Restrictions in place: Second Saturdays launch in Coraopolis
By Lisa Mullen
-COVOD-19-
The sounds of a band covering the Bellamy Brothers “Let Your Love Flow” emanated from Mill Street in Coraopolis as residents celebrated Coraopolis Second Saturdays Aug. 8.
A new concept for 2020, the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation’s (CCDC) series of free summer events was canceled in June and July because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“We wanted to offer a safe, outdoor event for people to get out of their homes and check out our businesses while showing off all the wonderful things we have going on around here,” said Cara Mason, director of economic development at CCDC.
Tracy McArdle, owner of Vintage Revival, enjoyed an uptick in people visiting her antiques business.
“Just people wandering through, but it was nice to show off the town,” McArdle said.
“Business is starting to pick up because people are getting bored with being stuck at home.”
Going along with the new normal, most people wore their masks and kept up with the prerequisite social distancing, but laughter and conversations could be heard as people enjoyed being out in public after months of isolating.
There were varying opinions on the effects of COVID-19.
“I think it’s overblown,” said Coraopolis resident Mark Baronner. “It doesn’t seem to be worth the trouble.”
Another resident had a differing opinion.
“I worry when people feel the Coronavirus is a hoax, especially when it’s killed 162,000 people,” said Neville Island resident Jerry Brand.
He wished more people would take it seriously. Despite the differing opinions, both men agreed that the event was well organized with lots of room for people to be spaced out to stay safe.
The sounds of a trombone and trumpet cut through the background noise as the band Habatat warmed up to take the stage and close out Coraopolis Second Saturdays with original music. As the guitars combined with the brass, Habatat began singing and the audience broke out in applause.
“Even though there isn’t much traffic because of COVID and it being a pop-up event, people are still coming through,” said Rob Mowery, owner of Forever Heart Farm, LLC in Moon Township. “It’s a good initiative to get people out and about — it’s certainly safe.”
Another Second Saturdays event will be held in the Coraopolis business district from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 12. For more information, call (412) 215-8832.