In two weeks, Lawrenceville's many lovers will recommit to each other and to the 10th Ward in a mass vow-renewal ceremony. The event is the latest edition of
Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.’s PopUp! Pittsburgh series, this year titled, "We Do (Take Two), -- An Upper Lawrenceville Love Story."
If the event sounds a bit strange, that's the point, says Danielle Tyson of LPI. Part of a leadership development class, the event is intended to draw in residents from various parts of the city in order to highlight Upper Lawrenceville's unique character.
Activities will include a performance by the neighborhood's own Slim Forsyth and his New Payday Loners, providing music from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; a premier of a documentary highlighting Upper Lawrenceville; and games, and food and drink donated by Upper Lawrenceville restaurants. And like many a Pittsburgh wedding, the event will make an attempt at Pittsburgh's Largest Cookie Table, with attendees encouraged to bring a dozen or so to add to the count.
The mass vow renewal will begin at 2:30 p.m., on May 19th, and will be conducted by State Senator Jim Ferlo. You can register ahead of time at
www.popuppittsburgh.com.
This year’s event was created following a series of brainstorming sessions conducted by the
LUMA Institute, and a period where participants immersed themselves in the neighborhood, getting to know its residents’ stories and the neighborhood’s nuances.
Tyson says PopUp! Pittsburgh allows off-the-radar places to gain wider exposure through these large group events.
"We look at communities who are kind of on the cusp...that have potential," she says.
PopUp! Pittsburgh is now in its fourth year. Past events have included Pop Up! Uptown, Up on the Hilltop, and Pop Up! Spineview.
Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Danielle Tyson