UPDATE: As of late-Saturday morning, a representative of the Associated Busineses of Bridgeport said this evening's Summer Kickoff will take place rain or shine. If severe weather would approach and a decision is made to cancel the event, Connect-Bridgeport will share that message. 

 

At Tuesday's Bridgeport City Council meeting, Mayor Andy Lang noted several upcoming events, including the First Annual Food Truck - Bridgeport Summer Kickoff, sponsored by the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport. With nearly a dozen food trucks parked along the Main Street Corridor, a live band and a giant sandbox, among other elements of entertainment, the event personifies smalltown summertime fun, he said. 

 

It all takes place 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 2.

 

“In following the tradition of Light Up Night, we want to do something similar, bringing the community together in the downtown area,” said ABB President Mark Bonamico. “It will have a festive atmosphere and involve food and the arts, as well as free entertainment, which are kind of the showcase of what the ABB likes to do at their events.”

 

Beginning at 4 p.m., Main Street will be closed from the Virginia Avenue to Philadelphia Avenue intersections. North Central West Virginia-based 80s tribute band, “80’s Enough,” will provide entertainment at a stage set up at the corner of Main and Center streets. Some seating will be provided, but residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Children can enjoy bounce houses and a sand pit, among other activities.

 

“We also want to involve the arts so Amanda Leaseburg of The Starving Artist is going to orchestrate some events,” Bonamico said.

 

Member businesses are encouraged to keep their doors open for the Saturday evening event and/or set up a booth along the street, offering information about their business, novelties and seating for families in attendance.

 

“Food trucks will be lined up along Main Street and people can purchase different foods, then sit down and enjoy the entertainment,” Bonamico said. “We look forward to it. It’s something new and a nice way to kick off the summer and bring an experience similar to Light Up Night to the summertime.”

 

There will be opportunity to win a number of prizes, including two United Express airline tickets to Chicago or Washington DC, courtesy of North Central West Virginia Airport and the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sign up at the GBCVB table - located in the vicinty of Main and Center streets - by 7:15 p.m. The drawing will take place at 7:30 p.m. Winners must be present. 

 

 

ABB membership is $80 annually. The membership fee will be waved for businesses serving as $500 sponsors for the event. The ABB is beneficial for networking and an avenue for providing input into a successful business community. The organization holds regular meetings and is host to the city's official tree lighting ceremony, Light Up Night. Another annual project is the Main Street scarecrow display in late-October.