved city residents and Easton Main Street volunteers, to entire schools and senior groups. Everyone in the Lehigh Valley was working their scissors overtime to make snowflakes for us.

And the results have been truly amazing. Check out the video and share it with friends.

Today is the last day of Restaurant Week!

2010-01-28T12:18:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that today 1/28 is your last chance to experience Restaurant Week! There's still time to make dinner plans for this evening at your favorite participating Easton restaurant.

Since this is the city's first official Restaurant Week event, we'd like to get your feedback on it.

Did you dine out in downtown Easton during Restaurant Week?
Which restaurant(s) did you dine at?
Did you dine for lunch or dinner or both?
Which restaurant was your favorite?
Did you think the $8 lunches and $30 dinners offered a good value?
Will you go again next year?

Give us your feedback. We want to hear from you!

Special 5th Friday Salsa Night spices up a cold winter night

2010-01-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

The Easton Main Street Initiative is hosting a special Salsa Dance Night on Friday, January 29, from 8-11 p.m. at the Third Street Alliance, 41 N. 3rd Street in Downtown Easton.

The evening features a one-hour Salsa lesson taught by Joanna Levy of Svelte Studio, followed by two hours of open dancing. Learn to move to the rhythm of Latin music and sweep your partner off their feet with this fun, flirtatious dance craze.

Admission is $10 (casual dress). Singles, couples, and students are welcome. $5 discount with student ID. For more information: www.EastonMainStreet.org or call 610-330-9942.

”Dancing on the Thirds” is a monthly ballroom dancing event presented in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network. Proceeds benefit Easton Main Street Initiative's downtown revitalization programs.

Time is running out to get your Chocolate Lovers' Soiree tickets!

2010-01-26T16:45:00.006-05:00

It's not too late to get your tickets for this coming Saturday's 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree! This event helps our organization raise money to institute the many programs and initiatives we and our large group of faithful volunteers carry out each year.

Tickets are on sale now at five convenient Lehigh Valley locations and are $20 when purchased in advance versus $25 at the door the night of the event. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. at the Bnak Street Annex on Northampton Street. Parking is available on the street and at the Easton Parking Garage at the corner of 3rd and Ferry Streets.

It's a sinfully delicious evening showcasing the Valley’s finest chocolatiers, patisseries and restaurants. Enjoy chocolate tastings, demonstrations and art, plus a full cash bar featuring chocolate martinis, chocolate-covered strawberries served table side, and complimentary hand & chair massages in the “Chocolate Sanctuary” by Easton stylist extraordinaire Michael Perry. For more information, call 610-330-9942.

Get your tickets now at:

Christine’s Secret Garden 249 Northampton Street, Easton
Kate’s Main Street Garden Café, 52 S. Main Street, Nazareth
The Posey Peddler, 323 Cattell Street, Easton
Something Different, Town Centre Plaza, Forks Township
Tallarico’s Chocolates 26 E. Third Street, Bethlehem

So bring your special someone or a group of girlfriends and make it a night out. We hope to see you there!

Restaurant Week is here!

2010-01-25T08:14:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that Easton's first Restaurant Week has officially started. It runs through this Thursday 1/28. Participating restaurants are offering affordable fixed-price lunches and dinners.

Three-course dinners are $30 and multi-course lunches are $8. Eleven city restaurants are participating, many of which are located in downtown Easton.

For a list of participating restaurants, check out The Express-Times' article from this past Friday here.

While you're downtown, be sure to check out the more than 27,000 paper snowflakes adorning the windows of businesses, offices and shops as part of our SNOW DAY promotion. It really is a sight to see!

SNOW DAY in downtown Easton is finally here!

2010-01-22T12:27:00.007-05:00

Join the Easton Main Street Initiative and Mayor Salvatore J. Panto for a SNOW DAY PARTY.

WHEN: Today, Friday 1/22, at 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Main Street Office, located at 35 S. Third Street (the corner of 3rd and Ferry Streets, on the first floor of the Easton Parking Garage).

DETAILS: Help us celebrate the creation and installation of over 26,000 snowflakes in downtown storefronts, residences and office buildings. The Mayor will cut the project's final flake, a 5' tall dazzling red snowflake and officially declare a "Snow Day" in downtown Easton.

Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and a visit from Frosty the Snowman! Anyone who participated in cutting snowflakes is encouraged to attend and sign in with their snowflake total. All "snowflake cutters" will receive an official "Snow Day" button designed by Easton Pop.

If you can't make the party, be sure to stop downtown this weekend. You won't want to miss this beautiful art installation filled with civic pride. Take a walk around downtown Easton and enjoy the creativity and spectacle of 26,000 Paper Snowflakes!

A HUGE Thank you to all of the WONDERFUL people who cut snowflakes, installed snowflakes and contributed their time, talent and love to this project!

Snow Day Fun at Downtown Businesses:

* Kaplan's Awnings (100 Northampton Street)
Guess (or count) the correct number of snowflakes in Kaplan's Blizzard window and win a beautiful snowflake banner!

* Suddenly Samantha (located in the Eastonian)
Free Hot Chocolate and FREE Parafin Hand Dip... what better way to spend a "snow day?"
No purchase necessary!

* Soulicious (77 N. Fourth Street)
FREE Pulled Pork Sandwich and French Fries for anyone wearing a snowflake button.

* Partyology (228 Northampton Street)
FFEE popcorn and a FREE Partyology necklace to anyone with a snowflake button.

Help us hang snowflakes around downtown Easton tomorrow

2010-01-20T16:29:00.004-05:00

We're looking for a few good volunteers to help us hang some of the more than 20,000 paper snowflakes that were made and donated by local residents, schools, senior groups and friends.

