The end of September is a big time for Philly AIDS Thrift with the return of the venue’s Fall Fest and Block Party.
The 18th annual iteration of the event will take place on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge and Monroe streets) on Saturday, Sept. 30, and will feature a different array of free and family-friendly events.
From noon to 6 p.m., Philadelphians can expect a celebrity dunk tank, moonbounce, games, face painting, food trucks, carnival games, magicians, shopping, a pie eating contest, dozens of craft vendors, and more. DJ Robert Drake, a Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN, will also be on-site spinning tunes for the event.
“We are so excited for our annual outdoor block party for 2023,” said Philly AIDS Thrift’s Co-Founder/Executive Director Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou in a statement.
“Whether it’s to listen to great music, watch people shove pie into their faces as fast as humanly possible, dare to Double Dutch, or simply dance in the middle of the street, everyone who stops by helps us raise even more money for local HIV/AIDS service organizations.”
The day of activities will also feature live performances by Rockers Galore, Sug Daniels, Tony & the Kik plus that Double Dutch meet-up—and anyone can join in on the latter.
As mentioned before, Philly AIDS Thrift will also be hosting its 4th Annual Pie Eating Contest, in partnership with MANNA, emceed by CBS 3’s Jim Donovan (and limited spots are still open to compete, so those who are interested can head out the venue’s official site to sign up.)
And as a release states, joining the block party in its Celebrity Dunk Tank is Philly’s very own, ‘The Chicken Man’ Alex Tominsky. Tominsky ate 40 rotisserie chickens in 40 days, becoming a local Philly celebrity by completing his mission in an abandoned pier in South Philly, with hundreds of followers gathered to watch and cheer him on to victory. Stefanie Jolles from Philly’s Premier Punk Rock N Roll Shop, Crash Bang Boom will also be in the tank, as will some of the staff and volunteers of Philly AIDS Thrift.
The day will also highlight over 30 craft and vintage vendors, plus food trucks and outdoor mobile vendors (with some early sign-ups including an all-vegan choice, Algorithm and Evil Genius Beer Company.)
This day filled with family fun is ultimately able to help different HIV/Aids service organizations around the city, and during its most recent grant cycle, Philly AIDS Thrift was able to award $370,000 to 27 local organizations in 2023, including Action Wellness, Ark of Safety, Camp Dreamcatcher, Galaei, Philadelphia Black Pride, Planned Parenthood Keystone, Morris Home, SOL Collective and many others.
“We have been raising millions of dollars for 18 years. I am so proud of the bonds and relationships that we have built with our amazing shoppers, the wonderful donors, our irreplaceable volunteers, and the crucial service-providing organizations,” says Kallas-Saritsoglou. “I am simply filled with gratitude. We look forward to the years to come supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations and serving the community by selling interesting and affordable items through our fabulous thrift stores.”
The block party has been going on for nine years, with thousands of people expected during the all-day, all-ages event.
“We all have days we look forward to every year, and our Block Party is one of mine. Embracing all that makes us great, staff, volunteers, donors, but mostly community,” finishes Philly AIDS Thrift Board President Michael Byrne in a statement.
“Community supporting community while having a really great time! Don’t forget to keep a lookout for our next grant cycle which opens on Oct. 1. Thanks for supporting us for 18 years – and here’s to the next 18!”
For more information on Philly AIDS Thrift Fall Fest and Block Party, visit phillyaidsthrift.com
