SundayMarket@CambriaCity season begins

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Growing up, Chad Pysher spent his Sundays going to church, eating big family dinners and spending time with loved ones.

Those memories helped inspire the creation of SundayMarket@CambriaCity, monthly gatherings hosted by the Stella property development and event production company, co-owned by Pysher and Steven Biter. The first market of this year’s season took place Sunday on Johnstown’s Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues.

“What a wonderful day,” Pysher said.

“It was perfect in every way, a success for the vendors who all did wonderful, just to see all the people here. Families, children were enjoying themselves, enjoying the day together. When we started the Sunday markets, our vision always was creating something on a Sunday, very family- focused, very much about being with family and friends.”

Hundreds of people attended the gathering, eating, drinking, socializing and supporting the vendors.

“It was successful in a business sense, which is important for everyone, but I think the true success of this is just seeing so many people come together and truly enjoy themselves in our neighborhood,” Pysher said. “This is what Cambria City is. It’s about these moments.”

More than 20 street vendors and businesses, including Stella’s Amerigo’s Fine Grocery, Brigid’s Cross Religious and Spiritual Treasures, Cambria City Flowers and Alchemie, participated.

“The community atmosphere and the good vibe is what brought me back,” Ashlynne Berkebile, a painter and owner of AZ Oilscapes in Windber, said about returning for her third year at the market. “We talk about it like it’s a homecoming whenever we come here because all the vendors are like family. The customers come every time we have it. It’s just a nice, friendly vibe here.”

Susan Kroft, owner of The Fat Squirrel restaurant in Jennerstown, said participating in the market makes the vendors “feel like we’re part of something.”

“Steven and Chad are trying to bring this neighborhood back,” Kroft said. “They’re really trying to create a lot of really great things. When you come to this, you feel like you’re part of a neighborhood, like you’re part of a community. We love that.”

The rest of this year’s markets are scheduled to take place June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29.