The snowflakes are being displayed in the various storefronts and offices throughout downtown Easton as part of our SNOW DAY campaign. On Friday 1/22, Mayor Sal Panto will officially declare a SNOW DAY in Easton in recognition of our new promotion. So we need to get all of the snowflakes up and all of the windows decorated in time for Friday's official declaration.

We need the help of as many volunteers as we can get tomorrow, Thursday 1/21, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Please report to our office at the corner of 3rd and Ferry Streets inside the lower level of the Easton Parking Garage whenever you're available. We'll provide you with snowflakes and the location of a storefront that needs help with decorating.

Even if you can only come for half an hour, WE NEED YOU! So please help us spread the word and bring along a friend or two. Thanks!

The blizzard has begun! SNOW DAY is almost here!

2010-01-19T07:41:00.005-05:00

The snowflakes are going up in windows all around downtown Easton. Businesses, offices, restaurants and store fronts are all decorating their displays with the thousands of paper snowflakes that were made by schools, families, residents and senior centers from around the Lehigh Valley.

Our goal of 10,000 snowflakes by last weekend was blown away! At last count we had over 16,000 snowflakes and are still counting!

This is all part of our new SNOW DAY promotion designed to decorate the downtown this winter and highlight the city's current businesses as well as office space and storefronts that are currently vacant and ready to be rented or purchased.

This Friday, January 22, Easton Mayor Sal Panto will officially declare it a SNOW DAY in Easton. We encourage you to come downtown over the next few weeks to see the snowflakes and take some pictures. Share them with us on Twitter (@eastonmainst) and on our NEW Facebook fan page.

Join in the fun!

P.S. - Special thanks to Ken and Ron, owners of Mercantile Home, for their help in coordinating this promotion.

Half-priced bottles of wine in downtown Easton? Where?

2010-01-18T19:49:00.005-05:00

Did you know that every Monday night is half price bottle of wine night at Sette Luna on Ferry Street in downtown Easton?

It's a great deal, and kind of a best kept secret. Sette Luna offers a diverse wine list from which to choose the perfect vintage. Be sure to check out their menu on their web site so you can pick which entree and appetizer you want to have with your bottle of vino.

Need some advice? Might we suggest the caprese salad followed by the bolognese and maybe a little chocolate mousse for dessert? (Not like we don't order that way too often!) But they are probably best know for their amazing brick oven pizzas.

Oh and they do a great Sunday Brunch too, the menu for which is also on their web site. It features live music for some lively entertainment. A great treat for the ones you love.

So now that you know about half-price bottles of wine on Monday nights, we guess we know where you'll be dining next week!

We need a few good local musicians. Know any?

2010-01-17T10:00:00.003-05:00

We're seeking musicians for our 2010 “Live in the Square” outdoor summer concert series (formerly called "Jazz in the Square").

A total of five performers will be selected for the series. Concerts are scheduled for the last Friday of the month, May through September 2010 in Centre Square, Easton. Individual musicians and/or bands and all music styles will be considered.

Interested parties should send a sample CD and promotional packet to the Easton Main Street Initiative at 35 S. Third Street, Easton, PA 18042 or email information to megan@eastonpartnership.org.

All submissions must be received by Tuesday, February 2 in order to be considered. For more information call: 610-330-9942.

*Performers will be selected by the Easton Main Street Initiative Promotions Committee.

Details on 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree are announced!

2010-01-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

Details on the 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree are starting to trickle in now that tickets have gone on sale for advanced purchases.

The event is January 30 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Bank Street Annex, 316 Northampton Street. It is a fundraiser for our organization and features tasting-sized portions of decadent chocolate desserts, handmade truffles, ice cream, pastries, and hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries made by local restaurants, bakeries, candy shops and chocolatiers.

Participating vendors include:

Chocolates on Broadway
Tallarico’s Chocolates
Dolce Patisserie
Pearly Baker’s Ale House
Purple Cow Creamery
Kym’s Creations
Tombler’s Bakery
The Quadrant
Sette Luna
Phoenicia
Terra Cafe
Granny Schmidt’s Specialty Cakes
Cosmic Cup Coffee Co.

Also, Christine's Secret Garden will have chocolate teas including chocolate mint, Night of the Iguana chocolate chai, and Belgian chocolate Rooibos. And TranquiliTea Tea House will offer Chocolate Chai Tea Truffles, White Chocolate Chai Dessert Soup, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sweetheart Tea Latte.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door the night of the event. Ticket locations are:

Christine’s Secret Garden - 249 Northampton Street, Easton
Kate’s Main Street Garden Café - 52 S. Main Street, Nazareth
The Posey Peddler - 323 Cattell Street, Easton
Something Different - Town Centre Plaza, Forks Township
Tallarico’s Chocolates - 26 E. Third Street, Bethlehem

We still need your help to reach our goal of 10,000 snowflakes for Snow Day!

2010-01-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

We're close to achieving our goal of making 10,000 paper snowflakes to fill all the windows of Northampton and Third Streets (both occupied and vacant) with these symbols of community spirit. Hand cut snowflakes of all shapes and sizes will showcase our wonderful businesses AND highlight the available properties awaiting potential businesses.

So far we've had help from all over the community including schools, senior groups, families and residents. Our goal is in site but we still need your help with the final 1,000.

You still have today and tomorrow to get your snowflakes done and donated. If you need patterns give us a call (610-330-9942) before 5 p.m. today, or you can download them here: http://www.mercantilehome.com/snowflakes.html.

We need to get the snowflakes from you by no later than Sunday, January 17 so that we have time to install them that week, in time for the city's official SNOW DAY on Friday, January 22. Mayor Sal Panto is even going to officially declare the day a SNOW DAY in Easton to help us celebrate!

