ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Several businesses in the Ithaca Commons are providing deals for local educators in light of the Ithaca Loves Teachers Festival. Downtown Ithaca Alliance officially launched the 2-week long festival starting Friday.  

The community-wide event provides discounted lodging, dining, and other activities to all public school teachers, school district employees/staff, teachers union retirees, homeschool teachers, and childcare workers. Operations Director of Luna’s Inspired Street Food Erick Barnes was happy to get involved with supporting local educators.  

“We love to help any organization in the community that helps the community as a whole,” Barnes said. “Teachers are an integral part of the community so we want to make sure we give back as often as we can.”  

Luna’s is providing deals at both of their locations, including free entrees and a variety of discounted menu items. Barnes feels this shows how the festival is a great way to give back and support local teachers.  

“Giving is always a good feeling no matter what,” Barnes said. “Feels great to be part of anything positive and helpful.”  

The Cornell Store on the Ithaca Commons is another business participating in the Ithaca Loves Teachers Festival, offering 25% off any one item in the store. Sales Associate Jessica Nardulli believes this is a great way to give local teachers some well-deserved recognition and appreciation.  

“Teachers have been going through it the past couple of years, especially with the pandemic,” Nardulli said. “They've had to work harder getting things between online and in-person and they deserve a nice little reward.”  

All the deals being offered to teachers will be available until February 28th. Information on all the deals available can be found on the Downtown Ithaca Alliance website.