Hot Fun in the Summertime

Slap on your favorite flip flops, and get out there! 

After a long, cold, COVID winter, Philly is ready to party. This month kicks off a kaleidoscope of celebrations: block parties, cook-outs, concerts, markets, festivals, fireworks… you name it, the City’s got it going on somewhere.

Between events, our parks, riverfronts and public spaces are still great places to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Perfect spots, too, for some light summery reading — such as the latest Local paper, featuring original community stories and artwork.

Ria’s sunny, spirited cover illustration sets the summer vibe….

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Philly is more than the gun violence and the homicide rate we hear about and live in. Philly is where The Roots Picnic and The Flower Show take place. With June being the halfway point of the year, we celebrate Juneteenth; the real Independence Day. We celebrate out father’s and Black music month. Also, look out for the Odunde festival, Chinese lantern festival, and tons of other events that will be taking place.  — RiaG

This month’s edition is a lively collection of stories from many different grassroots voices:

  • Advice columnist “Athena” takes off this month with her spunky sister “Artemis” subbing with extra snark
  • Author Larry Benjamin slips into character for a revealing—and hilarious! —  Q&A with a carnal character from his Lammy-nominated novel, Excellent Sons
  • Cory Clark recaps recent protests for Reproductive Rights. ⚖
  • June is Soul Food Month! EATS4BEATS gives some history & their top ten local Soul Food restaurants
  • Eleni Finkelstein blogs about food options at Citizen’s Bank Park @gingersliketoeat
  • Comic artist KAANG tags a page with a colorful musical tribute
  • Original art and local wonders from Wissahickon adventurer Martell Kelpius
  • Who’s your daddy? Quizzo by Sean P. Maguire on famous fathers.
  • Philadelphia Stories by Bob Mcnulty tells the story of one woman’s agonizing death & the shady doc who got away with it.
  • Get a snapshot of NW housing prices in the Real Estate Rundown, by realtor Josh Pagan.
  • Naturalist Dan Sardaro profiles the Baltimore Oriole. 🐦 Awbury Arboretum
  • Dr Karl Von Lichtenhollen hand picks the best reader comments for the most curious listings in Missed Connections
  • With the latest installment of comic artist Jamal Stokes’s Street Lights series, and exciting original Juneteenth art by Exhibit A
  • Did someone say Juneteenth? Our City Wide Guide features specially-selected events for a memorable (and meaningful) holiday
  • Including lively – some might say “spicy” — conversation from the partners of WHYY’s News & Information Community Exchange, led by Revive Local Paper publisher POC.

👀 Check it out here at the link or pick up a copy wherever cool people read stuff. PRO TIP: It’s more fun in print. Find The Local paper at shops, markets, libraries, waiting rooms, cafes, laundromats, universities, etc. in East Falls, Germantown and other random spots in NW Philly (and beyond). There’s also a red box outside our office at Chelten & Pulaski, where you can grab a copy 24/7.

For subscriptions or sponsorship email editor@nwlocalpaper.com (also businesses, say the word and we’re happy to drop off a stack for your customers). Readers, if your favorite spot doesn’t carry it, ask them if they can IT’S FREE!!! 🙌🆓📰

Keep an eye on Ria’s Insta, too: @captured.by.ria — she’s always posting interesting stuff: podcasts, parties, photoshoots. Stay tuned at the Local, always, for more from this multi-talented neighbor.

Thank you for supporting local art and free independent community press!

View Ria’s last cover feature HERE

About Sheria Gregory 7 Articles
Sheria Gregory is a professional photographer (the owner of Captured by Ria G) and a burgeoning illustrator. Photography is her first love. She specializes in event and wedding photography because she loves the authenticity of the candid style of shooting. She’s always viewed herself as a doodler when it comes to drawing, so illustrator is a new title for her. With two children’s books among her illustrator credits, she’s gaining momentum in that medium. She describes herself as a free-spirited creative that enjoys trying her hand at different forms of art.

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