Downtown York programs awarded grants for events

Nine York City events and programs are receiving Welcoming Communities Grants from Downtown Inc. 

According to a release, 2024 Welcoming Communities Grant recipients are “hosting community events or programs that contribute to creating a welcoming and connected community for all in York City through diversity, accessibility and cultural representation.”

The Welcoming Communities Grants Program is administered by Downtown Inc.

“This is the fifth year we’ve been able to fund and support applicants who are leading creative events and programs in our Downtown,” Director of Downtown Inc. Sarah O’Brien said in a statement. “We are grateful to our external community partners who aid in the process and are dedicated to supporting a connected Downtown York, a welcoming place for all.”

Grant funds totaled $15,000 and were allocated to nine organizations/individuals:

• CreekFire, led by Cornerstone Barbershop – A free, family friendly event hosted by the residents and merchants of the WeCo District of York City, the event will be held on June 22 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at Foundry Park. Local, small business owners provide food for purchase, kif-friendly activities, and free entertainment. 
• NENA Block Party, hosted by Northeast Neighborhood Association- Scheduled for June 8 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at A.D. Goode School, the neighborhood block party features community resources, free activities for children, free local entertainment, and free food for the local community. The event includes dance fitness, musical performances, the Temple Guard drill team, and baton and dance performances. 
• Juneteenth Block Party, hosted by Union Evangelical Lutheran Church – The free event features food, children’s and family activities, bounce houses, entertainers, and history, along with diverse organizations serving the community, and diverse community leaders who share resources for healthy living, community action, safety, food security, clothing, housing, youth development and recreation, and spiritual growth. The event serves 400-plus meals and is scheduled for June 19 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the block of Penn Street between W. Market St. and Mason Ave. 
• York St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025- The York St. Patrick’s Day Parade debuted in 1983. Held in Downtown York, the parade features Irish dancers, bagpipers, bands, floats, community organizations and more. The event will take place on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• We call York PA Home- 275 years, organized by Annalisa Gojmerac - In celebration of York County’s 275th anniversary, Annalisa Gojmerac created an event to build 275 unique birdhouses. This hands-on, free, environmentally beneficial project allows participants of all ages to assemble birdhouses. The event will run from May 1 to Aug. 31 on various dates and times at Keystone Kidspace, Grotto Commons, and other various locations throughout York City and York County. 
• History Passport of York County, hosted by York County History Center - The History Passport program enables local historical and arts organizations to build partnerships while serving the community. The event will take place from June 1-Sept. 1 at the York County History Center sites in Downtown York. 
• Eye Speak Rhyme, led by Annabell Bonilla – Scheduled for Nov. 16 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Penn Market, Eye Speak Rhyme is a pop up, open mic, poetry, spoken word, and storytelling free community event. It is an 18 and over event to aid in the navigating process of book writing and performance, with book tables for authors to promote themselves, a DJ, with an intermission of food provided by a local business. 
• HOPEFEST 2024: “Excelling in Community, Culture, and Collaborative Change” hosted by Shiloh Baptist Church- HOPEFEST 2024 activities include sports, movies, community clean-up, bus pass contributions, gas giveaways, cultural celebration events, fitness and health, education, and faith-based activities. The event takes place on Sept.  23-29 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Bantz Park, throughout the West York Community.   
• “Filmopolis” Film Festival, hosted by C&P Media LLC- Filmopolis welcomes filmmakers to share their works and provide feedback on projects. The event is open to the public so they can discuss the work. The event is scheduled for Aug. 23 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at Marketview Arts.