This year, the tradition is postponed for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic, but patrons can still enjoy a taste of what Media has to offer.
“Dining Under the Stars included live music, extra displays, tents, and we just can’t offer that this summer,” said David Sibley, board member of the Media Business Authority. “We had to completely postpone Dining Under the Stars due to the restrictions from Pennsylvania and the guidelines under ‘red,’ ‘yellow’ and ‘green.’ ”
Although the event cannot exist as it did before, they will have a small incarnation of it on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
“We wanted to give restaurants a chance to be able to set up some extra seating so people could have a meal, have a nice evening,” said Sibley. “State Street — our main thoroughfare in the borough of Media — is closed to traffic, so the restaurants can set up tables and chairs and give people a safe socially distant way to enjoy a sit-down meal.”
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Media Business Authority Executive Director Zubair Khan said the amended outdoor eating option has been — and will continue to be — a saving grace for restaurants, even in the “green” phase of the governor’s reopening plan.
“The restaurants and the retailers alike are close to 50% to 60% in the negative,” Khan noted.
So in addition to two dedicated nights a week for State Street dining, restaurants can now offer sidewalk dining throughout the rest of the week.
In the “green” phase, which the county will enter on Friday, restaurants can also expand indoor dining to 50% capacity.
Dining Under the Stars organizers say if you do want to enjoy an outdoor meal at one of those restaurants, they recommend you call ahead and make a reservation, to avoid long lines and crowds forming at the restaurants.