Alicia Byler (left, above), owner of Mommalicious, sells candy to Elwyn Shea (center), Xavier Shea (right) and Arella Shea (front).
Almar of Ziggy's Magic Shop levitates a skeleton.
Pat Randolph at Remember This displays a variety of valuables.
By KATHLEEN DAMINGER
Updated May 31, 2007 13:34
With its eclectic mix of antiques, art, collectibles, gifts, vintage wares and even food, the 300 block of North Queen Street has established itself as a standout destination point in downtown Lancaster.
"We're just a bunch of quirky little merchants," says Pat Randolph, co-owner of Remember This – Old-World Collectibles, at 320 N. Queen St. "Everybody's different here. Everybody here is a mom and pop shop."
But there's more to their success story than that.
Like any other block, the 300 block of North Queen was a just a little piece of a city street full of merchants, when about five years ago one of them (Susan Testa with S&R Treasures) suggested, "Let's have a party."
That party was not only a huge success — with the 5th annual "Back to the Past Block Party" being held this weekend — but it bonded the block tenants in a way that has unified the group into one whole, rather than a bunch of individuals.
"The first year we had rain and we didn't have tents, but ... people just globbed in," says Randolph.
It wasn't just the event that went well, however. The whole process of planning such a celebration resulted in unforeseen benefits.
"We all got to know each other," Randolph says. "We had this sense of camaraderie. (Now) we're in and out of each other's shops all the time. We're just like a big family."
The merchants now advertise jointly and have their own Website (www.uptownlancaster.com). If they don't have what a customer wants, they'll direct him to another merchant who does.
"The synergy of the whole block benefits the individual merchants," Randolph says. "It's the best."
This weekend's shindig will be another chance to celebrate their success.
"It's a family entertainment thing," says Randolph. "There will be clowns, carnival games, live music (by The Bensons and Uncle Skip) on one end of the street and karaoke on the other end of the street.
"We have contests. It's lots of fun. It's more than a block party. It has evolved into something bigger."
In the beginning, the tenants chipped in out of their own pockets to throw the party. Now they have sponsors and invite artisans and antiques dealers to set up in the street for added revenue.
Still, all the proceeds benefit a local charity, with this year's going to Clare House.
"The merchants supply the tables, the games and the prizes, and the charity provides the people, she explains. "They get all the money from the dime toss (which has proven to be an immensely popular game in which participants can win a variety of glassware), and quarter ticket sales."
The tickets, at 25 cents each, allow volunteers manning the games to not have to worry about making change, Randolph says.
Of course, all the shops on the street will be open during the event, so if visitors happen to wander in, so much the better.
Folks come from far and wide to the celebration, Randolph says. It isn't just a locals thing. "We get people from all walks of life."
And with First Friday, the bike race, movies in Binns Park and Red Rose Run all happening this weekend, downtown Lancaster will be filled with reasons to stop by, she adds.
"There's an awful lot happening here this weekend. At the end of it, I think I'm going to collapse."
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