It was a perfect night to party on the roof!
On Saturday, June 7, the West Chester Downtown Foundation and the West Chester Business Improvement District joined forces to hold the 12th Annual Up on the Roof fundraiser. With a glorious view of the sunset from the top of the Chestnut Street Parking Garage, party-goers danced, drank “Rooftop” martinis and savored the food offerings from downtown businesses.
“Any place in West Chester is a great place to be, but this party, up on the roof, overlooking our beautiful town, under the moon, is absolutely the best,” Mayor Carolyn Comitta exclaimed. “All these wonderful people, great music, great food, everybody coming together to have fun. It’s the best party.”
After enjoying a 1492 American Pale Ale from West Chester’s own Boxcar Brewing, we ran into Bill and Debbie Friedmann, owners of Blue Dog Printing and Design, one the many sponsors of the event, who were dressed perfectly (note: Bill’s shirt matched the theme of the evening). They both gave a big thumbs up to the martinis, so we headed over to sample them ourselves.
I decided to try the Rooftop martini, made with vanilla vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice and orange juice. This was a great mix, with a citrus taste and slight coconut finish. Their second martini choice was the Whirlaway, with raspberry vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice. What made the beverage selection even better? Mas Mexicali Cantina was on-site serving their flavor-packed margaritas.
The food selection was stellar too. Doc Magrogan’s offered its famous oysters under one tent. A nearby buffet table was set up with tempting small bites for every taste: bruschetta, buffalo chicken egg rolls, soft pretzel sticks and more supplied by local restaurants including Carlino’s, Ram’s Head Bar, Side Bar and Philly Pretzel Company.
Later in the night, a buffet provided by Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers included a colorful salad, succulent stuffed pork loin, bow tie pasta and chicken. Tally Ho Coffee had a table set up with its fresh-roasted coffees, which were flanked on both side by the dessert tables. David Yori of Yori’s Bakery offered cannolis and mini cupcakes, while Cakes and Candies by Maryellen displayed a tower of its popular mini cupcakes. D’Ascenzo’s Gelato was also on the scene offering cool treats.
“The weather was perfect, the food was fabulous,” Executive Director of the BID Malcolm Johnstone said with a smile. “The music is great, but the people really make the event. We probably have more people than ever before; the event sold out. A true success for West Chester.”
The Blue Sky Band performed throughout the night, entertaining the crowd with covers of classic tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s, playing everything from the Allman Brothers to Bob Marley. Their stage was set against the backdrop of the fading blue sky, and they played into the night. Nearby, painter John Hannafin set up his easel and painted the glorious sunset, taking breaks to chat with art lovers.
Toward the end of the night, I caught up with Tracy Sammarone, who sits on the board of the West Chester Downtown Foundation. “The night has been perfectly amazing. We’ve had the best weather ever.” She estimated the event will raise approximately $20,000. “We sold out this past Monday; usually we still have tickets at the door. Buy your tickets early next year!”
Learn more about West Chester Downtown Foundation and the West Chester Business Improvement District.
Photo credit: Jim Breslin