There are three snowflake drop-off stations:

Mercantile Home
526 Northampton Street
610-258-4046

Just Around the Corner
5A North Bank Street
610-258-9850

Easton Main Street Initiative (through 5 p.m. today only)
35 S. Third Street
610-330-9940

Time once again for Dancing on the Thirds

2010-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

The first Dancing on the Thirds of 2010, taking place tomorrow night January 15, will give attendees the chance to learn the Cha Cha from instructor Con Gallagher.

The evening starts at 8 p.m. with a one-hour instruction in the dance. Then from 9 - 11 p.m. it becomes an open dance with a DJ.

Admission is $10 per person. College students receive a discounted rate. Singles, couples and students are welcome. Dance experience is not required.

Dancing on the Thirds takes place the third Friday of every month at the Third Street Alliance at 41 N. Third Street in downtown Easton. Parking is available at meters on the street and in a surface lot across Third Street.

Easton Main Street Initiative is able to present Dancing on the Thirds each month due in part to its kind sponsorship by St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, and due to the diligent planning of the Initiative's many volunteers.

Telling visitors about downtown Easton

2010-01-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Last year, the kind folks that manage Two Rivers Landing came to us with a great opportunity.

They had a wall display in their lobby that was meant to promote the city of Easton but it was very outdated and desperately in need of a makeover.

They asked us if we'd like to use the space to market the city to the thousands of tourists that visit The Crayola FACTORY and National Canal Museum each year.

Well, obviously we jumped at the opportunity.

Working with our volunteer team of graphic designers on the marketing committee, we developed a new wall display with interchangeable posters in the upper left and right corners that are used to promote the city's many family-friendly events.

The message on the display encourages visitors to "Get out the door and explore Downtown Easton." The event posters change several times a year to promote ones like Heritage Day, Garlic Fest, Pet Parade and the upcoming Chocolate Lovers' Soiree.

Next time you're in downtown Easton, take a wander into Two Rivers Landing and have a look. And don't forget to also check out our kiosk on the corner of the quadrant in front of the gift shop.

Connexions is an art gallery and so much more

2010-01-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

If you've never wandered into Connexions Art Gallery at 213 Northampton Street, you might be surprised to find out what's inside. The store's sign provides a hint that you'll find fine art, antiques and hand-crafted gifts. But there's more to it than that.

Connexions is home to a varied selection of local and regional artists and artisans whose work and mode of expression encompasses all media and style.

From paintings and sculpture to functional and decorative pottery and handcrafted jewelry, it has been the mission of Connexions since 1990 to showcase the best of what the arts community within the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

Owners Anthony and Alice change exhibits monthly and host opening receptions. They also combine artistic forms when they add musical performances to the mix by musicians from around the region. There are also workshops, events and classes.

Oh, and when you're there, don't forget to say hi to Fredo, the resident feline.

More artistic bike racks coming to downtown Easton!

2010-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Easton Main Street Initiative, the Easton Environmental Advisory Council and the City of Easton are calling on artists to design functional, artistically innovative bicycle racks to be installed in downtown Easton’s central business district as part of a 2010 Public Art Initiative. This initiative will build upon the successful 2009 Public Art Installation of four bicycle racks.

Funding for the 2010 program has been made available through the Easton Environmental Advisory Council. Artists are asked to submit a line drawing that is graphically strong and feasible for development into a functional bicycle rack. Up to three design proposals per artist may be submitted, each accompanied by a cost analysis.

Commissioned artists will receive a stipend of $2,000, intended to provide recognition and financial support to purchase materials necessary to successfully complete the project. Artists may partner with an engineer, welder or builder to facilitate construction of the bicycle rack.

Based on the designs submitted, three artists will be chosen by jury to construct the bicycle racks. The goal is to produce three bicycle racks for installation in spring 2010.

For more information call: 610-330-9942.
www.EastonMainStreet.org

Get your Chocolate Lovers' Soiree tickets while they're hot!

2010-01-09T10:00:00.004-05:00

Tickets go on sale this weekend for the 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers Soiree on 1/30 at the Bank Street Annex on Northampton Street from - 7 - 10 p.m.

This annual fundraiser for Easton Main Street helps us raise much-needed money for the programs and events we coordinate that benefit the downtown district's economic revitalization.

To encourage you to buy your tickets in advance this year, we are offering a $5 discount per ticket. Tickets purchased in advance are $20 per person versus $25 at the door the night of the event. So get 'em early at the following locations:

Christine’s Secret Garden 249 Northampton Street, Easton
Kate’s Main Street Garden Café, 52 S. Main Street, Nazareth
The Posey Peddler, 323 Cattell Street, Easton
Something Different, Town Centre Plaza, Forks Township
Tallarico’s Chocolates 26 E. Third Street, Bethlehem

And don't forget to bring some friends along. Make a night of it and dine out at one of our great downtown restaurants beforehand. We hope to see you there!

Make 2010 your year of spiritual wellness with Easton Yoga

2010-01-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

Did you know that downtown Easton has a world-class yoga studio right in its own backyard? It's true. Easton Yoga is celebrating its 9th year of teaching residents of the city, and the Lehigh Valley for that matter, the benefits of yoga practice.

Owners Alicia and Rob have created an inviting space at 524 Northampton Street that welcomes both experience and novice students. Download the current schedule of classes from their web site, get prices and learn about their spiritual center. There are also Pilates, hooping and belly dancing classes.

Enjoy massage? Easton Yoga has highly trained therapists who perform a wide range of treatments including hot rock massage, Shirodhara, Thai massage and Indian head massage, among others.

You can friend them on Facebook and take a short video tour of the center on YouTube. And don't forget to sign up for their free e-newsletter to learn about upcoming classes and programs, and special guest instructors.

Namaste!

See a show this winter at the State Theatre

2010-01-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

When was the last time you checked out the list of shows coming to The State Theatre this winter? There's something for everyone, from comedy acts to musical shows and even a taste of Broadway.

