Days after a fire ravaged an apartment building and multiple businesses on a downtown Easton block, city residents gathered Saturday for a block party in support of those displaced.
The event drew large crowds to the area as vendors offered free food and collected donations to help residents affected by the blaze.
“It’s amazing to see how the community is coming together to support the 400-block businesses and residents,” said Jasmeet Bansal, the executive chef of Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine.
The event raised money through posted flyers featuring QR codes, with proceeds directly supporting displaced residents and shut-down businesses.
“We’re just thankful for the opportunity to attract people back, whether it be with free food or free samples, and bringing some life to the block,” he said.
Sam D’Angelo, owner of Hometown Pet Shop, said his business saw a slowdown when the street first closed; a surge of support during the block party helped.
“We saw a big upturn in traffic today,” he said. “The community really came together to offer support for those displaced by the fire.”
Northampton County councilman Jason Boulette called the fire “horrifying” and praised the Easton community’s turnout.
“It’s reassuring to see the community come together and be supportive,” Boulette said, noting local officials mobilized quickly to help the displaced. “Easton is an amazing city. It’s a very resilient community.”
Margie DeRenzis, who serves on Northampton County’s election commission, said the county is working to secure funding for mental health and human services as displaced residents navigate trauma and uncertainty.
“When we’re underfunded for people’s mental health needs, it becomes more important that we go to Harrisburg and get funded,” she said.
“Whenever something bad happens, the community is real quick to rally,” said Joe Dimeck, the special events manager for the Greater Easton Development Partnership. “Easton has a higher volunteerism rate than most places in the county, and that shows how much people care about making it a thriving community.”
Dimeck estimated 70 to 80 people were affected by the fire. At least 40 residents are still displaced, and several businesses remain closed.