PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The final weekend of September is typically packed with outdoor events across the region, but an impending nor’easter is forcing organizers to cancel, postpone or modify plans.
“It’s such nice weather this week, I was hoping it would go through the weekend, but I don’t think that’s going to be the case,” said Hannah Sawn of Northern Liberties.
Among the cancellations are the Bike MS City to Shore Ride, the Philadelphia Marathon KickOff Training Run and Saturday’s South Street Fall Festival.
“We had to take in the safety of not only businesses but our street and our residents and also our traveling vendors and had to make the really tough call,” said Eleanor Ingersoll, Executive Director of the South Street Business District.
Some events are adapting instead of canceling.
Brauhaus Schmitz’s Oktoberfest on South Street, along with Oktoberfests at Evil Genius Brewing in Fishtown and YARDS Brewing in Northern Liberties, are moving indoors.
“When people heard that we were going to have an indoor event for the rainy day, we started selling tickets like hotcakes,” said Abby Heringer, taproom manager at YARDS Brewing.
Other events are continuing as scheduled.
The Haverford Music Festival on Saturday and Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, sponsored by 6abc, are planned to take place rain or shine.
On Friday, Aversa Public Relations also announced the cancellation of several events including the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, Philadelphia Zoo Car Show, and Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party. Others have been postponed or moved indoors.
“Everyone has to make the decision that’s safe for them, and I think with this nor’easter, it’s about safety,” said Kory Aversa of Aversa PR.
At the Jersey shore, where impacts are expected to be strongest and some communities are under a state of emergency, Wildwood has canceled all outdoor events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
In North Wildwood, Irish Festival organizers said vendors will not be permitted on the streets Saturday because of anticipated tidal flooding and strong wind gusts. Festival activities proceeded as scheduled Friday.
As residents prepare for the storm, some are already planning to stay indoors for the weekend.
“When I’m shut in, I love to cook,” said Jon Kielkopf of Northern Liberties. “I have a lot of chicken bones in my freezer, so I was gonna make a stock that’s gonna take a good long time.”
Anthony Hamilton of North Philadelphia offered simpler advice: “Respect Mother Nature and stay in the crib.”
“Order some cheesesteaks from Bob’s Steaks in North Philly, really good, true story,” Hamilton added.
Organizers are encouraging people to check event social media accounts for the latest information on schedules, cancellations and venue or schedule changes before heading out this weekend.
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