January highlights include talk show host Glenn Beck, the musical Hairspray, the Elvis Birthday Bash, and the Main Street Cruisers.

February highlights feature The Fab Faux, singer Michael Amante, comedian Jim Gaffigan, and The Pink Floyd Experience.

And in March, laugh it up with Girls Night Out, singer Michael Bolton and Broadway hit Jesus Christ Superstar.

Make it a night out with dinner before the show at one of our great downtown restaurants. But don't forget to make reservations beforehand as many of them are very busy on show nights.

And don't forget to take the free trolley from the parking garage to the theatre and back!

Easton City Council doles out grant money to events

2010-01-06T17:08:00.004-05:00

This past Monday, Easton City Council awarded $20,000 to 10 special events, all of which take place in the city's downtown district:

Forks of the Delaware Shad Fishing Tournament and Festival, $1,650
Heritage Day, $5,000
Easton Holiday Committee, $2,950
Memorial Day Parade, $1,250
Scarecrow Festival, $1,000
Riverside Festival of the Arts, $1,610
Garlic Fest, $3,600
Riverside Pet Parade, $1,000
Tomato Fest, $1,000
Easton Soap Box Derby, $940

Congratulations to all of these important events who help bring visitors to the city and enrich the quality of life for residents!

Make your plans now for Restaurant Week!

2010-01-05T10:22:00.006-05:00

Have you heard the news? Easton is having it's first Restaurant Week from January 24 - 28. Participating restaurants will offer fixed price, multi-course lunches and dinners on those days. Reservations are recommended. Lunches will be $8 and dinners will be $30.

The new promotion is being coordinated by The Express-Times and Nassau Broadcasting/99.9 The Hawk. Participants can also register to win a gift certificate to their favorite participating restaurant and tickets to a show at The State Theatre.

So plan to bring your spouse, family, and friends for a meal in Easton. Participating restaurants include:

Sette Luna*
Colonial Pizza & Pub*
Ocean*
Mex Tex Trio*
River Grille*
The Standard Restaurant*
Phoenicia Middle Eastern Cuisine*
Mangia Italian Restaurant
Vintage
Widows Tavern & Grille

*Denotes a downtown Easton restaurant.

And if you're dining in downtown Easton, don't forget to check out the great shops, galleries and boutiques too!

Have you heard about Easton's upcoming Snow Day?

2010-01-04T07:50:00.008-05:00

Get ready for a SNOW DAY in downtown Easton! And we're not talking about the weather either!

Easton Main Street Initiative is mounting a community-wide campaign to cut 10,000 paper snowflakes and paint the town white! The goal is to fill all the windows of Northampton and Third Streets (both occupied and vacant) with these symbols of community spirit by January 22. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to join the fun and help us promote Easton during the winter season.

Hand cut snowflakes of all shapes and sizes will showcase our wonderful businesses AND highlight the available properties awaiting potential businesses. The best part about the program is that the entire community is getting involved and working together to help build our downtown. Schools and community groups have already started cutting their snowflakes! Mayor Panto has instructed the City Public Services department to keep the holiday snowflake lights in place through January and he will declare Friday, January 22 a "Snow Day in Easton!"

There are three snowflake drop-off stations:

Mercantile Home
526 Northampton Street
610-258-4046

Just Around the Corner
5A North Bank Street
610-258-9850

Easton Main Street Initiative
35 S. Third Street
610-330-9940

Help us spread the word with your friends, family members, and neighbors through Facebook and Twitter and any other way you can imagine. The more people who are involved the better.
If you need patterns give us a call (610-330-9942) or you can download them here:
http://www.mercantilehome.com/snowflakes.html.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:00:00.003-05:00

We wanted to wish all of our friends, volunteers and supporters a very happy new year. We hope all of you will play an active part in downtown Easton's continued revitalization in 2010 by volunteering with our organization, attending an event, and/or patronizing a shop, boutique, gallery or restaurant.

And you can take it one step further when you help us spread the news about downtown Easton with your family, friends and co-workers. One by one we are changing misconceptions about the city and its downtown district, and educating folks about what Easton has to offer.

Each time you bring someone along with you to downtown Easton, you help us raise awareness for the city's great arts venues, tourist attractions, upscale restaurants and trendy shops.

And if each person that visits downtown and has a great experience were to tell just one friend about it, more area residents would be encouraged to check it out for themselves.

So please help us spread the word in 2010 about the great goings-on in downtown Easton. Thank you for your continued support!

Dates to save - downtown Easton events and more!

2009-12-31T10:00:00.004-05:00

Be sure to mark your calendars now for the following downtown Easton events coming up in the beginning of the new year.

Sunday, Jan. 3 - Easton Yoga Open House: Shirodhara demo and free yoga class. Shirodhara is an ancient Indian practice that is luxurious and nurturing for the mind body and spirit. Shirodhara demo/lecture begins at noon and a free gentle yoga class follows from 1 -2 p.m. All who attend the demo will be given a $10 coupon towards a shirodhara treatment.
Friday, Jan. 15 - Dancing on the Thirds. Featuring a lesson in Cha Cha with expert instruction by Con Gallagher. 8 - 11 p.m. at Third Street Alliance, 41 N. Third Street. Admission - $10. Single, couples and students welcome.
Sunday, Jan. 24 - Thursday Jan. 28 - Easton Restaurant Week. A five-day celebration of Easton area culinary excellence. Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course lunch and/or dinner for one fixed price!
Saturday, Jan. 30 - 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Soiree. At the Bank Street Annex. A sinfully delicious evening of everything chocolate! Tickets go on sale Monday, January 4. Check our web site for ticket locations. $20 in advance - $25 at the door.
Sunday, Feb. 7 - 15th Annual Pearly Baker's Chili Cook-off. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. $5 donation to taste award-winning chili; tasting from noon -4 p.m. Donations will benefit Safe Harbor, this year's charity recipient.

