Photos: Scenes from the 2021 Philadelphia Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Last night was one of the first big events the City (in person) has held since the pandemic. With socially distancing in mind, the City closed streets on the north side of City Hall, so folks could spread out as they choose. AND IT WAS FABULOUS. I’ve experienced the tree lighting for many years, in City Hall Courtyard, at Love Park, on the West side of City Hall and now a few times on the North side, always kinda tight because the lighting of the tree is like watching fireworks but you can be close. The production was great, this year they had a sponsor, friends section to the left of the staging area, and Philadelphians still had the best viewing spot in front of the stage, spread out along the street, and at the elevated MSB plaza.

The MSB area was sponsor village, where guests enjoyed giveaways from generous sponsors, including Boston Market, (they had a cool photo booth) Wawa (I had a few too many cookies) , Primark had a spin the wheel where guests could win pens, stickers, ear buds or a tote bag, HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD gave out kisses,

NRG gave out really cute lit Santa hats *BTW the holiday tree is powered by NRG., aren’t those hats cute?

The folks behind the scenes – Brenda Goldsmith, hands on producer of Philly Holidays, as well as so many parades and activations in the country, Sheila Hess, City Representative who’s office produced the tree lighting and Michael DelBene, President & Chief Executive of Wawa Welcome America and Philly Holidays. 2nd photo Robert Nonemacker, City Reps Office, Events and Special Projects Manager

Brandon Mandia, Christie Mandia, Director of Marketing & Special Projects for Boston Market, and Jackie Koller, Chatterblast

Thanks to CBSPhilly for our media partnership for over 4 years now. I couldn’t have made it through the pandemic without them, helping me spread the word on the good news of Philly.

Cashman & Associates helping out Primark

**Kevin Lessard,** *Communications* Director at the City of Philadelphia,, and Michael Newmuis, Visit Philly, Chief of Staff – Visit Philadelphia

Then on Saturday December 4, 2021: It’s the

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade is perfect event for all Philadelphians looking for some holiday cheer! This inclusive parade will feature floats representing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas, with performances by local marching bands, cold air balloons of your favorite holiday characters, and much more. The parade starts in Old City at 2nd and Market, and goes towards City Hall. Any spot is a great spot to watch from, but definite stop by Primark, do some early shopping, enjoy music spinning by DJ, and take a chance on winning gift cards for shopping at Primark. Look out for the Boston Market Unity Float, and for moi as I will be giving out $5 off Boston Market coupons for use in their stores in our area. Give me a shout out and I’ll take your photo and you might see if here, or in my column at CBSPhilly.

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InBox: Grab A Pen EVENTS are Back: Spring Arts, AOX Derby Party, Dori at Boyds, Mom Fun, Photo Shoot Giveaway!!

April 28, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

And we’re back, and by back I mean Philly Chit Chat is getting booked up like crazy to photograph events, openings, re openings, garden parties and restaurant launches. HIRE US TO SHOOT YOUR EVENT, and we’ll put the photos in the press. Either Talya Hailey, Andre Flewellen or I will be happy to shoot your event INFO HERE. We are so excited to be back and see your smiling eyes. You know what else is back, the Fountain at Franklin Square.

Create and Purchase Unique Mother’s Day Gifts by Dori Desautel Broudy

Note from Dori: On Saturday, May 1st, please join Dori at the @suburbansquare location of Boyds in #Ardmore from 12-2PM, as we create one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day cards for mamas everywhere.

Registration information will be available through Boyds’ Ardmore location.

MAY 1, 2021: We gladly invite you to a new refreshing experience . This is an eclectic engagement curated by Jrdn Aris , Timmo Russ & Nate Rogers . This vibe is sponsored by Makers Mark bourbon whiskey. Doors open at 1pm. Table Seating starts at 230pm and Doors will be closed by 4pm . There is very limited standing room , table reservations are required and based on CD regulations 80% of the events attendees must be seated . TICKETS
CONTACT JS FOR TABLE RESERVATIONS : 404-909-4640 Dress-code requirements are highly encouraged to appear in Kentucky Derby styled fashion. Ladies get your cocktail dresses & sunhats ready ! Fellas prepare your dinner jacket and wild patterned bowties:) Catered Kentucky Derby Menu by Eatable Delights.

(So excited to be attending and shooting this event. Bring your smile, and wear your fancy Derby duds.)

**Location 215 Presents Spring Arts Pop-up**

MAY 2, 2021: Kicking off Philadelphia’s long awaited spring season, Location 215 (990 Spring Garden Street) is hosting a “spring garden” artist market on May 2nd, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring a line up of owner Jen Blauvelt’s favorite local creatives, the space will house a unique pop-up shopping experience in addition to a designer showcase. For more information go to https://www.location215philly.com/ Get event updates by following @location215 along on Instagram, and Facebook, and share the event virtually by using the hashtag #SpringIntoLocation215.

