PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A festive layer of normalcy has returned to Old City, as a major neighborhood block party tradition came back Thursday evening after a two-year hiatus from the pandemic.
Restaurants packed people in for a few hours on Second Street between Market and Chestnut streets as the Old City Eats summer block party officially kicked off for the 2022 season.
“It’s so positive, so peaceful, the music, the enjoyment, the excitement is wonderful,” said Kiearra Jackson from North Philly. She said it was her first time at the event, and though she still sees COVID-19 as still a real threat, she said she feels safe outside.
“We are excited to come out for the holiday weekend,” said Michelle Walsh, who came from across the Delaware River in Audobon, New Jersey.
“Now that things are a little looser with the masking, we’re just happy to be here and have a nice time in the good weather.”
“Who doesn’t like to drink in the street?” Remi Fortunato from Haddonfield asked. “It’s fun. I’m glad that everything is maskless and back to normal as we can be.”
Old City District Marketing Manager Gabriella Sacidor said that’s why they decided that this year, it was time to party again.
“Certainly the pandemic is continuing, but it seems like a lot of those other programs are coming back city-wide,” said Sacidor. “We thought this time would be good to have our event.”
Old City restaurant and bar owners also said it’s an exciting time for them to welcome patrons and tourists after a tough couple of years in business.
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“We are local, women-owned, so it’s great to support each other,” said Kick Axe Philadelphia General Manager Charlee Costa. “Old City especially has a really good community feel.”
If you missed the kickoff, the restaurants, bars and ice cream shops from around Old City will continue to take part every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. through the end of August.
“We’re just so happy, even just right now,” Sacidor said, “to see people back out on the street.”
Click here for the full list of Old City Eats’ participating restaurants and bars.
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Although Philadelphia has rolled back it’s public mask mandate, the School District of Philadelphia reinstated universal masking on Monday.
Students and staff are required to mask up while in schools and on buses.
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