Have you signed up for our free bi-monthly e-newsletter yet?

2009-12-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Our free bi-monthly downtown Easton e-newsletter is something you've just gotta get!

We put a lot of energy and time into writing each issue in the hopes that folks like you will not only learn about the great things going on downtown, but that you'll find a new place to shop or dine, or an upcoming event to attend.

So if you're not already subscribed to it, we encourage you to sign up today. And don't be shy - if you have a friend or family member that you think might be interested in our e-newsletter, then please share the link below with them too. The more subscribers, the merrier!

http://www.eastonmainstreet.org/index.php?option=com_forme&Itemid=31

It's fast and easy to sign up, and we won't share or sell your information. Promise!

Which downtown Easton shop/boutique is your favorite?

2009-12-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

So far we've asked you to name your favorite downtown Easton restaurant and salon/spa. This time we're asking you which is your favorite shop/store/boutique.

There are so many great contenders: Just Around the Corner; Connexions; Partyology; Nature's Way, Antiques on the Square... the list goes on and on. And new ones like Christine's Secret Garden just make the competition more challenging.

Sure it's easy to play it safe and say that you like them all but for different reasons. But we want you to pick a favorite.

Which one stands out above the rest and why? Is it the cool stuff you can find there for gifts or for yourself? Maybe it's the great customer service. Or maybe it's their flexibility in honoring your special requests.

Tell us what you think.

Bring your business or office to downtown Easton!

2009-12-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Easton Main Street Initiative isn't just about the arts, events and restaurants in downtown Easton. We're also about bringing businesses, offices and companies to town. Our city thrives on the small-to-medium-size businesses that make our country strong.

We're in touch with local Realtors who have clients with spaces available for purchase or rent. Whether you're looking for a spot with great streetfront visibility, or an office suite in a corporate building, we can help you out. Consider bringing your agency, law office, dental practice, chocolate shop or boutique to downtown Easton.

Do you know someone who is looking for new office space or is planning to open a business but hasn't picked a location yet? Then please put them in touch with us so we can sit down with them to review downtown Easton's many opportunities.

And if you're already an established business owner and are looking to open an additional location of your business, Easton is a great place to expand to, with loyal customers and supportive residents that are passionate about our downtown.

The Piano Loft Announces 2010 Living Room Concert Series

2009-12-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

Jim and Genevieve Luce, owners of The Piano Loft in downtown Easton, have announced their
schedule of Living Room Concerts for the first half of 2010.

January 9 - Edsel Gomez
January 31 - Cyrus Chestnut
February 13 - Vassily Primakov
March 13 - Clarice Assad Brazilian Dreams
April 10 - Emilio Solla Soul of the Tango
May 8 - Gerald Clayton

Located at 400 Spring Garden Street, The Piano Loft is an intimate setting in which to see a live piano concert.

Call 484-560-6305 for more information.

Save the Date - The 2010 Pearly Baker's Chili Cook-off

2009-12-26T10:00:00.002-05:00

Save the date for Pearly Baker's 15th annual Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 7, 2010.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A $5 donation gets you in to taste award-winning chili from noon -4 p.m. It's packed every year so we suggest you arrive early. Donations will benefit Safe Harbor, this year's charity recipient.

And don't forget to sign up for your Pearl Card when you're there to start earning points toward free desserts, cocktails and more.

Hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas from Easton Main Street Initiative!

2009-12-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

We wanted to take this opportunity wish all of our friends, supporters and volunteers a Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year.

Your continued support of our non-profit organization and downtown Easton's ongoing revitalization is very much appreciated. We hope that you see the great things happening downtown and, like us, want it to continue. Our small organization is proof positive of what a group of concerned and dedicated volunteers from the community can do to improve the city in which they live and work.

New businesses, restaurants, attractions, and shops combined with family-friendly events throughout the year give people across the Lehigh Valley, and New Jersey too, a reason to visit downtown Easton not just once, but multiple times throughout the year.

So thank you again for your support! Here's to continued success in 2010!

Make your New Year's Eve/Day plans in downtown Easton!

2009-12-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas isn't even over yet and already we're making our New Year's Even plans and hope you are too.

Here are just a few of the fun happenings going on in downtown Easton on Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1:

New Year's Eve Party at the Crayola Factory

Visit The Crayola FACTORY and enjoy a fun New Year's Eve celebration geared just for kids! Enjoy noisemakers, party hats and snacks throughout the day to welcome in the New Year. For more information call 610-515-8000 or go to www.CrayolaFactory.com

New Year's Eve at Sette Luna

Enjoy an outstanding New Year's Eve pre-fixe menu perfect for ringing in the new year. Live music with the Doug Hawk Proposition from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
219 Ferry Street 610.253.8888. www.SetteLuna.com

Celebrate New Year's Day at Mex-Tex Trio

2nd Annual Brunch Buffet from noon to 3 p.m. It's all you can eat for just $9.99 per person.
42 S. Third Street, 610.253.2235. Please RSVP. www.MexTexTrio.com

What's your favorite thing about the holidays in downtown Easton?

2009-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

The 2009 holiday season will soon be a memory. But before it is, and while your memory is still fresh, tell us what you enjoyed most about downtown Easton this holiday season.

Was it the horse-drawn carriage ride you took with your special someone on a Friday night? Or maybe dining out with friends at one of the downtown's trendy restaurants?

Did you find the perfect present in one of our shops or galleries? How about the festive holiday music and decorations in Centre Square?

Or did you attend the Peace Candle Lighting with your family for the first time and found yourself pleasantly surprised at how much fun you had despite the cold weather?

We want to hear your feedback on what brought you to downtown Easton in November and December and what will keep you coming back. So please take a moment to share your thoughts and comments with us.

Thanks!

