Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The City of Bradford’s Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) is pleased to announce the hiring of Chelsea Kahle as the Main Street Manager. Ms. Kahle is Bradford native and a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Community and Economic Development with a specialization in Historic Architecture Preservation and Restoration. Sara Andrews, OECD Executive Director, commented “The OECD is pleased to have Chelsea come on board as the new Main Street Manager. Chelsea’s education and enthusiasm for historic preservation and community development will be an asset as we continue to focus on the growth and revitalization of our historic downtown core." Chelsea will be starting in her new position on June 1, 2015 and will be working closely with the former Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan, the staff of the OECD and other partner organizations such as the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corporation, the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Do...

The Main Street Cleanup day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Registration will be held at Veterans’ Square. Volunteers, either individually or in groups, are needed to help with the event which is being held to coincide with the state wide “Let’s Pick It Up, Pa” clean up days.” “This has been a long winter and there is much work to be done,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. She added that, “This event is a great opportunity for community groups to come together and help us take pride in our downtown historic district. Two groups, the Bradford Youth Hockey League and Studio B Dance Studio have already signed up, which is wonderful!” Once registered, volunteers will be assigned to groups. Gloves, trash bags and refreshments will be provided. “Whether someone can be here for the whole time, or just an hour, their help will really be appreciated,” added Dolan. Clean up activities scheduled throughout the day include hosing down Main Street side...

As part of their ongoing downtown improvement efforts, the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Program are working on the next phase of rehabilitating Veteran’s Square, with plans to purchase and install eight steel eight-foot park benches. The benches are being made my Swanson’s Fabrication of Bradford, a local company specializing in structural steel and aluminum, including custom design and engineering. “It was important to us to use a local manufacturer for this project,” said Anita Dolan, Main Street Manager, “and Swanson’s Fabrication has an excellent reputation for working with their customers to achieve high quality, professional results.” Each bench will have a bronze plaque signifying who donated the bench. Wright Monumental Works, also of Bradford, will be creating the plaques. “This is a hometown effort with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street program working together with local companies to achieve a positive visual impact in...

Santa will make several appearances this holiday season in historic downtown Bradford. Santa (from the Arcade & Attica North Pole Express) is scheduled to appear on Thursday, December 4 and Thursday, December 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Wright’s Music Shed, 80 Main Street, Bradford. Photography will be done by Shawn Murray Photography and coffees and hot chocolate will be provided by Creative Coffee. On Saturday, December 13 during downtown Bradford’s Old Fashioned Christmas, Santa will attend a Holiday Brunch from 9 a.m. to Noon at The Aud Restaurant located at 30 Boylston Street. Santa will then appear at Whimsical Studio at 119 Main Street from 1-4 p.m. Santa and a cast of holiday characters will appear at Bradford Little Theatre’s ‘Story Land’ event that will be held at their location at 79 Main Street from Noon -3 p.m. A final appearance by Santa will be held on Thursday, December 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Wright’s Music Shed. Photography will again be done by Shawn Murray Photograp...

The City of Bradford’s Downtown Historic District will put out their welcome mats on Saturday and recognize the national ‘shop small’ movement by celebrating ‘Shop Small Business Saturday’ on Saturday, November 29th. “This initiative began several years ago,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan, “and we have always promoted the ‘shop local’ theme for the holiday season”. The holiday season is the time of year when many retail businesses bring in the bulk of their revenue for the year. “This is the first time that downtown Bradford has dedicated a specific day to shopping locally,” added Dolan. Many of Bradford’s downtown merchants will host in-store specials, sales and refreshments. Dolan said “We have had several new businesses open within the past year. There really is something for everyone!” Participating businesses include the Main Street Mercantile, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Graham Florist, Main Street Antiques, Man’s World, Orris Jewelers, Timeless Treasures, Little Fab...

The improvements to Downtown Bradford keep on coming, and plans are in the works to step up the fight against blight in residential areas as well. City Council on Tuesday authorized loans to Rookies to building a deck and pave two parking lots; Shelley Wright to fix the roof on 80-82 Main Street (Wright’s Music Shed); and The Aud to buy the Boylston Street building the restaurant currently occupies. Even City Hall is getting a face lift. Council approved a payment to Shembeda Floor Covering to install carpeting on the front steps of the building and Room 103. They also awarded a bid to Hennard Construction for renovations to the third floor, including city council chambers. While the focus in recent months has been the revitalization and restoration Fifth Ward resident Pat Girard told council she believes the city is ignoring neighborhoods. She said she thinks code enforcement should be working to make sure the outsides of properties are maintained better, and that landlords are li...

