By Bill Gelman
Oct. 31 may be the official date of Halloween, but it’s never too early to start celebrating. The folks at the South Street Headhouse District have plenty of tricks and treats up their sleeves for children and adults of all ages as part of the neighborhood’s annual PumpkinFest taking place Saturday (Oct. 28) from noon to 5 p.m. at Second and Lombard streets. There will be circus performances, horse and wagon hayrides, live music, crafts for kids, seasonal bites, pumpkin putt-putt golf, a straw bale maze, face painting and costume contests. Pumpkin pie eating and jack o’ lantern contests are on the schedule, too. Businesses will open their doors for trick-or-treaters (12 and under) from 3 to 5 p.m. Festivities are free, with food, drink and shopping pay-as-you-go. Bring gently used winter coats, shoes and donations for Broad Street Mission to provide for those in need in advance of the winter season.
As a warm-up to PumpkinFest, the Headhouse Shambles will host a trio of special fright night movies starting at 6 p.m. with the classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, followed by Young Frankenstein at 7 pm. For the older crowd, there’s a late-night showing of the George Romero classic, Night of the Living Dead starting at 9 p.m. (zombies encouraged). All activities are free and open to the public, and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit southstreet.com or call 215–413–3713. …
The news of where Amazon desires to build a second headquarters in North America seems to be generating as much buzz as one of President Trump’s Tweets. So many cities — Austin, Miami, New York, Denver, Philadelphia and others — are putting together their best “pick me” performance, but only one will win. Could it be Philly, more specifically, South Philly? The Philadelphia Navy Yard, already home to big corporations GlaxoSmithKline, Tastykake and Urban Outfitters, has been mentioned as one of the spots under consideration if Philly is selected. Stay tuned …
South Philly native funny man Steve Rinaldi is coming home, well at least close to home. He is one of the comedians who will be performing at the Homecoming Comedy Showcase at the Performance Garage in Fairmount (8 p.m. Nov. 3). Rinaldi has been traveling the country for the past five years, and has worked at the Laugh Factory and Zanies in Chicago and is currently living in Albany, New York, where he is a regular at the Funny Bone. Tickets are $25. Visit comedyhomecoming.brownpapertickets.com. …
PhillyCAM held its first annual CAMMY Awards ceremony on Oct. 20. Recognizing the creativity and commitment of its producers, the CAMMY Awards celebrate members whose television or radio content resonates with the PhillyCAM mission to be a community media center that brings together the people of Philadelphia to make and share media that promotes creative expression, democratic values and civic participation. Former South Philly Review Difference Maker Ali Hackett was presented with the Community Impact Award for Salt…Pepper and Memories, a show focussed on music and dancing. The first episode covered the Wharton Square Park grand opening. …
Julian Able Park, 22nd Street between Montrose and Carpenter streets, is hosting a free outdoor movie screening of the Pixar film “Up” 6 to 9 p.m. (movie starts at 6:30 p.m.). Popcorn and refreshments are included. Blanket and chairs are recommended. Visit julianabelepark.org.
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