Weekend Guide, December 20 to 22

If you're on the "naughty" list, this is your last weekend to make up for it. Or ensure you stay there...

Friday, December 20

Santa Pub Crawl: Begins at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to show up in costume. Co-hosted by the "Beermuda Triangle": Two Rivers Brewing Company at 542 Northampton St., Black & Blue  at 683 Walnut St., and Porters' Pub at 700 Northampton St.

Dance: 7 to 10 p.m. Cha Cha with Con Gallagher, 7 to 8 p.m., dancing with music by DJ Carol Coffinger, 8 to 10 p.m.  $10 per person, benefits Third Street Alliance. 41 N. Third St. www.thirdstreetalliance.org

Amos, DJ Riske One: Band at 7 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Line Dancing: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Lessons at 7:15 p.m. $5 per person for members, $6 for non-members. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com

Lelica & BD Lenz: 8 p.m. Valenca, 66 Centre Square.

Steve McDaniels: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Hot Bijouxx: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Two Man Johnson: 9 p.m. Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136-138 Spring Garden St. 610-252-3033 or www.colonialpizzapub.com

Ali Oop's Ole Skool Jam: 10 p.m. Everything from Motown to the Philly sound and anything that makes your feet leave the ground. Cool skool is in session.  La Pazza Bar, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Christmas Party with DJ Chopper: 10 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Mudd Butt: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Blue Hearts Revelry: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

DJ John Harvey: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Saturday, December 21

"Christmas Gifts": 10 a.m. to noon. Gift giving at Christmas time is a way to express our caring and love. Nothing means more than those made by precious hands. Free. Children receive three free books with each visit to the Cops 'n Kids Reading Room too. Easton Area Community Center, back entrance, 901 Washington St. 610-250-6562

"This One Is For The Ladies" Book Signing: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easton historian Ken Klabunde will sign copies of his new book which chronicles the history of the Simon Mansion. Third Street Alliance, in the library, 41 North Third St. Click here for more details.

Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 35 vendors offering fresh, local and organic food and fine crafts. Runs every Saturday through April 26. At the former Weller Center, 325 Northampton St. 610-258-8500 or www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Cookbook Signing: 10 a.m. featuring The New Ukranian Cookbook by local author, Annette Ogrodnik Corona. The cook book won the 2012 Gourmand Award for best Eastern European Cuisine book in the USA. Book will be for sale at the event too, for $29.95. Easton Farmers Market Winter Mart, 325 Northampton St. www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Men’s Shopping Day: All day. 36 Downtown Easton businesses will offer extra incentives such as free gift wrapping and gift suggestions, along with munchies, live music and more. With every purchase, enter to win prizes and gift certificates from local merchants. Spend $50 at any given retailer and receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert at participating restaurants. Free metered parking in Downtown Easton on Saturday and Sunday this week too!

DJ Lineup: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DJ Rabeka. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tagteam Duo, DJ K-OZ and DJ Stitch. 3 to 5 p.m., DJ Mumbler. 5 to 7 p.m., DJ Mourning Glory. Used Grooves, 401 Northampton St. 610-252-8282 or www.usedgrooves.com

Book Reading and Signing: 1 to 3 p.m. "Limn the Mask" by Danielle Notaro. "Expect the unexpected while Danielle enlivens,caresses with words, and sings to you from her book of poems/prose. Joined by poet and editor Cleveland Wall with her poems and chapbooks. Limited seating. Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House, 20 North Third St.

Art Gallery Crawl - A Kaleidoscope of Easton Art: 2 to 5:30 p.m. A free five-gallery crawl and art chat by Lehigh Valley Fun with Friends Meetup group. Itinerary includes RE:find from 2 to 2:30 p.m., Connexions Gallery from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m., the Grossman Gallery at Lafayette Collete from 3:30 to 4 p.m., Ingridable Ink from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., and Charles Klabunde Galler from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Call Reggie at 484-860-0816 for more details or to RSVP or click here.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Anthem, DJ LAX: Band at 7 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Frank Giasullo: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Maria Woodford: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Decoy Clones: 9 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Fleetwing: 9:30 p.m. Lafayette Bar, 15 North Fourth St. 610-252-0711 or www.lafayettebarjazz.com

Slug & Frisco: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Billy Bauer Band: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

Modern Romantz: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Sunday, December 22

Book Reading and Signing: 1 to 3 p.m. "Limn the Mask" by Danielle Notaro. "Expect the unexpected while Danielle enlivens,caresses with words, and sings to you from her book of poems/prose. Limited seating. Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House, 20 North Third St.

