Jeannette's Thursday night food truck events return with music at new amphitheater

Several hundred residents and visitors welcomed the return of Jeannette’s Concerts and Food Truck Thursdays, held surrounding the town’s new Elliott Group Amphitheater.

The popular events were canceled last year because of covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Despite a period of light rain, Thursday’s festivities drew a large crowd for music by area country rock band Saddle Up as well as munchies from a half-dozen food vendors lining the 400 and 500 blocks of Clay Avenue.

Adults also were able to imbibe at a sectioned-off beer garden featuring beverages from Sobel’s Obscure Brewery and Bella Terra Vineyards.

With festival seating at the amphitheater, at Clay and Fifth Street, Jeannette resident Jeff Scarcelli was sorry he forgot to bring blankets. But his eight-member party, including his wife, Paula, their four children and two young friends, were able to gather around one of several tables set up in the street.

“This is so great to be back here again,” he said. Before the food truck events went on hiatus last year, he said, “This was our Thursday night out.”

With their large group, the Scarcellis all were able to enjoy a sampling of treats from several of the food trucks, including a gyro platter.

“The blessing was that we all shared,” said Jeff Scarcelli, including a fried pretzel from Dad’s Mobile Grub. “That was the one thing that blew everything away. They were fried, not baked.”

Thursday’s concert was the second event at the amphitheater, which debuted Sunday with a performance by Jeannette Community Band.

The new performance space “brings a wonderful dimension to the city,” said Carole Babish, president of the Jeannette Business Association, which presents the downtown Thursday gatherings. “It gives a real reason for people to come in and celebrate. I think it’s going to be a big asset for our city.”

Additional Concerts and Food Truck Thursdays are scheduled for July 22 and Aug. 5 and 19.

Managed by Jeannette officials, the nearly $300,000 amphitheater was developed with funding from the Neighborhood Partnership Program and Neighborhood Assistance Program. Both programs enable local companies to donate a portion of their state taxes for use in community projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.