A ‘picnic perfect opportunity’ at Manayunk’s Pretzel Park

Today marks a new tradition at Manayunk’s Pretzel Park – a monthly concert series that coincides with First Friday events held on Main Street and across the city.

The Friends of Pretzel Park’s First Friday Concert Series runs from 6 to 8 pm and is free to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for what’s been described by event organizers as a “picnic perfect opportunity.”

Pretzel Park is situated on the corner of Cotton and Cresson streets in Manayunk, not far from Main Street’s numerous attractions.

Performing this Friday is local musician James Klueh, who was described by FOPP member Dave Bass as blending traditional Mississippi Delta blues riffs with pop-stylings.

Bass said that local civic leaders suggested Pretzel Park as an ideal site for concerts and community-building.

“For about two years,” he said, “(we) staged a few park events that turned out well and suggested the potential for a program with more events.”

The result was twofold: the Pretzel Park concert series emerged, as well as the formation of a strong park-based volunteer organization.

“I would consider the completion of the Park Concert Series a worthy achievement,” he said. “It should be very enjoyable.”

The First Friday Concert series runs through September, and is supported by FOPP, the Manayunk Neighborhood Council, and the Manayunk Development Corporation.