Jazz Festival, Boat Dock Proposed for Lock Haven

LOCK HAVEN — City council tonight offered its support for two new downtown projects, one for fans of jazz, the other for boaters; council responded favorably to the two presentations.

Steve Getz, president of the Clinton County Arts Council, provided details for the first-ever Lock Haven Jazz & Art Street Festival (“JAMS Festival”) scheduled for Aug. 19 and 20. He called it a “destination event” free and open to the public. Saturday, Aug. 20, will have a Main Street orientation, the street closed from Jay to Grove Streets. A main stage area will be on the front entrance of the Lock Haven Elks that Saturday afternoon; in addition there will be a band strolling on Main St. during the afternoon.

The event will also include a Saturday morning master class on the Lock Haven University campus in which high school and college students will receive instructions from professional jazz musicians. Saturday evening will see jazz groups performing at a variety of downtown restaurants, Getz said.

Council heard Information on a proposed boat dock for the city side of the Susquehanna River, to be located below the Veterans Bridge near the Corman Amphitheater. Details were presented by Louie Anastos, chairman from the Clinton County Economic Partnership tourism committee. As proposed, he said, the dock would be a 60-foot-in-length structure to run parallel to the levee walkway.

Anastos said the estimated cost is less than $25,000, funding to be provided by private donations and grants. Because the project is still in its preliminary stage, he said, it may not become a reality until next year. He said the City Flood Authority recently approved the dock concept. The dock would not be permanent, but seasonal, as is the city floating stage, removed over the winter and also during high water situations.