ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Support local businesses while getting to know your neighbors.
That's the aim of the Fusion Block Party and Festival, which will feature live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
The street party will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 between 9th Street and Hamilton and Walnut Streets.
- Fashion boutique Silveri and Company will host a street party on Sunday, June 11
- The Fusion Block Party will feature live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities
- The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free
A fashion forward idea
The idea to host a block party came from Kathy Cruz, owner of Silveri and Company, a boutique at 902 Hamilton Street.
Cruz is also a weather anchor and producer at WMFZ, Edición en Español.
While air quality alerts forced several outdoor cancellations in the Lehigh Valley this week, Cruz said the block party is still on.
“The air quality has improved and by Sunday it will be completely normal. No rain and temperatures in the mid 80’s,” Cruz wrote via email on Thursday.
She said she the idea of the event is to raise brand awareness for local business owners.
Cruz opened her store as an e-commerce site in 2021 and had a pop-up spot at ArtsWalk before landing a permanent space inside the City Place building last December.
“I decided to create the event to support local businesses and provide a platform for business owners without a brick-and-mortar location. When Silveri and Company was founded, we didn’t have a physical store and attending events helped us create connections with the community. Events of this nature are a great exposure to local businesses, as well as a good opportunity for the residents to connect and have fun," Cruz said.
Through word of mouth, Cruz was able to organize the party with the support of City Center Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance.
Shop local
Attendees can shop for some new clothing, skin care and makeup.
Along with Cruz's shop, which specializes in trendy handbags, dresses and jumpsuits, there will be vendors that offer women's clothing (Ohenny Fashion) and beauty products (Gris Beauty Shop and Unique Glow Wellness and MedSpa).
Home décor pop- ups such as Contagious Inspirations and Royal Prestige and Enchanting by Lori will also be onsite.
“I decided to create the event to support local businesses and provide a platform for business owners without a brick a mortar location. When Silveri and Company was founded, we didn’t have a physical store and attending events helped us create connections with the community."<br/>Kathy Cruz, owner of Silveri and Company
For those feeling hungry: La cocina del Abuelo (Grandpa's Kitchen) will serve yummy eats such as tacos, burrito, plantains, corn salsita, queso fresco, tostadas, chicharrons, nachos, black beans, tres flan.
Bell Hall will offer burgers, fries and alcoholic beverages (for the over 21-crowd).
People can also get moving with DJ Bez Musiq from Loud Radio, 106.9 FM/99.5 FM.
Musiq will spin the latest in hip-hop and reggaetón, along with guest musical acts.
For info, click here.
