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🌱 Patch AM: How much are Harrisburg’s indie stages really worth to our economy?

Make time for Valencia Wonderland: A Holiday Music Experience on the Harrisburg Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Cheers Harrisburg! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much are Harrisburg’s indie stages really worth to our economy?
  • What new mushroom dishes are debuting at Harrisburg’s 2026 Farm Show?
  • When will jets roar over Harrisburg International Airport again?

Also on today's calendar: Valencia Wonderland: A Holiday Music Experience and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 44 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Friday: A couple of morning showers, temps: high: 54, low: 24.
  • Saturday: Some sun, then clouds; colder, with a high of 38 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Harrisburg's independent venues generate $74M economic impact (cpbj.com) — Independent music and performance venues in the Harrisburg area generated more than $74 million in economic activity in 2024, according to a new “State of Live” report. The study shows these stages support 561 jobs and millions in wages and taxes, but also warns that only a small share are profitable, underscoring pressure on the city’s cultural scene and tourism economy.
   

2. Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania will introduce 2 new menu items at 2026 PA Farm Show (fox43.com) — Harrisburg food lovers can look forward to two new mushroom-based breakfast items at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show’s Food Court: a Mushroom Breakfast Burrito and Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee. The Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania booth at the Farm Show Complex will also bring back popular favorites like stuffed Baby Bellas, a blended mushroom burger, and the classic breaded mushrooms.
   

3. Here's when the Thunderbirds will headline air show in central Pa. (pennlive.com) — Harrisburg-area aviation fans can look forward to the Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the PA Air Show at Harrisburg International Airport July 10–11, 2027. Before that, the Navy Blue Angels return May 23–24, 2026, with precision flying demonstrations and special performances marking America’s 250th anniversary and the team’s 80th year.
   

4. New Exhibit at State Museum celebrates America's 250th anniversary (abc27.com) — A new exhibit at the State Museum in Harrisburg explores how Pennsylvanians experienced and later commemorated the American Revolution, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary. With more than 140 artifacts, including George Washington’s hair and a famed Betsy Ross painting, it’s on display through August 2, 2026, alongside a companion display by a Harrisburg railroad worker-artist.
   

5. Porch pirates sail the high seas during the holidays (abc27.com) — Residents in Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood are seeing a spike in porch package thefts this holiday season, with one woman losing three deliveries since moving to 2nd and Kelker streets. She’s using cameras and a parcel box, but says delivery drivers often ignore instructions. Police urge anyone hit by “porch pirates” in Harrisburg or nearby towns to file a report.
   

📸 Around Harrisburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Harrisburg

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📣 Harrisburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Juniper Village at Mount Joy Hosts Festive "Dessert with Santa" Celebration —Sofia Fiorita Read on Patch
  • Lawmakers and Advocates Call on Pennsylvania to take a lead in Legionnaires' Disease prevention —Travis Akin Read on Patch
  • Just had to give an unsolicited, well-deserved, shout out to Folk & Garber HVAC Mechanical Contractors of Hummelstown, who saved the day recently.
    I am fortunate enough to live in a charming, little vintage home, that had a not-so-charming vintage furnace/AC system—“had” being the operative word… (Nextdoor Progress Ave)
  • Good morning.
    We are looking for recommendations for a good old-fashioned common-sense vet or clinic that is not in the business of upselling including any… (Nextdoor Progress)
  • Officials are currently investigating the cause of a house fire in Cumberland County.... (X: CBS21NEWS)
  • The PAPUC will hold a Public Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, at 10 AM in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg... (X: PA_PUC)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Part time float cleaning evening in Harrisburg. Apply here.
  • Central Dauphin School District posted a job opening for 2nd Shift Custodian - Projects- MULTIPLE OPENINGS in Harrisburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisburg here.

Ok Harrisburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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