Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh to close in response to Gov. Wolf’s covid orders
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market and Santa Zoom Experience in Market Square are closing Friday night, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership announced.
The Merry Market Pop-Up scheduled to open this weekend will not take place.
News of the cancellations came after Thursday’s announcement by Gov. Tom Wolf. His orders amid the increasing covid-19 cases throughout the state prompted this action, the downtown partnership said in a news release.
People will have a day to shop at the holiday market or visit with the jolly man in the red suit via Santa Zoom.
Both will open at 11 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m.
UPDATE: the Peoples Gas Holiday Market and Santa Zoom experience will be closing for the season after Friday, December 11, due to the recent state order and increasing COVID-19 cases throughout Pennsylvania.
Read more: https://t.co/VJ24hWNl6m pic.twitter.com/5wcb5J7uZo
— Downtown Pittsburgh (@DowntownPitt) December 10, 2020
Patrons are encouraged to support holiday market’s 35 vendors — some which have online stores. Check here for details.
Others that don’t are finding ways to handle the merchandise.
Mairin Petrone is executive director of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, which has a space at the market. She said she understands the closure. A sister store, the Irish Design Center in Oakland, agreed to take the remaining inventory. She is encouraging people to shop there.
“We are very disappointed this is happening, but we also believe the PDP is making the right decision,” Petrone said. “We appreciate the fact they are thinking about the safety of our staff and the people who attend.”
Jeremy Waldrup, CEO and president of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said in a statement they are disappointed that the holiday market had to be cut short, but they understand the need to adhere to these new requirements for the safety of both shoppers and vendors.
“The health and well-being of visitors Downtown has been a priority throughout the implementation of this seasons’ programs and attractions,” Waldrup said. “Now, it is more important than ever to support Downtown’s small businesses, visit their web and social platforms to find ways to shop online, order takeout, or visit our expanded outdoor dining spaces.”
The Santa Zoom Experience raises money for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Donations can be made here.
Waldrup said he hopes people still support the stores and other Downtown businesses that are open, He is planning on the market and Santa Zoom returning stronger than ever in 2021.
“We know they wanted to be able to keep the market open until Dec. 23, and we appreciate their effort. We know they will come back stronger next year.
“The holiday market has gone down with the pickle,” Petrone said, referring to the giant pickle balloon ornament that burst last month. “It is just another symbol of 2020.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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