The final “Lunch in the Square” of the season will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at Veterans’ Square from 11:30 until 1 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local favorite band “Clean Slate”. Participating restaurants include, The Aud Restaurant, Chu Lee Gardens, John Williams European Pastry Shop, Montes, Kabob’s at the Option, Gabriel’s Bistro, Dairy Queen and Dawg Gone It. Items available will include a salad bar (with homemade dressings), chicken curry, chicken souvlaki, croissant sandwiches, Chinese, beef on weck, meatballs, hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. “This event is always a summer favorite for our community and this is the final one,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “Area restaurants have been very supportive of this program. It is a nice way for restaurants to reach new customers and attendees can enjoy the break in the work week, sample some great food, and enjoy the entertainment!” Dolan added. Additionally, WESB/WB...

The gazebo in Veterans Square was re-dedicated this afternoon after being repainted and refurbished to look more like the original gazebo that was in the town square more than 135 years ago. Chamber of Commerce Director Ron Orris spearheaded the project, and Mayor Tom Riel congratulated Orris on yet another job well done. He added that a lot of people could learn from Orris, a shining example of someone who is dedicated to Bradford. In his remarks, Orris said he wanted to make sure the gazebo was finished for the upcoming Kinzua Walleye Weekend. Later, he decided the days prior to the Fourth of July would be fitting to re-dedicate a structure in a park dedicated to veterans. After the brief ceremony Orris told WESB that the red-white-and-blue bunting on the gazebo was hand-stitched by workers at Quinn Flags in Hanover, Pa. Pictured, Main Street Manager Anita Dolan, Ron Orris, Tom Riel WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A public meeting to discuss the recently conducted survey to update the inventory of historic properties in the National Register list of the city’s historic district buildings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall. Business and building owners within downtown Bradford’s historic district are encouraged to attend. Staff from Preservation Pennsylvania, who surveyed the inventory of buildings within the historic district, will present a slide show that demonstrates how the story of Bradford is reflected in the built environment. The meeting will be an opportunity to learn about the Bradford community and share any concerns that you may have related to buildings or properties within the historic district or regarding historic properties within the City of Bradford. Additionally, on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Erin Hammerstedt from Preservation Pennsylvania will be available by appointment (at no cost) to meet with individual business and build...

The 13th annual Bradford Area Town Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 31, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Bradford area. Registration forms are available at the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, 51 Main Street, Bradford, and the Main Street Outlet, 90 Main Street, Bradford. Individuals or organizations can register. There is a fee to participate. The deadline to register is Wednesday, May 14. Participants will receive a yard sale sign and their location will be included in the Bradford Area Town Wide Garage Sale map which will be distributed the week prior to the event. All registrants will be responsible for their own set up at their location, as well as the placement and removal of yard signs. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. For more information contact the Main Street Manager’s office. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Main Street Mercantile is set to open today at its new location at 45 Main Street in downtown Bradford, and Santa Claus will visit the store following the Cruisin' Into Christmas parade on Friday. The Mercantile was recently acquired by local developer, Todd Hennard, and is operated as a small business incubator program. Incubator programs help businesses grow and develop without business owners taking on the full responsibility of a small business operation. The Mercantile currently houses more that 60 individual businesses that offer such items as antiques, artwork, photography, home décor, primitive décor, old fashioned candy, jewelry, floral arrangements and candles. Additionally a book store is set to be opened soon on the second floor of the building. As part of the Cruisin’ Into Christmas parade on Friday, November 18, Santa Claus will make a special visit to the Mercantile, which will be open until 7 p.m. The Mercantile began more than six years ago. It was initiated ...

Shop locally and start your holiday shopping early with the Country Roads Holiday Tour. The tour takes place in and around the Bradford, Pa., area on Saturday, November 5th. Maps are available at these participating businesses: Main Street Mercantile, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, The Aud Restaurant and Espresso Bar, Grandma’s House Tea and Gifts, Paper to Pages, Kelly’s Main Street Restaurant, Orris Jewelers, Timeless Treasures, Little Fabric Garden and Singer’s Country Store. Special sales, demonstrations and tasty treats will be available. This event is made possible through Bradford’s Main Street Program and the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. 100.1 The Hero will be broadcasting live from the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe on November 5.

