Safe Events Are ‘Critical’ For Bloomfield Businesses Amid COVID

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The coronavirus has changed the way businesses operate in Bloomfield. But that doesn’t mean a good time is out of reach, too.

As part of an ongoing effort to help the local business community during the COVID-19 crisis, the Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA) has been hosting a series of summer-themed events with food, music and other entertainment.

According to the BCA, some festivities have included:

• Cruise Nights on Broad Street (Wednesdays evenings thru July) - "Classic cars and cool tunes are on hand Wednesday nights through the end of July on the first block of Broad Street from 6 to 9 p.m."
• Dinner Under the Stars (Fridays evenings thru the end of October) - "Bloomfield Center's extremely popular al fresco dining series, enjoy food from are restaurants and listen to live music from local artists in the heart of Bloomfield Center on Washington Street (between Glenwood Avenue and Farrand Street). Schedule: Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m., July 3 to Sept. 25.
• Bloomfield Center Restaurant Week . . .with a Twist (July 13 to July 19) – "A dozen downtown restaurants are offering special meals and great discounts during a week of virtual programming and streaming performances from local artists. Choose to dine outdoors at any of the participating restaurants or get your food to go and enjoy the array of programming lined up any given evening from home. For information and to sign up, visit www.BloomfieldCenterRestaurantWeek.com."

All of the events are being held with public safety in mind, the BCA stated. The new normal includes signs about face masks and social distancing, as well as regular sanitization and disinfecting efforts.

Despite the challenges in planning and hosting events in such a difficult environment, it’s important to keep promoting the downtown area and its business community, according to BCA Executive Director Ollyn Lettman.

“Moving forward with these outdoor events, in a safe and responsible manner, is critical in providing local residents and out of town visitors the opportunity to experience the people and places in our downtown,” Lettman said.

“Hosting these events sends the message that despite the difficulties we are all experiencing, Bloomfield Center and the people that live, work, and invest here remain undeterred and determined to survive and thrive,” Lettman added.

• See related article: Dinner And A Show In Bloomfield: 'Music At The Mansion'

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