South Side Summer Street Spectacular

South Side Local Development Company steps

away from Street Spectacular to focus on other projects

September 30, 2004 – The South Side Local Development Company (SSLDC) Board of Directors has voted to discontinue the Summer Street Spectacular to focus on smaller year-round promotions of the business district and other projects.  

The Board reached its decision after concluding that the festival's mission to introduce people to the South Side has been accomplished.   First held in 1985 – the same year the Main Street on East Carson program was started – the event was needed most when the neighborhood was in the early stages of revitalization.

“The Street Spectacular helped put the South Side back on the map.   It brought in thousands of visitors over the years and established East Carson Street as a regional destination,” says David Morgan, President of SSLDC.  

Executive Director Rick Belloli adds, “Over the past 20 years, the South Side has witnessed a tremendous growth marked by reduced vacancy rates, preservation successes, and millions of dollars in public and private investment.   A number of factors contributed to this success, including the Summer Street Spectacular.”

New promotional projects will allow the SSLDC to more strategically promote the business district and neighborhood as a whole.   SSLDC's Promotions Committee is planning several 2005 promotions to increase foot traffic in the business district, including a historic walking tour, a February soup contest to benefit Brashear Association, and a targeted marketing campaign to SouthSide Works visitors, enticing them to also visit historic South Side.

Among recently completed promotions are new shopping guides that will be distributed throughout the city and at regional visitor centers, and a redesigned South Side website, www.southsidepgh.com .   Re-launched last December and updated weekly, the site features special events information and links to local businesses.  

In addition to promotions, SSLDC continues to provide technical and design assistance to new and existing business owners through its design and business development programs.   New features of these programs include an architectural lighting matching grant pilot program, consultations to help businesses “spruce up” their window displays, and a “Secret Shopper” service in which an independent secret shopper will visit and evaluate participating retail businesses.

SSLDC thanks all of those residents, businesses, committee members, and others who have supported the Summer Street Spectacular during its 20-year run.  

  “The festival would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of its volunteers over the years.   On behalf of the SSLDC, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those volunteers and especially to Arlene Krava, who organized the festival for several years,” says Morgan.   “The Street Spectacular will remain close to the hearts of many of us.”