InBOX: Philadelphia, PA – FCM Hospitality announces the 2021 opening for The Garden at Cherry Street Pier featuring stunning waterfront views, beer garden vibes, seasonal summer sips and local fare. The outdoor oasis is a stunning open-air eatery with 20,000 square feet of space featuring 250 covered shaded seats, floor to ceiling trees, blooming flowers, lush greenery, wooden picnic benches, modern art, urban design – and of course, amazing day and night views of the sunning Benjamin Franklin Bridge. For food, look for a menu of casual bites including sandwiches, salads, dips, snacks – as well as pastries and breads from the famous Lost Bread Co. For beverages, look for all of your favorite summer sips and seasonal selections, including beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Notable selections include beer created at FCM Hospitality’s Craft Hall by Mainstay Independent Brewing and also Philadelphia’s first black-owned brewery Two Locals Brewing Company. Hours to start are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Fridays from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Saturdays, from Noon 12:00pm to 11:00pm, and Sundays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. Reservations are required for days of operation, with walk-in reservations welcome when space permits. Reservations and menus are now available on the website at cherrystreetgarden.com and on Resy. Follow @CherryStGarden on Instagram and Facebook for season updates.

Here’s another fun thing to do for Mother’s Day with your mom, Prime Rib will be hosting an interactive Floral Making Class in celebration of Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 8th

Brunch Floral Making Class at Prime Rib
Presented by Petals Lane
ALL AGES

In celebration of Mother’s Day, The Prime Rib at Live! Casino & Hotel will be hosting an interactive floral making class on Saturday, May 8^th from 12-3 p.m. Guests will be guided through the arrangement in partnership with local florist, Petals Lane, while enjoying a specially curated Prime Rib brunch menu and signature cocktails.

Adult guests can enjoy a cocktail, appetizer, entrée and dessert from the following delicious items:

Cocktails: Pear Tree Bellini, Sunday Surprise
Appetizer Trio: Lump Crab Deviled egg, Shrimp Cocktail & Avocado Toast
Entrees: Spring Vegetable Salad, Crab Cake Benedict & Ciabatta French toast
Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

Kids 12 and under can join in on the fun with a special easily arranged display and a 4 oz. Prime Burger with Hand Cut Fries.

Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite and are $150 for adults and $50 children 12 and under. Photos can be found here. I’d love for you to consider this for any Mother’s Day event round ups you may be working on. Happy to answer any questions or provide more information.

InBox: Philadelphia, PA (March 23, 2021) – East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) is hosting “Garden Days”, a new verdant three-week themed series of events with a tie-in to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s (PHS) Bloom Philly! celebration ahead of the Philadelphia Flower Show at nearby FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Garden Days begins on Saturday, May 8 and runs through Memorial Day Monday, May 31. Matching up with the theme of “Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece”, East Passyunk Avenue’s independently owned shops, restaurants, and bars will showcase direct and thematic connections to the positive impact that plants and gardening have on our communities and lived environment. In addition, EPABID will present a number of socially distanced interactive opportunities over the course of the campaign.

“Spring is the perfect time to safely celebrate everything in bloom, and we’re excited to have East Passyunk Avenue be part of PHS’ Bloom Philly! campaign, calling attention to pollinators, landscapes, and ecosystems,” said EPABID Executive Director Adam Leiter. “We’re looking forward to seeing great verdant visuals, and having the public enjoy fun and informative events along with all the delicious flavors that the Avenue is known for.”

MOTHERS DAY PHOTOS SHOOT GIVEAWAY

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A post shared by Philadelphia Photographer (@hailey_photography)

Head to Instagram: Here are the rules! You must follow @hailey_photography and @juliakicksass, tag three mamas, repost in your story, and post “done” under this post so we know! Drawings will be on Mother’s Day May 9th at 10am. Winners will be DM’ed and must respond within 30 minutes or another winner will be selected.

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Tuesday – #SaveTheDatePHL – Events You Might Want to Attend

March 26, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

So often when I post events I shoot, people tell me they wish they knew about such and such event beforehand. And even though I constantly promote most events on social media, we all know there’s a crush of info out there, as well as the algorithms that screw up the timelines. So I started something earlier this year where I compile a list of events that i think you might want to attend. I thought it would be clever to post it on Tuesday, like “To Do Tuesday”, and in the meantime you can also click on the hashtag #SaveTheDatePHL on Twitter, FB or Instagram and check out events there as well.

Philadelphia is so lucky to have a vibrant theater scene. To keep up with what’s happening in the Philadelphia theater scene bookmark this SITE.

