Pedestrian mall and more: a busy summer planned for downtown Lock Haven

LOCK HAVEN, PA – It may only be mid-March, but the City of Lock Haven will be involved in multiple events in the downtown when better weather arrives and COVID-19 further subsides.

Multiple summertime events were reviewed, discussed and/or approved at Monday night’s city council meeting. Council heard a presentation from Downtown Manager Marie Vilello and Clinton County Commissioner/Downtown board president Angela Harding. City council gave its unanimous approval to downtown plans for the return of the summer pedestrian mall, this year on Fridays from 3 p.m. to Saturdays at 10 p.m., from May 7 through and including Sept. 25. It was noted the mall will be set up to coincide with other downtown activities, including the city’s longstanding summer concert series.

City council also okayed the use of E. Main Street on August 13 and 14 for the JAMS Festival. JAMS director Steve Getz said additional artists will be participating this year, all in the downtown. He said it is hoped to increase attendance limits at the concerts, depending on state regulations in effect at the time.

Council also gave its okay to the return of the Great Island Race Series, a triathlon event set for June 25, an event called off last year because of the pandemic. And approval was given for a tentative speed boat race for use of the Corman Amphitheater on June 12 and 13. The request came from the Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association. Per discussion Monday night, the staging would be a smaller version of the annual Lock Haven Area Jaycees Regatta on Labor Day week-end; the latter event again is in the offing over Labor Day after a hiatus due to the pandemic last year.

In a related action, council approved a request from Louie Anastos to close off Sarah’s Alley from E. Main Street to Jordans Alley beginning April 1, in order to offer additional dining outside at Stella A’s restaurant.