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    Meet Fig Contributor Erik Carrasquillo

    We are so excited to welcome local expert Erik Carrasquillo to the team as a Fig Contributor! He will be writing feature blogs for Fig Lancaster online. We recently asked Erik some questions to help us introduce him to you. Look out for his writings, reviews, and blogs here on FigLancaster.com.

     

    What do you love about your area?

    There was a time when my brother and I felt that young people didn’t want to stay in Lancaster. And perhaps that’s still partly true, but my feelings have changed over the past 10 years. There’s a lot of young entrepreneurship, especially downtown. I think that’s encouraging for a lot of people graduating from high school or college. It’s proof that something can be built here.

     

    What is your favorite local restaurant? Favorite museum, landmark, place to visit?

    It’s difficult to name definitive favorites. I have a soft spot for the Lancaster Dispensing Company because I love the proximity to Central Market. I’ve always thought Tellus360 was cool, but I’m more eager to visit it now since that’s the host venue for Lancaster Story Slam. Also, the Zoetropolis Art House and Theatre is a nice alternative to the larger cinemas in the area. They screen a lot of small films that the other places don’t even carry.

     

    Why do you like writing for Fig?

    I’ve been working as a freelance writer for a long time. I value local storytelling, be it a feature on how a local business got its start or enigmatic individuals that are often misunderstood by the public.

     

    Where can we find you on a Friday night? Or on a Saturday?

    I’d classify myself more as a homebody on Fridays and Saturdays. On the occasions that I’m active those days, it almost always involves a First Friday or catching up with an old coworker at Hunger-N-Thirst. I seem to do more during the week. On the last Tuesday of the month, it’s usually Lancaster Story Slam. On Wednesdays or Thursdays, a film at Zoetropolis followed by pizza and beer at The Fridge.

     

    What’s your dream day in your location?

    Honestly, it’d probably involve a rainy gray morning. Just me walking around Downtown Lancaster with a pocket notepad scribbling cryptic nothingness.

     

    How long have you lived in your area?

    My wife and I moved to Mountville last year, but I’ve been in or around Lancaster for over 30 years. I was born here.

     

    Who would play you in the movie version of your life?

    An older, balder, fatter version of Kit Harington.

     

    What do you feel you bring to Fig as a local expert?

    The length of time I’ve spent living here is a pretty good qualification. I’ve developed an openness to try new things whether it’s sharing a story in front of a crowd, participating in a pasta making class, or tasting mead for the very first time. I also feel that I help bring a storytelling element as a contributor, a narrative to supplement information.

     

    What’s a fun, unique talent you possess?

    I don’t know about fun or unique, but I’m a pretty good finagler. If I’m shopping and I can carry a pile of stuff without having to get a cart or basket, I’d consider that a win.