Need some last minute Christmas gift ideas? Think the shops of downtown Easton!

2009-12-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

Here are just a few last minute downtown Easton shopping ideas for the holiday season:

Holiday Sale at National Canal Museum Store - 22% Off Storewide!

Assuming it was part of Two Rivers Landing, many Eastonians have never ventured into this fun store located right in Centre Square! The fact is they have a great selection of children's toys, plush, puppets and educational activities and games.

You'll also find some great Christmas ornaments as well as books, jewelry and a bit of home decor. Stop by now and save at one of downtown's best kept secrets!

30 Centre Square 610-559-6613
www.canals.org

Bank on Baby Gift Clouds!

Teach your kids or grand kids to "save their pennies" with these adorable banks available at Baby Gift Clouds. Choose from traditional "piggy banks" to cows, ponies, airplanes, firetrucks and more! Giving money or a bond this year? Make it more festive by giving it in one these colorful banks.

Remember... Baby Gift Clouds isn't just for babies. They have a wonderful assortment of Gund Plush, handmade rag dolls and so much more.

Baby Gift Clouds
403 Northampton Street
610-253-1998

Fuzzy Scarves and Funky Jewels at Connexions Gallery

Connexions features a fabulous array of fun and stylish hand knit scarves and hats by local artist Nancy Bossert. And be sure to check out the adorable hand knit Christmas ornaments and teddy bears too!

If it's jewelry you seek... you won't be disappointed; eclectic beads, glass, crystals, mosaic jewelry and more await you.

Connexions
213 Northampton Street
610-250-7627

Festive Finds at Bloomie's Flower Shop

At Bloomies, aside from holiday staples like poinsettia, Christmas cactus and amaryllis you'll find special little plants like the "Frosty Fern," nestled in a sparkly pot and ready for gift giving. Bloomie's also has freshly made "Kissing Balls," and exquisite miniature boxwood Christmas trees that are pre-lit and strung with glimmering gold beads.

Terri puts so much time and care into everything she creates and the quality is unsurpassed. Be sure to check out the charming twig wreaths too!

Bloomies Flower Shop
21 N.Second Street
610-258-6331

Terra Cafe Brews up the perfect blend of Art and Java

Terra Cafe, (formerly home to the Easton Coffee Exchange) features One Village coffee (brewed and whole beans by the bag), gourmet teas and decadent desserts. The shop is decorated with dynamic collection of vibrant Colombian art. Terra will soon be offering a light lunch menu. Stop by for dessert and coffee after a show at the State Theatre... and yes they will be open on all show nights!

For a Christmas gift idea, pick up a couple of bags of Terra Cafe's specialty crafted One Village Coffees and arrange them in one their hand-painted Colombian tile planters.

Terra Cafe
321 Northampton Street

World's Biggest Homemade Caramel & Chocolate Apples at The Quadrant

Made with fresh, Honeycrisp apples and coated with your choice of decadent "add-ons" like nuts, cookies, M&Ms and more! A great gift for co-workers, teachers, mail carriers or anyone on your holiday list!

Quadrant BookMart & Coffee House
20 N. Third Street
610-252-1188

Main Street Honors its Volunteers at Annual Holiday Dinner

2009-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday night more than 50 Main Street volunteers were honored at the annual Main Street volunteer party. Mex-Tex Trio hosted the party which was generously sponsored by Moonstone Environmental.

Volunteers were recognized for all their hard work and thanked for helping to make the Easton Main Street Initiative the #1 program in the State of Pennsylvania for 2009.

Thank you to all the wonderful people who share their time, talents and energy to build a better downtown Easton.

May the Spirit of Christmas shine upon you all!

Live music tonight in downtown Easton

2009-12-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Head out in the snow this evening to see live music at two downtown Easton venues - Sette Luna and Noble Art Pianos.

Steve Brosky & Jimmy Meyer - Live in the Moon Room

Sette Luna
219 Ferry Street
610-253-8888
SetteLuna.com

PLUS
Jazz Brunch Every Sunday from Noon-3 p.m.
Jimmy Meyer Live

Emily Orenstein & Reese Revak
at Noble Art Pianos
226 Bushkill Street

Violinist Emily Orenstein and pianist Reese Revak will feature pieces by Beethoven, Brahms, and Warshauer. Ms. Orenstein is currently in graduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and Mr. Revak is a student of Lambert Orkis at Temple.

www.NobleArtPianos.com

Community Caroling Event Saturday in Centre Square

2009-12-18T12:52:00.001-05:00

Easton's "No-Name" Community Group and the College Hill Neighborhood Association will host a citywide caroling event in Centre Square on Saturday, December 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Gather round the Peace Candle as the community comes together as one voice and enlivens the Square with the joyful sounds of the season.

Church groups, community organizations, scout groups... EVERYONE is invited to participate. Thanks to the Centre Square PA System, caroling will be heard throughout the downtown!

Join us!

Last chance for a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Easton

2009-12-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

This Friday 12/18 is your last chance to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Easton this holiday season. Rides are 15 minutes long and cost $10 per person. Or get the entire carriage to yourself for $40. Carriages hold 4-6 people depending on age and size.

Carriages depart from Centre Square in front of Valenca restaurant from 5 – 9 p.m. Carolers will also help set a festive mood downtown during the evening.

Tickets can be purchased at Partyology, 230 Northampton Street. To ensure a ride this season, buy your tickets in advance.

Make it a night out by arriving early and having dinner at one of the great downtown restaurants before heading out on your carriage ride. It's a great way to see the city all dressed up for the holidays!

Last Dancing on the Thirds for 2009 is this Friday!

2009-12-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

This Friday, December 18 is your last chance to learn a new dance move or two before 2009 comes to a close.

"Dancing on the Thirds," Easton Main Street's monthly ballroom dancing event held in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, will feature a Holiday Dance Party theme. This month's lesson is in "Night Club Two Step" and is by instructor Con Gallagher.

