Main Street Programs

hamburg

“Hamburg’s Got Talent” live variety show coming to historic theater

By Hil Eldridge

The Hamburg Strand Theater managers, Stephanie Adams and Bethany Sholl, and local event manager, Hil Eldridge, are busily planning a community talent showcase called “Hamburg’s Got Talent.” Two live shows will take place in the historic theater Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, and will include an Old Hollywood theme, including uniformed ushers, candy girls and paparazzi, as well as a Hollywood Walk of Fame outside the theater to help set the festive mood. Sponsors will have live, vaudeville-style commercials during show breaks. Each show will have one winner who will receive a $300 prize.

Jam-packed auditions took place at the Hamburg Strand Theater in August. Performers, judges, an emcee, light, sound and stage techs lent a hand to the production. More than 30 live acts of all ages were present for consideration, and although there was an abundance of talent in Hamburg, only the top third made the cut for the dazzling upcoming show.

In addition to the show, other novelties are sure to delight the audience. Tickets will include a swag bag full of fun souvenirs commemorating the show. A costume contest will be held for the best “Old Hollywood” look, so bring out your gowns and tuxedos. Patrons can purchase a Walk of Fame Star in advance, and on the night of the show, enjoy their own sidewalk star with their name on it, just as they are in Hollywood.

Part of the proceeds from this unique event will benefit the Our Town Foundation, whose mission is to revitalize, promote and preserve downtown historic Hamburg for families and future generations to enjoy. For additional information and tickets, visit hamburgstrand.org.

West reading

Falling for West Reading

By Mark Ratcliffe, Main Street Manager, West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation

As fall approaches, let’s look back on a very busy summer and some epic events that started with Art on the Ave. A big thank you to Emily Branch, the event coordinator, and the Art Plus team for helping make this Art on the Ave the biggest and best festival ever in West Reading. With more artists and the Plein Air event bringing in artists from around the region, it was truly an amazing day. Art on the Ave helps showcase our beautiful area and allows these very talented artists to explore and see everything Berks County has to offer. According to Russ Slocum, who ran the Plein Air event, a number of artists came back to paint the beautiful landscape and architecture here in Berks and because it is such a relaxed and fun event. Relaxed and fun, that is the goal for all West Reading events. The summer also saw a Sidewalk Sale, the West Reading Tavern French Fry Festival and the 2nd Fridays continue to grow. New places to eat opened including Fresh and Noodl. The Avenue also expanded a little with Trish’s Specialty Cheesecakes opening on N. 6th Ave. With all Penn Ave locations filled, West Reading looks to grow its business district and open more shops on 6th and Reading Avenues.

Fall Fest is right around the corner on Sept. 17, and this event is all about food, music and festive beverages. The musical line up this year includes A.D. Blanco, a rock band based in Athens, Georgia, and Dylan Zangwill, who is best known as a Season 16 contestant on America’s Got Talent. In addition, Flux Capacitor, the newly reunited popular Reading band, will play its first hometown show in close to five years. Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 26 this year, and don’t forget our carriage rides in December. Tickets will go on sale Nov. 1. Join the email list www.visitwestreading.com or follow on Facebook to learn more.

As for improvements to the Avenue, the next project is improving the gateway, which is the entrance to West Reading near the railroad bridge. West Reading is working with Kevin Kozo and looking to partner with the Goggleworks to create an entrance to West Reading fitting of the diverse community and help showcase the art, entertainment and a healthy community.