Food and craft vendors are needed to participate in the annual Autumn Daze event which is scheduled to be held in Bradford’s Historic Main Street area on Sunday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food and craft vendors will be a part of many activities planned throughout the day. The Street Dreams Car Show, sponsored by the Street Dreams Car Club and American Refining Group, will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Main Street. Approximately 300 cars are expected for the event. There will also be music and live entertainment. For more information contact Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan.

The Downtown Bradford Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday, August 6 from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Old City Hall parking lot located on Boylston Street in Bradford. The Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday through mid-October. A variety of produce vendors will be in attendance. Items this week include Certified Naturally Grown fresh produce from Canticle Farms in Allegany, NY, fresh produce and blueberries from Blueberry Hill Farms and Stayer’s greenhouse, baked goods, canned goods, honey, and honey products. Produce items will include lettuces, radishes, carrots, scallions, mini onions, peppers, cucumbers, plums, peaches, corn, squash/zucchini, swiss chard, tomatoes, rye flour, corn flour and more. Other vendors include Herbalife Distributors.New vendors are welcome. Vendor set up will be from 7 – 7:45 a.m. Reservations are not required. For more information contact the Main Street Manager at 598-3865.

The Bradford Main Street program has been designated an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Each year, the National Trust and its coordinating program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street programs that have built strong revitalization organizations that have demonstrated their ability to follow the Main Street methodology. “We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center, “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the recession head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive, revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.” The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center in Harrisburg, which works in partners...

The next “Lunch in the Square” event will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at Veterans’ Square, Downtown Bradford from 11:30 until 1:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local favorites “Take 3”. Participating restaurants include Chu Lee Gardens, Dari Hut, John Williams European Pastry Shop, The New Broaster, Dairy Queen, Tortugas Restaurant and The Grocery Stretcher. The ‘Lunch in the Square’ program is sponsored by The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority, Bradford Rotary and Zippo Manufacturing.

The Downtown Bradford Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Old City Hall parking lot located on Boylston Street in Bradford. The Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday through mid-October. Items this week include locally grown fresh produce from Canticle Farms in Allegany, NY, vegetable plants, herbs, trees, shrubs, flowers, baked goods ( awesome pies! ), canned goods, honey, honey products. Other vendors include Herbalife Distributors. New vendors are welcome. Vendor set up will be from 7 – 7:45 a.m. Reservations are not required. For more information contact the Main Street Manager at 598-3865.

The deadline is fast approaching for businesses, individuals and organizations to financially support the purchase of hanging baskets for the downtown Main Street area. “As in previous years, we are looking for donations to purchase the baskets,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “People in the community are tremendously supportive of our events and programs, and this program is such a valuable asset to the appearance of Main Street.” Dolan added. A long time sponsor, the Betty Jane Monjar Garden Society is again willing to help financially with the event. “The Garden Society has always been very supportive and helpful with this program,” said Dolan. “They will match funds up to $1,000 and that will be a significant help to us in reaching our fundraising goals. Any donation amount will be appreciated.” The hanging baskets are part of a Main Street clean up and beautification effort planned throughout this spring. The Main Street clean up brought many volunteers to Main Stree...

The first “Lunch in the Square” of the season will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at Veterans’ Square from 11:30 until 1:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Bradford Area High School Disney Choir and vocal students. Participating restaurants include Chu Lee Gardens, Dari Hut, John Williams European Pastry Shop, The New Broaster, Tortugas Restaurant and The Grocery Stretcher. “We are really excited to kick off this new season.” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “Area restaurants have been very supportive of this program and it is a great opportunity for people to meet with friends, relax, enjoy great food and listen to great entertainment! This year, especially, I think people are ready to get outside and enjoy some nice weather,” Dolan added. The ‘Lunch in the Square’ program is sponsored by The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority.

The 9th annual Bradford Area Town Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 starting at 9 a.m. in the Bradford area. Registration forms are available at the Main Street Mercantile, 96 Main Street, Bradford and the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 121 Main Street. Individuals or organizations can register. There is a fee to participate. The deadline to register is Friday, May 13. Participants will receive a yard sale sign and their location will be included in the Bradford Area Town Wide Garage Sale map which will be distributed throughout the community the week prior to the event. All registrants will be responsible for their own set up at their location, as well as the placement and removal of yard signs. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. For more information contact the Main Street Manager’s office.