Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri was joined by Brewery District business owners to announce that Varick Street will celebrate its new streetscaping upgrades with a party on Thursday, October 26. The party, titled “Under the Lights”, will have a light-up theme in honor of the new hanging lights suspended over the popular Brewery District.
The party will start with happy-hour specials from 4-to-7 p.m. and will continue until participating venues close. The idea was initiated by F.X. Matt Brewing Co. and the Celtic Harp and businesses including Lukins Brick Oven Pizza, Nail Creek Pub and Brewery, The Stief and O’Donnell’s Pub and Grill are all participating. It will feature live music at the Celtic Harp, drink and food specials from participating businesses and the Saranac Biergarten will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The City has concluded nearly $3 million in improvements to enhance the historic district. Some of those improvements included:
New, distinctive standing light posts.
- Decorative string lighting that hangs over the roadway.
- A new tree canopy that better matches the district and allows for better sightlines.
- Permeable pavers and rebuilt sidewalks.
The changes are designed to make the historic district more appealing, more environmentally-friendly and more unique.
Varick Street has become the hub for Utica’s nightlife, as well as the host of many significant structures and events. The Boilermaker Road Race finishes as the street begins and it hosts the Post Race Party annually. Improvements will give the street the infrastructure and look to make for a signature corridor for residents and visitors.
Thursday’s “Under the Lights” party will be the first celebration since the completion of the improvements to the corridor.
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “I can’t wait for Utica to come celebrate under the new illuminated Brewery District. This district has become a showcase for Utica’s culture. It’s critical that we provide a functional, memorable corridor that enhances all of those experiences.”
Fred Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. said: “We want people to come experience the new Brewery District and all of its remarkable improvements. We’re excited about our new Biergarten and all of the new changes that complement each other so well. I think residents will be as excited as we are about how beautiful this historic corridor is.”
Celtic Harp Owner Tom Powers said: “These new, unique street lights and string lights, make a whole new atmosphere that is perfect for a party. So, we said, let’s throw a party. The nightlife is an important part of any city, in in Utica, I think our future is just as bright as these new lights.”
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