“Getting to the ‘other side’ of this has all been very difficult for everyone. But, it has also reminded us how important gatherings with friends and family are.”
Whispering Oaks Vineyard co-owners Tracey Bonney, left, and Jacki Cunningham, stand in the loft that looks down on the main dining area at their Sunbury winery.
TRACEY BONNEY WHISPERING OAKS VINEYARD
the pandemic. “Music was a huge part of our business and we took a big hit. You need more than just your product,” Salter said. Selinsgrove Borough Council helped the business by allowing open containers outdoors, so the owners set up two high-top tables with umbrellas on the sidewalk. “We're leaning toward normalcy,” said Salter who hopes beer festivals will be held this summer. Schrader is also optimistic about the upcoming season. While a majority of the 100 Rusty Rail employees were furloughed at the peak of the pandemic, business owners continued to pay benefits, and today they've put everyone back on the payroll and is hiring to replace workers that opted not to return as business picks up. With capacity still limited this spring at 75 percent, large charity events aren't
neyard
yet being scheduled, but Schrader said four weddings are scheduled this year and he expects to continue seeing a brisk business in outdoor seating and carry-out of alcohol and food. “If the vaccines continue to head off a spike or surge (in coronavirus cases) we expect to see our strongest year since 2018 and 2019,” he said. “In a time like this, we have to figure out a way to be innovative. I see opportunity.” Reichner said she looks forward to patrons “flooding this market.” She’s optimistic about the upcoming year and expects business at Iron Vines will increase as large gatherings are permitted. “We’re hoping 2021 is off the charts for weddings because of the business being crippled last year,” she said. To accommodate the expected larger crowds and encourage event planners to
use their space, Iron Vines is opening an additional 90 seats in the second story of the building on Raspberry Avenue at the end of May. Bonney also expects business will pick up in 2021 as weddings resume and Whispering Oaks Vineyard reopens its tasting room — with limited capacity — and adds live music on Thursday nights. The vineyard will continue to attend the Mount Carmel Farmers Market and will also be at the Lewisburg Farmers Market beginning in April, offering its locally produced wine and beer as well as salami. “Getting to the ʻother side’ of this all has been very difficult for everyone. But, it has also reminded us how important gatherings with friends and family are," said Bonney. “We may have taken that for granted before COVID, but in 2021 we think that, in itself, will be cause for celebration.”
Family Owned & Operated!
Professional Steam Cleaning Solutions
1403 Susquehanna Ave. • Sunbury, PA 17801
(570) 495-4153
VICES IPAmay2021.indd 45
• Balloons • Piñatas • Cards • Cutlery
• Serving Dishes • Decorations & More!!!
CLEANING CERAMIC TILE FLOOR
SERVICES Tues.-Weds. 10-5, Thurs.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5 Closed Sun. & Mon.
Fill out dreeseservices.com/quote for a FREE ESTIMATE
SERVICES
www.careedparty.com
Colonial Village Plaza, Shamokin Dam • 570-743-6704
45
Contact us today for more details and ask how to take advantage of this pricing!
UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE
• Cups • Plates • Napkins • Table Coverings
1430651287
CARPET STEAM CLEANING
See Us For A Complete Line Of Paper Products For Any Occasion!
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | JUNE 2021
SERVICES
4/28/21 5:30 PM
