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THROOP — When Shanty Town Design owner Samantha Nardelli and her team created the Throop Arts + Food Festival, their goal was simple: hold an accessible, city-style arts festival for a rural community.

“We wanted to bring the feel of the active arts and entertainment communities from downtown Scranton to the valley,” Nardelli said. “We created an event that features art classes, live music performances, handmade vendors, local business owners and foods, in order to expose valley residents and younger generations to what the area truly has to offer. We wanted this event to have something for everyone.”

Their inaugural effort — scheduled from Noon to 5 p.m. April 16 at Throop Civic Center, 500 Sanderson Street, Throop — is free to attend and free parking is available along Charles and George streets. Additional parking is available at Throop Little League field, with shuttle service to the event provided by Gillbride Limo.

According to Nardelli, attendees can expect a marketplace featuring home decor, bath, beauty, vintage items, fiber arts, jewelry, fine art, illustration and more. Acoustic performances from local artists like James Barrett, Young at Heart, Jimmy Reynolds and Amanda Nichole will provide a soundtrack for the day, while food from What the Fork, Triple S Gourmet, Manning’s Ice Cream, Sanderson Street Tavern, Zummo’s Cafe and Backyard Ale House will be on-hand for when it’s time to refuel.

PRIDE Squad, a cheerleading squad for individuals with disabilities, will also perform at the event. Throop resident Lori Killino started the group four years ago as a way to share a sport she enjoys coaching with the special needs community.

“Their age ranges are between 4 and 14 years old,” Killino said. “Some children started with me when the program started four years ago and at that time there were five cheerleaders. We have grown significantly over the years. Some of them just started two weeks ago.”

Each cheerleader in PRIDE Squad has a buddy to help assist and encourage them during practices and routines.

“I hope that the audience gets a sense of pride and excitement just as (cheerleader’s) families do and I do when they get an opportunity to perform,” Killino said.

PRIDE Squad is scheduled to perform from 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the festival. For more information and a complete list of vendors, food options and performances, visit ThroopFestival.com.

Throop Arts + Food Festival is the creation of Shanty Town Design Owner Samantha Nardelli and her team. The festival’s goal is to bring a city-quality arts experience to a rural community.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Throop-Photo.jpg.optimal.jpgThroop Arts + Food Festival is the creation of Shanty Town Design Owner Samantha Nardelli and her team. The festival’s goal is to bring a city-quality arts experience to a rural community. Submitted photo
The festival will feature a variety of arts vendors, food sellers and live music performances during its noon to 5 p.m. runtime.

By Gene Axton

[email protected]

Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on Twitter @TLArts