PITTSTON — The first-ever Make My Day, a collaborative effort between the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pittston to promote the downtown as a designation for wedding and party planners, took place Aug. 26 and included a marriage vow renewal ceremony.
The revitalization of downtown Pittston has taken many shapes that include new sidewalks, curbing and lighting. New businesses, including a Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) satellite campus facility, now dot Main Street.
Mayor Michael Lombardo was happy with the reception by vendors who participated in the event, as well as members of the public who responded by attending. Lombardo enjoys seeing new events in the city that bring attention to the downtown area.
“It’s important for the downtown to be viewed as a backdrop or an operational space for events. The more events we have, the more successful and viable the downtown is,” Lombardo said. The Make My Day event is something the mayor can see becoming as popular as other signature events like the Tomato Festival, St. Patrick’s Parade, the Art Walks and Paint Pittston Pink.
“We always joke about it and, as taxing as it is, we would love to have something happening every weekend in the city,” said Lombardo. With the Make My Day event, August is a full calendar for Pittston.
In addition to LCCC, Gerri’s Bridal Salon recently relocated towards center city, Tuxedo by Sarno moved next to Gerri’s, a soon-to-be florist will be moving in downtown as will a photographer’s studio. There are catering services, a limousine service and plenty of beauty salons to choose from to complete bridal or party planning.
Parrish Limousine Co. transported event-goers to various locations throughout the city, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Center, Cooper’s Waterfront, Gramercy Ballroom & Restaurant, Fuji Sushi, The Sapphire Salon, Pittston Memorial Library, Family Martial Arts and the Tomato Festival lot.
Vendors displayed their wares for wedding or party planners to appeal to any palette.
The highlight of the day was a renewal of marriage vows between Michael Berlew and his wife Erin that took place at the Riverfront Park with the ceremony conducted by Lombardo.
“It is such a fantastic day; not only am I lucky enough to marry the love of my life once, but I get to do it again,” Michael Berlew said. “You’re at such a different spot in your life 19 years later that you appreciate it more. It’s great to share with all friends and family. It’s fantastic.”
The wedding party was outfitted by Tuxedo by Sarno, Gerri’s Bridal, and Vintage Vogue; make up was done by Merle Norman, hair by Virginia & Co. and music provided by Flynn & Smith of Underground. The flowers were donated by Robin Hill Florist, tent by Big Top Rentals, champagne by Bartolai Winery and beer by Susquehanna Brewing Co.
“I want to commend Michelle (Mikitish) and Brandi (Bartush) of the Chamber and everybody involved. Tthis maiden voyage of Make My Day event went off better than we could have expected,” Lombardo said. “We all will stand back and say it was not perfect; we know what the playbook is to get us to perfect.”
There will be a post-event meeting to see what should be added and/or deleted in moving forward.
“All in all, I thought it was a good start and it was tons of fun,” concluded Lombardo.
