PITTSTON — The Second Friday Art Walk made a big splash during its return in May, and it’s not because of the puddles left behind from the rain that day.

Despite the rain, the skies cleared up just in time for the monthly event which dampened attendance at first until later in the evening.

“I think everybody got scared because it literally rained until 5 o’clock and then it was magical that the sun came out,” said Main Street Manager Rose Randazzo. “It was Friday the 13th and it was my birthday, and I said it will definitely clear up because it’s my lucky day.

“I think the attendance was a little down, but around 7:30 it was packed. All of the restaurants and bars reported that they did great.”

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Something new at the May event that will continue into June was the isolation of a specific area for children in the are between the Purple Squirrel Pastry Company and the clock.

Children last month enjoyed face painting, a balloon artist and an interactive mural; but this month Randazzo said there will be another surprise.

“We’re going to have a ‘Join the Circus’ event,” she said. “The circus performers that are usually walking up and down the street are going to setup a tent and are bringing in their trunks that are filled with hundreds of costumes. They’re going to open them up for the kids and they will try on the costumes, head pieces and whatever they find. (The performers) will then give them instructions on how to spin plates, hoola hoop and do circus tricks.”

Musician Mary Baker will also play guitar while entertaining children with stories.

Lori Nocito, who handles publicity for the Second Friday Art Walk, called Pittston the perfect place for children to get involved with art — a major focus for this year’s events.

“It’s important to have interactive art for the children to enhance the experience,” she said. “In Pittston, we are very proud to promote the art to all ages, especially our children. It’s disheartening when you hear about art programs being cut for lack of funding, so what we can do here we hope will make a difference in the lives of children who visit the art walk.”

Other happenings at the Second Friday Art Walk include the party bike with Mike the Bike and various artists showing off their skills.

Some artists on hand include Pia Somerlock and Ray Owlett each making pottery, Kelly Klee, Mary Kroptavich, and Tony Traglia exhibiting their photographs; and Peggy Burke displaying her jewelry.

A total of 19 artists will display their talents throughout the evening.

Musicians will busk up and down Main Street and James Orfanella will return with his didgeridoo.

Callahan’s Cafe and Coffee House will be decorated with a Beatles theme.

“They do a theme every month,” said Randazzo. “They basically set it up like a stage production where it looks like you’re on a stage. Last month they did New York City.”

Those attending the event can stop into Art on Main to pick up a map.

With the Second Friday Art Walking taking on a life of its own, Nocito hopes it will reach out to families in other parts of the county and encourage them to attend the monthly event.

“We’re promoting families to attend the art walk and we’re expanding our outreach to lower Luzerne and Lackawanna counties,” she said. “We hope to see more people come to Pittston and enjoy all that it has to offer.”

The Pittston City Second Friday Art Walk will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 10 on Main Street.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_ArtWalk.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Pittston City Second Friday Art Walk will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 10 on Main Street.

James Orfanella will be returning for the Second Friday Art Walk on June 10 with his didgeridoo
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Art-Walk-2.jpg.optimal.jpgJames Orfanella will be returning for the Second Friday Art Walk on June 10 with his didgeridoo Submitted photos

Members of the Ecletric Circus Street Performance will hold an interactive circus in the children’s section of the Second Friay Art Walk on June 10.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Art-Walk1.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the Ecletric Circus Street Performance will hold an interactive circus in the children’s section of the Second Friay Art Walk on June 10. Submitted photos
Second Friday Art Walk will feature interactive circus for children

By Jimmy Fisher

jfisher@timesleader.com

Reach Jimmy Fisher at 570-704-3972 or on Twitter @SD_JimmyFisher