Industry Night: 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Easton's most comprehensive guide to what's happening over the weekend, in the city and beyond, is published every Friday.

Are you planning an event? Did we miss something? Let us know! Email us.

Millionaires' Row Businesses Deck Their Halls For Holiday Open House

Tours of the Simon Mansion, home of Third Street
Alliance, will be offered as part of a holiday open
house celebration planned for Friday along
Downtown Easton's "Millionaires' Row"
Contributed photo of work by Easton
artist Preston  Hindmarch

Businesses along North Third Street in Downtown Easton, also known as "Millionaires' Row", have decked their halls and are inviting the public to stop by between 5 and 8 p.m. this Friday, December 13 for a very merry open house celebration.

The "Millionaires Row Holiday Open House" will feature several live music performances,  book signings, refreshments, art, strolling minstrels, and re-enactors in period clothing associated with the Sigal Museum. 

The organizations and businesses say the aim is to highlight the historical value of "Millionaires' Row", as well as the charitable and economic value of their operations within the City of Easton.

Participants include:

• Quadrant Bookmart and Coffee House, offering refreshments, live music, 10 to 30 percent off select book categories, and $10 in Quadrant "Book Bucks" redeemable from January through March for those that spend $50 on books
• Madame Mim’s New Age Boutique, offering refreshments, a book signing by Cottie Kilbanks, illustrator of "Ozzy the Octopus" from 5 to 6 p.m., and performances by pianist Fred Jackson from 5 to 6 p.m., the EAHS Flute Quintet from 6:15 to 7 p.m., pianist Gabe Toth from 7 to 8 p.m., and discounts of 10 to 30 percent on select categories of merchandise
• Sweet Girlz Bakery, offering Christmas cookie decorating and performances by pianist Fred Jackson from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. and the EAHS Flute Quintet from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.
• Third St. Alliance, offering refreshments and guided tours of the Simon Mansion by Executive Director Judy Matthewson, Easton author Ken Klabunde signing copies of "This House Is For the Ladies" and performances by the EAHS Brass Ensemble from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
• J. Morgan Salon (from 5 to 6:30 p.m.), offering refreshments and a storewide sale on items in their home store
• Stiltskins, live performance by jazz guitarist Frank Belink and art exhibit by Jeff Echevarria
• Christine Wilke Marriage/Family Therapy, offering refreshments and facility tour
• Easton Electronics will offer refreshments
• Heaven’s Doves, will set up from 5 to 6 p.m. with live doves

Updated at 12:19 p.m. to correct the date of the event and again at 10:11 p.m. to correct the spelling of an author's name.

Easton Firefighters Selling Christmas Trees

Easton professional firefighters are selling fresh cut Christmas trees once again this year

Open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through December 24, the sale is located in the parking lot next to Frank and Dot's Beer Depot, on the corner of Spring Garden Street and Larry Holmes Drive.

Douglas and Frasier firs are available. The trees are $30 apiece.

Additionally, Colonial Pizza, located less than a block from the sale, at 136 Spring Garden St., is offering a coupon for a free pizza to those who buy a tree from the firefighters.

For more information, call 610-250-6679, email ffxmastrees@gmail.com or visit the sale's Facebook page.

Easton Gets Free Parking During Holiday Season Again

By Christina Georgiou

The City of Easton is offering free parking on weekends for
the holiday shopping season, beginning on Black Friday.

Those shopping or dining in Easton this coming holiday season will be greeted with the gift of free parking on selected days.

