Shoppers show local Latrobe businesses love at Flamingo Bingo Shop Hop Night

Being a business administration major at Westmoreland County Community College, Kaylee Dusetzina always has been a strong supporter of local businesses.

“Ever since I was younger, it’s always been about supporting local businesses,” Dusetzina said. “I’ve even tried to start my own little business. You just get to know everybody in the best way.”

She and her friends attended the August Shop Hop Night in Downtown Latrobe on Wednesday to play Flamingo Bingo.

Shoppers could visit any participating location and look for a displayed bingo letter. After they completed their bingo cards, they submitted them to the Shop Hop information table in the downtown Latrobe Parklet, at the corner of Main and Ligonier streets.

“I got to go to the historical society, and I saw how Latrobe used to be and how it was always busy downtown,” said Erik Fry, a shopper at the shop hop night. “Now we’re finally getting to that point in the community again where we have shops that are local to us, and people are around more.”

The guests were pretty in pink as they traveled from shop to shop to complete their bingo cards. Festivities started at 4 p.m. Some guests showed up early to complete their bingo cards.

Emily Pasqualino, founder of Latrobe Shop Hop Nights, was the DJ, leaning on Caribbean and reggae music to match the theme. Legend’s Caribbean Grill, a Johnstown-based restaurant, served jerk chicken and jerk pork plates in the parklet.

Twelve shops and restaurants participated, among them The Paper Heart, Rose Style Shoppe, Miley’s Lemonade Smashers and Terri’s Gourmet Sweet Treats.

“This event helps sales big time,” said Gianna Trunzo, store clerk at The Paper Heart. “Every time a new customer comes in with a (bingo) card, they say ‘Oh wow — we didn’t know this store was here.’ I think it helps new people find our shop.”

Dusetzina pointed out shops such as The Paper Heart and Green Goddess often stock new merchandise for Shop Hop events.

Ronda Goetz, owner of Rose Style Shoppe, is celebrating her store’s 91st anniversary. She has been a part of every Shop Hop Night.

“I think (the event) is more successful on a day like today when the weather is beautiful and people want to get out a little bit,” Goetz said.

Miley’s Lemonade Smashers owners, Michelle Starry and Chris Kovalcin, were serving their one-of-a-kind edible glitter lemonade with ombre colors.

“I like to come out to Latrobe and help build up the businesses and to get people to be more a part of the community,” Starry said.

“We live around here, and we enjoy going to all of the events,” Dusetzina said. “It’s really fun to go around and support our local businesses and see what might be new or what new businesses are joining. Flamingo Bingo is just a part of a bigger event that our town has every month, and it’s just fun being a part of it.”

A drawing from the submitted bingo cards will be done Thursday to name a winner of a flamingo-themed prize basket that includes two tickets to the Yellow Tie Gala, an annual yellow-themed event on Aug. 25.