EASTON, Pa. – On the 400 block of Northampton Street in Easton, it was a full blown community gathering Saturday afternoon.
It comes one week after flames and smoke filled the air on this very same block at the Hampton Hotel.
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Easton fire chief asks for prayers after 3-alarm hotel fire injures 6, including firefighter in 20-foot fall
Sam D’Angelo with Home Towne Pet Shop handed out treats at the event.
“There was a little decrease in foot traffic because I think people thought you know as the street closed down, a little bit of a decrease in traffic,” said D’Angelo.
Andy Po, owner of 2nd Base Vintage said the event is not just bringing attention to businesses on the block.
“Also, bring attention to ways the community can support the people who are displaced by the fire and the businesses that were also affected by the fire,” said Po.
“Today’s block party was really just a testament to the community in Easton and how everybody is willing to stand together and help out when there’s a time of need,” said Nicholas Martens, owner of Homegrown.
Martens is among those taking part in the “Walk Up The Block” community event.
The goal is to come together in a show of strength and support in response to last week’s fire.
“To me, my heart is full. I’m happy that we can help out. We’re donating ten percent of our sales today to the residents of the fire,” said Martens.
“It’s not surprising because the Easton business community, they really have each other’s backs,” said Julie VanOsdol with Easton Main Street Initiative.
It is a way to revitalize and help businesses bounce back.
“Now, everybody is saying we should do this all the time. Yes, we should get together all the time even when there isn’t a cause necessarily. It’s just good to be with the community and I think everybody felt that today,” said VanOsdol.