Fees will be waived on Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, as well as on the subsequent three Saturdays and Sundays in December for all metered parking, along with parking in the public lots on South Third Street, North Third and Fourth streets, and in the Joseph's, Perkins, and Church Street lot  locations.

City council voted in favor of a resolution Wednesday evening that provides for the fees to be waived. The custom of offering free parking on weekends during the holiday season is becoming somewhat of a tradition, with this being at least the third year in a row that fees will be waived.

This Week in Easton, December 24 to 27

Forget about doing anything official this week. Christmas is Tuesday, and nearly everything is closed on Monday with the exception of shops to grab a few last minute gifts and goodies. After that, we suggest you grab some 'nog, kick back and relax, and savor the chance to take a well-deserved break. It's all about getting together with the people you hold dear and celebrating the gift that is life.

(Which we plan to do too. So please, be good for goodness sake. Anyone who's naughty enough to make us need to cover anything on the 24th or 25th is going to have to face one very cranky news producer!  )

Monday, December 24

Today is Christmas Eve!

All local and county offices are closed today.

LANTA bus service ends at 8 p.m.

Need a last minute gift? Shop local! Most stores are open in the city until mid-afternoon, which gives you just enough time to do your Christmas wrapping...speaking of which...

Tuesday, December 25

Today is a federal holiday, and all state, county and local government offices are closed today. No LANTA bus service today either.

Have a very

Merry Christmas!

We leave you to the gifts and your egg nog with a little bit of  musical food for thought...

a slightly unconventional classic Christmas tune that somehow seems very "Easton",

not to mention, it's one of our favorites...

We're pretty sure Santa Claus would approve.

Wednesday, December 26

Nazareth Area Society of Model Engineers Holiday Train Show: 1 to 5 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring a small step stool for their children to help them see more of the layouts. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for children. 212 Main St., Stockertown. nasme.tripod.com

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Free! La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610 515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Country Dancing: Starts 7 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court (just off Centre Square). 610-392-9710 or www.RivalsEaston.com

Thursday, December 27

Nazareth Area Society of Model Engineers Holiday Train Show: 7 to 9 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring a small step stool for their children to help them see more of the layouts. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for children. 212 Main St., Stockertown. nasme.tripod.com

Digital Getdown, DJ Reliq: Live music at 9 p.m., DJ from 11 p.m. to closing. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court (just off Centre Square). 610-392-9710 or www.RivalsEaston.com

Siska, Young & Cumings: 8 to 11 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Bring (or wear) Your Own Vinyl night: 8 p.m. to midnight. DJs Ernie and/or Will. Black & Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or www.blackandblueeaston.com

Quimby Mountain Band: 9 p.m. to midnight. Funk, blues, southern rock, reggae and soul with a jam-like flare. Two Rivers Brewing Company, South Sixth and Northampton streets. 610-829-1311

Sage: 9:30 p.m. Pearly Bakers, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

"This Week in Easton" lists what's happening during the weekdays, from special events to who's playing to government meetings, all in one handy place. Not just in the City of Easton, but for the entire greater Easton area...Published every Monday morning!

Is there a community or entertainment event you'd like to see here? Are you organizing something you'd like to have posted? Did we miss something? Email us!

Weekend Guide, November 30 to December 2

It's only just begun, but the holiday festivities are in full swing! There's something for everyone this weekend, even those with four legs. Don't forget too, parking is free Downtown in the city on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the year--so there is absolutely no excuse not to have a great time (and go shopping) in Easton this weekend...

 

Friday, November 30

Easton Area Public Library Holiday Book Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Many of the books are in very good condition and include a wide variety of newly published editions and old classics. Prices range from 50 cents to $1. Enter at the 5th Street entrance, lower level. 515 Church St. 610-258-2917, ext. 307

Holiday Art Exhibition and Sale: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oil paintings, oil pastels and wood sculpture including new paintings. Marta Whistler Gallery, 158-B Northampton St. 610-559-8464 or www.martawhistler.com

Line Dancing: 7 to 10:30 p.m. with a beginner lesson at 7:15 p.m. $5 for members, $6 for non-members. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com

