April 17 | Building Legacies that Last
Dayspring Christian Academy
Rick Rodgers of Rodgers & Associates will present this finance seminar, which will focus on generational wealth transfer. Research has found that society is about to go through the largest generational wealth transfer in history. This seminar will focus on how the earning generation can have conversations with the receiving generation about their legacy and their hopes for use of the money. 120 College Ave., Mountville. 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Information: 717-285-2000, jmartin@dayspringchristian.com or dayspringchristian.com.
April 21 | PA Family Travel Fair
Calvary Church Campus
Bring the family and explore all that PA has to offer at the first-ever PA Family Travel Fair. Exhibitors from family-friendly Pennsylvania attractions and destinations will be sharing information and goodies. There’s no pressure to buy or commit to anything. Just come and learn about all the amazing things there are to do in the Keystone State. Enjoy fun activities for the kids and delicious food from Isaac’s Deli and multiple food trucks on-site. There will also be vendor giveaways. Plus, one lucky attendee will win an awesome $2,500 family vacation in Northern Pennsylvania. 1051 Landis Valley Rd. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: pafamilytravel.com.
April 7 & April 22 | Soup for Charity
Railroad House Inn and Lancaster Creative Factory/Kevin Lehman’s Pottery
Take part in both of these SOUP-er bowl events. First, fill up your cup at the Railroad House Inn’s 3rd Annual Chowderfest (April 7), benefiting local community charities and nonprofit organizations. The day will feature many local restaurants, food trucks and catering companies. Sample approximately 15 different soups, gumbos, chowders and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, and winners in different categories will be announced. There will also be a silent auction and entertainment provided by local musicians. Keep in mind, this event sold out last year, so get your tickets early. 280 W. Front St., Marietta. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information & tickets: 717-426-4141, facebook.com/therailroadhouseinn.
At this year’s 9th Annual Empty Bowls event (April 22), being held at Lancaster Creative Factory, a number of local restaurants and soup makers will provide soup to guests in one-of-a-kind handmade bowls. (The first 400 to enter will take home a free handcrafted ceramic bowl.) Live music and glass-blowing demonstrations will entertain attendees. Proceeds will be donated to TLC/Veterans’ Victory House Lancaster. 560 S. Prince St. 4-7 p.m. Information & tickets: 717-397-0156, tlclancaster.org or facebook.com/events/204819600258507.
April 28 | Race Against Racism
Musser Park
YWCA Lancaster invites you to attend and participate in this race, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Lancaster event is the longest consecutive-running Race Against Racism in the U.S., attracting more than 3,000 participants annually. Proceeds from this exciting event support the YWCA Lancaster’s Social Justice and Advocacy programs. E. Chestnut and N. Lime streets. The certified 5K race will begin at 9 a.m. (rain/shine) Kids’ Fun Run, a free dash for kids through age 12, will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. Humanity Fest – a multicultural festival – will be held from 7-11:30 a.m. at Musser Park. To register, visit register.chronotrack.com/r/32753. Information: 717-393-1735 or ywcalancaster.org/raceagainstracism.
April 6-15 | 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
Various locations in Reading
This yearly music fest, presented by Berks Arts Council, brings jazz enthusiasts from around the world to the Greater Reading area for 10 music-packed days and unique concert experiences. Growing from year to year, this musical feast allows guests a chance to explore more than 120 scheduled jazz events. For a list of artists and schedules, visit berksjazzfest.com.
April 7 | Rails & Ales
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Hop on board and check out this annual craft beer-tasting event, consisting of various breweries, food trucks, live music and historic trains. Event proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The VIP hour will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will feature a new special brew from Mad Chef Craft Brewing Company, food and beer pairings, and more. You must be at least 21 to attend. No infants, toddlers or children allowed. A current photo ID will be required for entry. 300 Gap Rd., Strasburg. 7:30-10 p.m. Information: 717-687-8628, or railsandales.org.
April 3 | Hourglass Thomas L. Friedman Lecture
Fulton Theatre
Acceleration of change is affecting everything; this forum addresses how to keep up. Thomas Friedman will discuss his new book, Thank You For Being Late, providing a resource to challenge decision makers to blend the acceleration of change in technology, the natural environment and globalization with the imperative to respond through local decision making. He will discuss how to survive and prosper in an age of acceleration by re-imagining education, jobs and community. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture. 12 N. Prince St. 6:30 p.m. Information: 717-295-0755 or hourglassfoundation.org.
April 20-22 | Mount Bethel Cemetery’s 150th Anniversary Celebration
Various locations
The Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery will have a series of events planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cemetery’s incorporation, April 21, 1868 (even though the first-recorded burials were in 1730). Opening Ceremony will be held April 20 at 700 Locust St., Columbia, and will include a welcome by Board President Jane Moore, music by a community chorus under the direction of Chuck Williams, and the lighting of luminaries throughout the grounds (luminaries may be purchased in honor of or in memory of a loved one). Art and writing activities will take place April 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities, including stone resetting, tomb stone rubbings, a public art station that will have pen and ink drawings, painting, photography and other art activities with assistance from local artists. Guided tours of the cemetery will also be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fete en Noir will be held during the evening of April 21 at Perfect Settings (Second and Locust streets, Columbia). Guests are asked to dress in black and bring their own drinks and refreshments. Tables, chairs, plates, utensils and music will be provided. Janet Wood, owner of Regalia Costumes, and Jasmine Preston will be presenting a fashion show titled “America Mourns”. Enjoy an evening of dancing, camaraderie and entertainment. Tickets are required for Fete en Noir. Closing Ceremonies will take place April 22 at 2 p.m. at the cemetery (In case of inclement weather, the location will be moved to Columbia United Methodist Church at Fifth and Walnut streets). For information about Opening Ceremony, call 717-684-6196. For information and tickets for Fete en Noir, call 717-575-9760.
April 17-May 20 | Million Dollar Quartet
Fulton Theatre
This performance is about a historic quartet – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins – brought together by an extraordinary twist of fate in December 1956. This meeting would become one of the greatest jam sessions ever known. Based on a true story, this production brings that momentous occasion to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is poignant and funny. Hear classics such as Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Walk the Line, Great Balls of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Hound Dog, and more. 12 N. Prince St. Information: 717-397-7425 or thefulton.org
April 8 | 9th Annual Taste of the River Towns
St John’s Herr Estate
This multi-restaurant event will feature mouth-watering treats from various participating establishments located throughout the River Towns. The ticketed occasion, which is one of the chamber’s annual fundraisers, will have open seating from 4-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Susquehanna Valley Visitor’s Center (445 Linden Street, Columbia). 200 Luther Lane, Columbia. Information: 717-684-5249 or parivertowns.com.