Held at the Third Street Alliance, 41 N. Third Street in downtown Easton, the evening starts at 8 p.m. with one-hour of instruction followed by open dancing with a DJ from 9 - 11 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person. Couples and students welcome. Call 610-330-9942 for more information.

What's your favorite downtown Easton salon/spa?

2009-12-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

Last week we asked the readers of our blog, our followers on Twitter, and our friends on Facebook to weigh in with their votes for their favorite downtown restaurants. The feedback was impressive with many of you telling us it was next to impossible to pick just one.

So we're going to try it again this week with a different question.

Downtown Easton is very fortunate to have a bounty of salons and spas. We're told that our downtown has more salons per capita than our neighboring cities of Allentown and Bethlehem.

So we were wondering which one is your favorite and why. Post a comment here and share with us your opinion.

Thanks! We appreciate it.

Love a local business? Then nominate it!

2009-12-14T10:00:00.004-05:00

Why do you love your favorite Downtown Easton shop, restaurant, hair salon, or other business? Is it the unique selection of merchandise, the owner you like to chat with, or the personal attention you always receive? Let the world know by adding those special businesses to Intuit’s “Love a Local Business” database!

The database features a searchable map of loved local businesses across the country as well as space to add a business. Adding a business takes less than five minutes, and provides you a chance to comment on why you love that business.

Plus, Intuit randomly selects five businesses each month to receive $1,000 small business grants. A business’ chance of winning increases with each nomination it receives. Intuit will additionally award a grand prize of a $5,000 small business grant to the one business nationwide whose comments are judged to reflect the most love!

This is a great opportunity to put Downtown Easton on the map – and provide your favorite business with some support as well! Please vote today!

The Second Annual Art for Change Fundraiser at Mercantile Home

2009-12-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Art for Change is a show and sale of original, 5x7 inch artworks on paper by artists of all levels, from emerging to established.

All pieces are priced at $35. The entire sale price benefits a non-profit organization facilitating positive change within our community.

This year's proceeds will benefit SAFE HARBOR.

Gift the gift of art to someone special in your life this holiday season.

Mercantile Home
526 Northampton Street
610-258-4046
www.mercantilehome.com

Theatre Vue Antiques is on the move!

2009-12-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Phyllis and Larry O' Donnell are moving their store Theatre Vue Antiques on a new storefront in downtown Easton.

And that means the entire contents of the current store is now on SALE! Vintage clothing, antique jewelry, funky 50s stuff, furniture, Flow Blue Glass and more is all on sale.

So if you're looking for that unique or funky gift for that special someone this holiday season , stop in now while the selection is at its best!

And be sure to look for "Diamond Phyl" in her new location in Lehn's Court in Spring 2010.

Theatre Vue Antiques
466 Northampton Street
610-252-7500

Partyology celebrates grand opening of its new JCPenney Catalog Service Center

2009-12-11T10:00:00.006-05:00

Going to be in downtown Easton this afternoon? Then join us for the official grand opening of the new JCPenney Catalog Service Center inside Partyology on Northampton Street.

There will be a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. followed by refreshments from downtown Easton shops and restaurants. Partyology will be accepting donations for the Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree and there will even be visits with Santa and free balloons for kids.

Partyology will also be registering customers for a weekly giveaway of a $100 JCPenney gift card between Dec. 11 and Jan. 2, 2010.

The new JCPenney Catalog Service Center provides added convenience for downtown residents, business owners and workers who can make purchases online or by phone and pick them up at Partyology when they arrive.

They can also make payments on a JCPenney Card, purchase gift cards, handle returns and exchanges, and pick up catalogs. Customers also save on shipping when they select delivery to Partyology’s JCPenney Catalog Desk (#7146-4).

Started in 2006, Partyology is a family-owned business selling party supplies, costumes, novelties, games, signs and banners, custom imprinting, gifts, and much more.

Downtown Easton Holiday Open House is this weekend!

2009-12-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

How far have you gotten down your Christmas shopping list so far? If you still have many more people to shop for, then this weekend is your chance to explore the many shops, galleries and restaurants of downtown Easton during the annual Holiday Open House.

Holiday Open House events will take place at 8 local shops on Saturday and Sunday December 12 & 13. Visit all of them for an opportunity to enter a drawing for a fabulous holiday gift basket featuring unique items from each business.

Participating shops include:
· Bloomies Flower Shop, 21 N. Second Street
· Carmelcorn Shop, 62 Centre Square
· Christine’s Secret Garden, 249 Northampton Street
· DC Dancewear 423 Northampton Street
· Easton Clayworks, 7 N. Bank Street
· Partyology, 230 Northampton Street
· The Strand Salon & Boutique 433 Northampton Street
· The Quadrant Book Mart & Coffee House, 20 N. Third Street

Small business owners welcome you for the holidays with a variety of special treats and savings. Each shop will have a unique event so don’t miss out!

Get more details on Facebook - Holiday Open House in Downtown Easton. Or call 610-252-1188 for details. So support local people when you Buy Local this holiday season.

And remember, there's free parking at all meters in downtown Easton until 12/26!

A well-deserved honor for one Easton's biggest supporters

2009-12-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

Curt Ehly, affectionately known as "Curt Around Town," was awarded the Gretchen Wrenshall Community Caring Award at the recent Peace Candle Lighting ceremony in Centre Square.

This annual award honors individuals who have exhibited unwavering commitment to the people of the Easton community and who have, by virtue of their actions, illuminated the true spirit of community caring. Curt demonstrates all these attributes and has given a part of himself to each and every neighborhood in Easton, selflessly dedicating hundreds of hours of volunteer service.