Sarah Ayers: 7 p.m. Followed by Video DJ Fly, from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court (just off Centre Square). 610-392-9710 or www.RivalsEaston.com

The Subtle Experience: 8 p.m. Valenca, 64 Centre Square. 610-923-5142 or www.valencaonthesquare.com

Zaire: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Karaoke with Nort: 9 p.m. Rip Van Winkle's Pub, 3700 Nicholas St., Palmer Township. 610-258-8873

The Barrel House Brothers: 10 p.m. Old timey jazz. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Billy Bauer Band: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

DJ Mike: 10 p.m.Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Saturday, December 1

Breakfast with Santa: 9 a.m. to noon. Santa arrives at 9 a.m.! Tickets are $6, $4 for ages 6 to 12, and those under 6 are free. Christ United Methodist Church, Berwick and Seitz streets.

27th Annual International Allbreed and Household Pet Cat Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 cats representing more than 50 breeds recognized by the TICA from as far as Texas, Ohio and Canada will compete for regional and international awards. Vendors on hand to help with your pets Christmas shopping. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and seniors over 60. Please bring a can of cat food to donate to the local shelter for $1 off admission. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 484-554-6621 or www.christmascitycatclub.com

Pennsylvania Water Rescue Christmas Tree Fundraiser Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds go towards supporting local emergency rescue services. 444 N. 13th St. www.pawaterrescue.org

Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book signing and meet & greet with Marissa McClellan, author of "Foods in Jars." Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. 610-253-4432 or www.nurturenaturecenter.org

Forgotten Felines Cat and Kitten Adoptions: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Petsmart, 3794 Easton-Nazareth Highway, Easton (Lower Nazareth). 610-737-4057

Easton Area Public Library Holiday Book Sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half price day! Many of the books are in very good condition and include a wide variety of newly published editions and old classics. Enter at the 5th Street entrance, lower level. 515 Church St. 610-258-2917, ext. 307

Holiday Art Exhibition and Sale: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oil paintings, oil pastels and wood sculpture including new paintings. Marta Whistler Gallery, 158-B Northampton St. 610-559-8464 or www.martawhistler.com

"We Believe" Campaign Meet and Greet: Noon to 3 p.m. Adopt or foster a special needs animal. Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton (Williams Township). 610-252-7722

Pet Photos with Santa: 1 to 4 p.m. A 5x7 photo printed on-site of your pet with the real Santa A. Claus and Mrs. Clause, by  Elaine Zelker Photography. Additional copies may be ordered. All types of pets welcome. $15. Proceeds benefit Easton Main Street. Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel, 140 Northampton St. 610-330-9940

"Campfire and Hearthside - A Civil War Christmas": 2 p.m. Traces the five years of the war through the Christmas season, along with popular Christmas traditions of the era using sacred and secular music of the time and original letters and diary entries of Union and Confederate soldiers and the women they left behind. Admission is $10, $5 for children 6 to 12, ages 5 and under are free. The Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St. 610-253-1222 www.sigalmuseum.org

"Wonderland" Opening Reception: 4 to 7 p.m. A holiday collection of handmade gifts, art, and curiosities. Mercantile Home, 140 Northampton St. 610-258-4046 or www.mercantilehome.com

Holiday Season Choir Concert: 8 p.m. Lafayette Concert Choir and Chamber Singers perform holiday sounds, including favorites, classical, and contemporary. Free, tickets required. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 317 Hamilton St. 610-330-5009 or www.lafayette.edu

George Kilby Jr.: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

DJ Fly & DJ Mo Rada:  8 p.m., DJ Fly, DJ Mo Rada from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehn's Court (just off Centre Square). 610-392-9710 or www.RivalsEaston.com

Robbie and Ronnie: 9 p.m.Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Rocco John: 9 p.m. to midnight. The Lafayette Bar, 11 North 4th Street 610-252-0711
or www.lafayettebarjazz.com

Jordan White: 9 p.m. The Pickled Egg, 2049 Northampton St., Wilson Borough. 610-258-1576

Christopher Dean Blues Band: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Free Range Folk: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

 

