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Similar to the now-almost-two-decade-old First Fridays from the Main Line to Manayunk, the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District has developed its own burgeoning open store night to attract residents, shoppers and fun-seekers to the strip.
The fourth event from 6 to 9 p.m. March 13 will leave the doors open at more than two dozen places, all extending their hours for new and returning customers. But, if you happen to end up anywhere along the six-block stretch between Dickinson and McKean streets on the second Saturday of the upcoming months, there will be everything from complimentary food and beverage tastings to live performances, art shows and psychic readings to be had. And each of the 25 to 30 shops involved offers its own unique take.
“It’s a convenient, fun little stretch to hop along,” Renee Gilinger, the district’s executive director, said of the avenue.
What started out as a handful of merchants organizing their own activities soon became avenue-wide as the months progressed.
“The first, more formal event was held in December with about 30 stores becoming involved,” Gilinger said.
Some may start later or close earlier this weekend, Gilinger said, but one thing remains — almost all will offer snacks and beverages and many will offer scenes from the art world.
Luring outsiders and locals up and down the avenue to enjoy not only the restaurants and bars, but every aspect in between, was one of the main reasons behind the event.
Second Saturdays were the brainchild of Sweet Jane Vintage, 1742 E. Passyunk, owners Jen Zimmerman and Carly Franks along with B2 Café’s show organizer. Zimmerman started First Fridays when she established her shop a little more than two years ago, but it was this past summer Franks set out to gauge interest in a community-wide endeavor.
“We wanted to not just do another thing on the same night, but on a different night,” Zimmerman said of the move to Saturdays.
And so far, it’s been a hit.
Each month, Sweet Jane transforms into a gallery that features different mediums. After Baltimore native Pam Haner showcases her art Saturday, her paintings and drawings will adorn the walls of the clothing and record store for the next month.
“It’s our way to give back and support local merchandise and artists,” Zimmerman said of their participation in the event.
Since Sweet Jane held similar showcases over the past two years, they’ve cultivated a loyal following — one they hope will spill over to adjacent shops.
“We want to draw attention to this neighborhood,” she added.
With the area’s happening art scene, many have integrated the concept into their events, as well. Chett Farbstein’s “anonymous and random” travel shots will cover the walls of Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk, come Saturday.
Live performances will pump up the atmosphere and draw in crowds with Black N Brew being one of the main venues. Local singer/songwriter Alia Ady, who goes on tour next month, will strum her guitar starting at 5:30 p.m. A portion of her album sales during the showcase and her upcoming tour will be donated to Hurricane Katrina and Haiti relief efforts. Psychic and café regular Jimmy Bay also will be at Black N Brew from 4 to 8 p.m. for readings.
Owner Colleen DeCesare is confident the event will be a huge hit and the music seeping through the open door will attract attention.
“It’s slowly growing,” DeCesare said of Second Saturdays. “[Residents] like it because we are open a bit later.”
Also, in honor of Philly Beer Weekend March 12 to 13, Green Aisle Grocery, 1618 E. Passyunk, will feature Yards-infused Wild Flour Bakery’s beer bread, along with the sweet treat of Victory Storm King Beer growler cupcakes from Betty’s Tasty Buttons, 2200 Grays Ferry Ave. Green Aisle’s Second Saturday-Philly Beer Weekend combination wouldn’t be complete without brewed samples from area favorites such as Flying Fish and Sly Fox.
Whether its specialty food samples or live performances, one thing shop owners agree on is the event will be even bigger and better as the weather improves.
“Now, heading back into spring, we’re jazzed to make it a great event,” Gilinger said about implementing live, outdoor music in the future.
Having locals, young and old, venture out makes the shop owners feel what they’re attempting is worthwhile.
“It’s great. We are growing out of something that was already here,” Zimmerman said about the neighborhood.
Added DeCesare, “I wanted to become involved in [the event] because it’s important to give the neighborhood people another option — with a little variety.
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