For three days, downtown Harrisburg will look like a scene from your favorite comic book.
Superhero Weekend runs from May 23-25 and will transform downtown into the ultimate spot for graphic art and local hero recognition. The event is being held in conjunction with ArtsFest.
Here’s what you can expect from the weekend:
Familiar streets will have different names. Instead of getting something to eat on Second Street, you’ll actually be eating on Superhero Boulevard. There will also be a Captain America Avenue, Spiderman Street, Superman Lane and Wonder Woman Way.
Actors in superhero costumes will be roaming the streets and will be available for pictures. The most popular superhero that will be downtown might be “Parking Meter Man,” who will be putting quarters in a few lucky parkers on Saturday.
The streetlight posts will also be decorated with banners of traditional comic book heroes as well as local ones.
If you’re artistic, you can show it off in two different contests during the weekend.
“Selfie-Scene” Art Competition: Local artists will compete in a design contest with $3,000 in cash prizes. Artists will be judged in high school, college and local artist categories.
Storefront Decoration Competition: Downtown storeowners are being encouraged to decorate their storefront to help add more detail to the city. iHeartMedia will be sponsoring the competition and the winner will receive $5,000 in radio advertising.
Superhero Teacher of the Year:
Although nominations for Superhero Teacher of the Year are over you can still vote for your favorite teacher until May 22. One teacher will be chosen from each school district and winners will be announced at the Superheroes Ball.
On top of the contests and decorations there will be a few events that feature something for all ages.
This award recognizes local heroes whether it be a firefighter, police officer, business person or the everyday citizen who does great things for others.
- Vote for your pick to be the Local Hero of the Year — You’re bound to see some familiar names, including Tara Leo Auchey from Today’s the Day Harrisburg and Tony Reigle and Jason Robinson from Harrisburg River Rescue!
EVENTS
Kick-off Lunch with the Superheroes
Saturday, 12-2 p.m., Superhero Boulevard between Market and Walnut Sts.
Kids will get to have lunch with some of their favorite comic book heroes as well as local superheroes, including first responders from Harrisburg. The lunch will include food, carnival games and demonstrations from local organizations. It is open to everyone and is a FREE event.
Superheroes Ball
Saturday, 7-9 p.m., Superhero Boulevard between Market and Walnut
There will be live music and the announcements of the contests that ave been going on throughout the week. Fireworks will follow the ball at the same spot.
Superhero Throwback Party
Saturday, 9 p.m., Sawyer’s, 21+, FREE
C+C Music Factory, famous for “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now),” will be the featured performer.
Ultimate Superhero Party- Honoring Wounded and Fallen Troops
Sunday, 7 p.m. Sawyer’s 21+
The weekend will end with guests being able to honor fallen heroes with Sky Lanterns featuring the names of those heroes. The laterns will be released at 9 p.m. The night will also feature music from the Impact Band.
ArtsFest has always been a tradition for Memorial Day Weekend but make sure you check out how the city will be transformed and support the real superheroes who make a difference in our community everyday.