Most people probably recognize him as the "man behind the mic" at the Easton Farmers' Market, but he's so much more than that. Curt actually helped set-up and take down the Farmers' Market every single Saturday last season, from May thru October!

His volunteer activities extend far beyond the market and include serving on the Easton Main Street Initiative Promotions Committee, West Ward Neighborhood Partnership Steering Committee, Easton Business Association, College Hill Neighborhood Association, the Easton branch of the NAACP, The "No-Name" Community Group and College Hill Presbyterian Church.

Curt also actively promotes the local music and jazz scene and has helped many a budding musician find their way into the Easton limelight.

Congratulations Curt! All of your friends at Easton Main Street are so happy for you and appreciative of your continued support.

New businesses arrive just in time for the holidays with more on the way

2009-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Great things continue to happen in Downtown Easton with small business owners investing in the city by opening their shops, salons and markets here. We're proud and excited to welcome the following new businesses and wish them every success for the future:

Christine's Secret Garden, 249 Northampton Street

Christine's Secret Garden specializes in loose and bagged tea and offers other gourmet delights like Tallaricos Chocolates and Rabbit Creek bread, soup & dip mixes. This cozy little shop is also chock full of fantastic gifts including tea accessories, candles, handcrafted soaps, textiles and more. Stop in soon!

King's Farmers' Market, 132 S. Third Street

If you're looking for fresh produce, baked goods, meats and groceries in downtown Easton, look no further! Check out King's Farmers' Market. The store is busily stocking their shelves and preparing for the holiday rush.

Terra Cafe, 321 Northampton Street

Speaking of rushing... the new, Terra Cafe offers a relaxing respite from the holiday hustle and bustle. Sit back and let owners Manuel and Marcel pamper you with a hot latte or other gourmet coffee beverage.

Philosophie Hair Studio, 312A Spring Garden Street

If it's a new holiday "do" that you're seeking stop by downtown's newest Salon, Philosophie and experience premier New York Style Dry Cuts and a great color bar. 610-829-1020.

And on December 11, look for the grand opening of Phoenicia Fine Middle Eastern Cuisine at 154 Northampton Street. Downtown's newest restaurant will specialize in vegetarian dishes and offer fresh baked pitas, pies and Lebanese sweets as well as gourmet gift baskets and holiday party trays! www.phoeniciaonline.com 610.849.1749

Coming in 2010 are Intrinsic Foods at 34 N. Second Street and the Third & Ferry Oyster House at 44 S. Third Street.

Please join us in welcoming these new businesses to town by visiting them this holiday season.

Just Around the Corner Celebrates Three Years in Downtown Easton!

2009-12-07T07:49:00.006-05:00

Shop owner, Diane Bower is proud to announce the three year anniversary of Just Around the Corner!

Tucked away off of Northampton Street on the Bank Street pedestrian alley, JATC has been providing downtown shoppers with unique decor and personal items for their homes, artistic jewelry and memorable gifts to give to the ones they love. The store also features an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions from local artists.

Ladies... be sure to list your heart's desire on Just Around the Corner's Holiday Gift Registry for the upcoming "Guys' Night" on December 16, featuring free gift wrapping and Victory Beer for MEN ONLY!

Just Around the Corner
5A N. Bank Street
610-258-9850

Holiday Hours: Monday thru Thursday - 10 am - 5 pm, Friday - 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday - 10 am - 5 pm and Sundays - Noon - 5 pm!

So you think you know Easton Main Street...

2009-12-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

So you think you know us, but do you really? Sure you've heard about our organization and might even know we're a small non-profit group, but do you know what we do? Here's a quick overview:

The non-profit Easton Main Street Initiative’s mission is to maintain economic stability in downtown Easton. Its many successful programs and initiatives are created by its four volunteer-lead committees: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. Established in 1980, The National Main Street Center program is coordinated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center within the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Main Street District

The Easton Main Street Initiative covers a 20 square block area bound by the Delaware River on the east, the Lehigh River to the south, the Bushkill Creek to the north and Sixth Street to the west (see map above).

The Four Points

Organization involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program. Chaired by Suzanne Walsh-Rheiner. Meets: 8:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month
Promotion sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street district. Broken into two sub-committees: Events Committee: meets at 5:45 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. A Chair is currently needed for this committee. Marketing Committee: meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Chaired by: Tracey Werner.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape, while capitalizing on its best assets. Chaired by Diane Bower. Meets at 8:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
Economic Restructuring strengthens a community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base. Chaired by Peter Brohl. Meets at 8:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

The Main Street Approach

The National Trust Main Street Center offers a comprehensive commercial district revitalization strategy that has been widely successful in towns and cities nationwide. Described below are the four points of the Main Street approach which work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort.

Which downtown Easton restaurant is your favorite and why?

2009-12-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week we started an informal poll on our Facebook page asking our friends which the downtown Easton restaurant was their favorite and why. The response so far has been great! Here are some highlights:

Nicole Rissmiller

ocean... they have amazing appetizers !

Joanne Moranville

Antonio's...Chicken Risotto and Mussels, Yum

Simon Boutros Koorie

Josie's Deli, amazing hoagies

Alicia Rambo Wozniak

Boulder soup at Pearly Bakers- winner for these cold rainy days!

Anne Lauritzen

Sette Luna for me. Best pizza and pasta bolognese.

Ingelise Brown

Great brunches at the Quadrant

Tim Hare

We had a wonderful 33rd anniversary dinner at Valencia and a great retirement dinner at Sette Luna. Lots of great times at Pearly's and Porters Pub. Superb Sunday brunches at the Quadrant. Bagels and coffee at Green Harvest weekdays. River Grille has been awesome. Colonial Pizza lasagna is the best. My New Place Pizza is great for take out. A favorite? Couldn't possibly choose just one!!

So which downtown Easton restaurant is YOUR favorite and why? We're interested in knowing your opinion.