Thousands show up to downtown Pottsville during early hours of Yuengling festival
Jul. 9—POTTSVILLE — Thousands of people have gathered in the city for the Yuengling Stars and Stripes Summer Celebration, a daylong festival full of entertainment, vendors and other activities.
The event has drawn people from outside the region, including from Philadelphia and Bucks counties, according to Paul Capelli, a spokesman for Yuengling.
As of 12:30 p.m., crowds were most prominent along Mahantongo and South Second streets, where an assortment of vendors are set up through 5 p.m.
Capelli said the crowd is expected to grow throughout the day, peaking around 8 p.m. for the headlining performance by country star Lee Brice.
Brice will perform from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on the main stage, located near the intersection of Laurel Boulevard and Progress Avenue.
"It's going to be a fantastic day," said Debbie Yuengling, a sixth-generation co-owner of the brewery. "The weather's beautiful, everyone's excited. ... We're excited to be able to do this for our hometown, for our fans and to be able to give back."
The Boys Upstairs, a Pottsville-based rock band, is currently performing onstage just outside the brewery. The band has blazed through a diverse set list of covers from artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Led Zeppelin, 4 Non Blondes and The Beatles.
After The Boys Upstairs, local '80s tribute band Sapphire will play on the brewery stage from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Food trucks and vendors will be set up along Progress Avenue from noon through 9:30 p.m.
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
