STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One local downtown street turns into a festival zone every Labor Day weekend. It's filled with food, music, and unforgettable memories.
28/22 News Reporter Brian Orbin got a look at how the annual Stroudfest keeps bringing people together year after year.
Main Street in Stroudsburg is buzzing with music, food, and crowds as Stroudfest takes over downtown.
The 19th annual celebration is bringing together more than 150 vendors and 16 live performances, turning Labor Day weekend into one big block party.
"It brings people into the area that are in the area, but it also brings a lot of new faces from out of town, so it gives great exposure to all of the local businesses," Sherman Theater Special Events Manager Sarah Collier said.
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and Stroudfest is the sendoff.
La Festa Italiana serving up smiles to newcomers
The festival keeps Main Street alive with street vendors, fun characters, and shopping, while also kicking off the excitement of the upcoming fall season.
For the owner of Just Like Magic Bakery, spooky season never really ends.
Paula Nagle's shop is Halloween-themed year-round, giving visitors something unique to discover during the festival.
"This is one of our best days of the year as far as bringing people in and letting them see what we have to offer. Events like this kind of revitalize the businesses that are existing here," Nagle told 28/22 News.
The festival isn't just about shopping, however. Visitors say the atmosphere here is what keeps them coming back.
"It's such a good community. It's a lot of togetherness and a lot of good music to bring people together and a lot of good shopping and food," Della Baird from Bangor stated.
PennDOT highlights reopening of three major bridges
From family activities to local organic produce, Stroudfest offers something for all ages.
"It's so much fun. I love coming here to hang out with my friends and seeing everyone, and there's just so much to do other than staying at home," Blakeslee resident Cadence Bohdal explained.
Organizers say the goal is simple: Celebrate community, showcase local culture, and keep the Labor Day weekend tradition alive.
Organizers say the planning for Stroudfest never stops.
They'll begin working on next year's lineup soon, and festival goers can expect even more performances and vendors when it returns late next summer.
