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Thousands Flock To Scranton

SCRANTON — Thousands of people have flocked to the Electric City this weekend for several events. On the first Friday of each month, businesses and galler...

SCRANTON -- Thousands of people have flocked to the Electric City this weekend for several events.

On the first Friday of each month, businesses and galleries open their doors, for Scranton's First Friday event and people come out to see street performers and art.

This Friday night, people gathered along Wyoming Avenue to watch a street performer, enjoy food from a nearby food truck and look at classic cars.

The 8th annual Scranton Jazz Festival also kicked off Friday night. The 3-day festival attracts hundreds of people.

At the University of Scranton, there is another tradition this weekend. The 30th Catholic Charismatic Conference kicked off Friday and runs through Sunday.

"The energy and the electric atmosphere and the camaraderie, you can't beat it. I look forward to it all year," said Margaret Lafiura of Brodheadsville.

"When I come here, I go back to my parish feeling rejuvenated, excited and just want to continue praising God and letting my parishioners know how great God is," said Gladys Francis who travels from Brooklyn, New York each year for the conference.

With all the events and people in town, business owners are celebrating.

"We actually have a live jazz duo playing in the store for first Friday that we got through the Jazzfest organization as well and tomorrow our salon has already booked women from the charismatic conference who will be here, but they booked last year when they were here for this year so we can make sure they can get their pedicures and hair done when they're in town, so it's great," said Jon Chernes of Lavish Body and Home.

Hotels like the Radisson in Scranton are full or nearly full thanks to all the people in town.

"I love this weekend, first Friday this weekend, Jazz Fest just a lot going on, a busy summer season, so it's fantastic we always love being busy and to see the whole busy full and to see the hotel thriving is just awesome," said Michael Kearney, general manager of the hotel.

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