Sunday, December 2

27th Annual International Allbreed and Household Pet Cat Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 cats representing more than 50 breeds recognized by the TICA from as far as Texas, Ohio and Canada will compete for regional and international awards. Vendors on hand to help with your pets Christmas shopping. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and seniors over 60. Bring a can of cat food to donate to the local shelter for $1 off admission. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 484-554-6621 or www.christmascitycatclub.com

Pennsylvania Water Rescue Christmas Tree Fundraiser Sale: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds go towards supporting local emergency rescue services. 444 N. 13th St. www.pawaterrescue.org

Holiday Portrait Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 5th annual campaign of Cancer Angels Peru, which has been collecting toys and money to provide children at INEN in Lima as a special surprise for Christmas. These children are often abandoned, as their parents cannot pay for their treatment, and they are completely left alone during the hard time of going through chemo and treatments. Donations are $5, $10 and $25. 7 North Third St.

Holiday Art Exhibition and Sale: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oil paintings, oil pastels and wood sculpture including new paintings. Today is the last day of the sale! Marta Whistler Gallery, 158-B Northampton St. 610-559-8464 or www.martawhistler.com

"We Believe" Campaign Meet and Greet: Noon to 3 p.m. Adopt or foster a special needs animal. Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton (Williams Township). 610-252-7722

A Concert for Christmas: 3 to 4 p.m. Christmas music by the Easton Musical Arts Chorus. Admission is $6 per person. St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 3900 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer Township. 610-759-8638

BC Combo: 5 p.m. Bella Luna, 3417 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-7458

Forks Township Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. Related community events run from 6 to 8 p.m., including the arrival of Santa Claus, an appearance by Ferrous, mascot of the Iron Pigs, and tours of the Historical Society's log cabin, plus music performances by local students. The event is free, but those who attend are asked to bring a donation of peanut butter, jelly (plastic jars only please) or canned soup to support ProJeCt of Easton's food pantry. Sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Forks Township, National Penn Bank and Merchant’s Bank Forks Township Community Center, 500 Zucksville Road. For more details, click here.

Open Mic Hosted by Jim Stocker: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Easton's most comprehensive guide to what's happening over the weekend, in the city and beyond, is published every Friday.

Are you planning an event? Did we miss something? Let us know! Email us.

Free Parking Approved for the Holiday Season

By Christina Georgiou

While the rates for metered parking may rise for 2013, most holiday shoppers won't have to pay anything at all to park in Downtown Easton on weekend during the holiday season.

Easton City Council members unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday evening that calls for meters to be bagged on Black Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays thereafter through December.

"We don't actually need Sundays since we don't charge on Sundays," Councilwoman El Warner pointed out.

"We could have an ordinance that provides for Sunday parking before the end of the year," said City Administrator Glenn Steckman.

"We're not going to though," Warner replied.

Downtown parking last year was also free at most locations, with ribbons and a message on the meters that stayed up for the season, but city officials say bagging designated meters is a better option.

"Last year we put ribbons on the meters and people still plugged the meters (with money) so we went to bags this year," said Mayor Sal Panto, adding, "People would see 'free' and get ticketed on weekdays."

A parking enforcement officer will be assigned the duty of bagging and unbagging the meters late on Fridays and early on Mondays.

"Volunteers were suggested, but there could be problems with that," Steckman said.

While the approved measure doesn't state specifically which metered parking areas will be gratis, officials said the areas will include all three Downtown parking lots, Northampton Street from Green Street to Sixth Street and streetside metered parking from Second to Fourth streets and Spring Garden to Ferry streets. Additionally, South Third Street meters beyond Ferry Street will likely be free too.

"It's got to be fair and consistent (to Downtown shops)," Panto said. "Monarch's has been there for 100 years."

The city will likely lose some revenue on the move since no one will be putting change in the bagged devices as they have in past years despite they're being free, but the loss is worth it, Steckman said.

He added that during the period that meters are bagged, the city will also not be enforcing the posted two-hour time limits as strictly so shoppers can take their time in stores and restaurants.

"We wanted to partner with Main Street on this," Steckman said.