From ducks to ‘Ghostbusters,’ Grandpa Joe’s always keeps Canonsburg guessing
Christopher Beers, owner and founder of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, knows how to make a splash. Remember the ducks that took over Canonsburg and made national news?
For those who may have missed the spectacle, 2,000 small ducks magically appeared overnight around Canonsburg last fall and people began scratching their heads. Just when they thought it was over, another 2,000 medium ducks appeared a few days later.
The excitement was building. Would more appear? They did. This time 600 large ducks blanketed the town. People were quacking up, wondering what was going to happen next. Then came a dozen more, only this time they were14-foot tall, appearing on rooftops throughout the borough.
Beers eventually took ownership of the publicity stunt prompting the question: Why Canonsburg? After all, Grandpa Joe’s has 19 locations across several states.
“Canonsburg is my home and so that’s what made it special for me to do it here and give back to the community,” Beers said.
He’s at it again.
More than a year since Canonsburg got ducked, Beers is ready to stir up excitement again.
The candy shop is bringing Canonsburg Ghostbusters Weekend to downtown on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
“We think this one has the potential to be just as fun for the community,” said Beers.
The Steel City Ghostbusters will descend on downtown with costumed characters, a scavenger hunt, activities throughout Canonsburg and a replica Ecto-1 car that Beers had shipped in from New York.
Local businesses will join the fun with themed offerings like cupcakes and drinks. Nineteen businesses will be participating, Beers said, adding that the event will help bring families downtown, support local merchants and attract visitors from outside the area.
Visitors will have the opportunities to pose with Ghostbuster characters and snap selfies beside the Ecto-1. The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man who ran amok in the movie will also make an appearance during the two-day event.
Scavenger hunts will add another layer of adventure.
“People will have to find the ghosts and be careful to not get slimed in the process,” Beers said.
For the little ones who may not understand the hubbub, the family friendly weekend will culminate at the Canon Theatre with a screening of the original 1984 “Ghostbusters” on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Giving back
Beers said he’s always welcomed opportunities to give back to the community and isn’t afraid to change things up.
Grandpa Joe’s regularly takes part in the Canonsburg Fourth of July parade, billed as the second-largest Independence Day parade in Pennsylvania.
“We’ve never had the same parade float two years in a row,” Beers said.
One crowd-pleaser featured a “bread, white and blue” theme, with the shop distributing 2,000 loaves of bread.
“Because we’re better than sliced bread,” Beers quips.
The parade float themes are always a secret up until the last minute, giving the crowd another reason to look to the annual event, according to Beers.
Now, he hopes Canonsburg residents and visitors will turn out in force for the upcoming “Ghostbusters” spectacle.
“I hope they’ll be excited, amazed and slightly overwhelmed,” he said. “We’ve been a part of the Canonsburg community for five years now and we’ve always done things over the top.”