Philadelphia Theatre Company Presents How to Catch Creation @ Suzanne Roberts Theatre -3/22/19 According to their website “this bold, imaginative play dissects the universal act of creation – creation of life, of family, of art – to inspire the dreamers and idealists in us all.” The show runs March 22 to April 14, 2019 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad Street. Tickets are available starting at $10 at philadelphiatheatrecompany.org or by calling (215) 985-0420.

**I know Thursday 3/28/19 is the Phillies Home Opener, and the dawn of a new season of Philly baseball, but it’s also the day author** **Sherry Knowlton** **will be making an appearance at** **Shakespeare & Co** reading her and signing her new book “Dead of Winter.”

Join Sherry at Shakespeare & Co. in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a book reading and signing event in celebration of her newest novel in the Alexa Williams suspense series, *Dead of Winter*. Free tickets to the event can be claimed here

The Party – Don’t Take Your Organs With You!!

This Friday March 29, 2019 at The Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia
This annual event is an evening of celebration, dancing,and tasting the best from our region’s top restaurants and vendors. The money raised at this event funds public education programs to increase awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donors in our region, especially among young people and in the clergy and multicultural communities.

I really love this party, it’s laid back, fun, great music, fun people and lots of dancing oh and did I mention the dessert table – all for a noble cause. This is one of my choices where if you only attend one or two events a year, this is a must do. INFO

“Joy and Pain” Saturday March 30, 2019
The stage is set and the lineup is in place to spark 80’s & 90’s throwback themed nostalgia in the heart of Springfield Delaware County for one unforgettable night. From the producers who brought you the area’s biggest Old Skool and Freestyle Events over the past 15 years, Flight Entertainment is bringing back their second installment of KETEL ONE VODKA’S WOW THAT’S OLD SKOOL PARTY with Rob Base, Cynthia, Johnny O and a special appearance by everyone’s favorite Delco’s Aunt Mary Pat. INFO & Tickets Here

Woof Definitely One of the Most Heartwarming Events of the Year. Reuniting Dog and the Soldiers they bonded with overseas.

No Dog Gets Left Behind provides financial support to reunite military personnel with the stray animals they found and bonded with while at war – a $5,000-per-dog expenditure that includes vaccines, medical treatment, transportation and more. While the financial investment is high, the relief, comfort and joy this program provides soldiers is immeasurable. To date we have funded over 60+ soldier/dog reunions. TICKETS HERE

Philadelphia

Launch Party Photos: Philly Happening Is Happening

July 28, 2015 by HughE Dillon

The website Philly Happening has been around for a year, but I don’t think anyone heard, I never did. In the past few months Nicole Michalik came on board and the site began to take a hold as the go to place to find out what’s going on in the City as well as a place to read in depth news on Philly Happenings. Recently they held their luanch/award party to honoree Philadelphian’s. The event was held at the new subterranean bar Ubahn on the 1300 block of Chestnut Street.

Marisa Magnatta, Justin Pizzi, Joe McCollum, Nik the Web Chick and Diana Quattrone, the latter two are the editors of Philly Happening. The “Launch Party” also acknowledge some of Philly’s Phinest by handing out best of Philly certificates which were based on fan voting.

Octavia Latuisor, Elina Shaterncova and Ursula Augistine

Donald Carter, Doug Freshness and Ruth Wessberg

Philly
Happening is Philadelphia’s premier digital magazine. We
share valuable insights about dining, culture, shopping, entertainment
and events. The Philly Happening team is dedicated to keeping you in the
know about everything happening in Philly! – See more at:
http://philly.happeningmag.com/about-philly-happening#sthash.YRsgcnCb.dpuf

Philly Happening is Philadelphia’s premier digital magazine. We share valuable insights about dining, culture, shopping, entertainment and events. The Philly Happening team is dedicated to keeping you in the know about everything happening in Philly!

Enjoy bug #yoga, #AntMan tribute and more at #BugFest http://philly.happeningmag.com/bug-fest-features-bug-yoga-antman-tribute-fun-family … @AcadNatSci #bugs #insects #fun #Philly

Billy Creagh, Sumo Steaks (just voted Best Cheesesteaks by Philly.com) and Samantha Shorette

WOGL Morning Vixon Valerie Knight husband, Frank Sestito DJ from the famed Second Story club, which was located right up the street at 12th and Walnut.

The placed was packed with well wishers

Philly Happening isn’t just limited to us, they’re are franchises in all the big cities in the USA for your traveling needs.

Cindy Brown, Core Fitness and Perry Ohearn, Best Trainer – Philly Phitness

Christine Briganti and Michelle Jennings – The Girlfriends – Music Band

Penny Ordway is one of the city’s leading green pioneers – and owner of green designed and operated spa – Eviama in Midtown Village, Kory Aversa, of Aversa Pr and Kayli Moran, co-hostess of Diner en Blanc