February 16-19 | Lititz Fire & Ice
Lititz
Celebrating 13 years, Venture Lititz and the Lititz Lions are partnering to host this popular festival, making one of America’s “coolest small towns,” the place to be over President’s Day weekend. What began as a small-town community event has grown by leaps and bounds. Visitors come from all over to view the amazing ice sculptures. The Chili Cook-off is the “hottest” ticket in town.
The festival kicks off with a Friday Night Block Party, which will include live ice carvings and sculptures along Main and Broad streets, musical entertainment and various food trucks. On Saturday, the fun continues with the annual Chili Cook-off – where you can sample chili from 20 chefs, who will be representing 20 different nonprofits in the area. Each one will be vying for your votes to raise money for his or her organization. A Kids Carnival and Vendor Fair will also be held Saturday. Shopping, dining and viewing more than 50 ice sculptures on Sunday and Monday will wrap up the festive weekend celebrations. Information: lititzfireandice.com or facebook.com/lititzfireandice.
February 2 | A Taste of Western Lancaster Count
Elizabethtown Public Library
This 10th annual “celebration of good food and fellowship” will highlight numerous dining samples from local restaurants, food vendors, caterers and purveyors of various beverages serving the Greater Elizabethtown area. Live entertainment will be featured on two floors of the library. All proceeds will benefit the library and Elizabethtown Rotary Club service projects. Tickets may be purchased at the Elizabethtown Public Library or online at Eventbrite.com. The event is restricted to adults (ages 21 and up). 10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. 4:30-9 p.m. Information: 717-367-7467, ext. 22, or etownpubliclibrary.org.
February 8 & 25 | Wedding Events
John Wright Restaurant and Cameron Estate Inn
John Wright Restaurant wants you to find the “Wright” venue for your special day. The February 8 event will offer light refreshments and an opportunity to learn more about John Wright’s Banquet Sales Team and their preferred vendors. Event is free and open to the public. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. 6-8 p.m. Register at jwrevents.com/wedding-open-house-registration. Information: 717-252-1103, jwrevents.com or heather@jwrpa.com.
The Cameron Estate Inn Bridal Expo, being held February 25, will showcase the latest trends in weddings from the venue’s top vendors. The event will include fashions, florists, bakers, photographers, DJs, hair and make-up trends, and more. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and opportunities to win raffle prizes will be offered. Advance admission: $5, ticket includes one drink. Day-of admission: $10, ticket includes one drink. 1855 Mansion Lane, Mount Joy. 2-4 p.m. Information: 717-492-0111, cameronestateinn.com or ceiweddings@cameronestateinn.com.
February 22 | Cesar Millan
Santander Performing Arts Center
The “Dog Whisperer” is bringing his exciting live show to Central PA. Cesar, who stars on Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation on Nat Geo WILD, will share his philosophy on making the human-canine connection a healthier and happier one. He will also reveal his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and training secrets. With more than 25 years of dog experience, Cesar maintains that for a transformation to take place in a dog, the real transformation quite often needs to take place in their human companion first. Audience members will also have the opportunity to see Cesar demonstrate his training techniques with multiple dogs from local rescues. 136 N. 6th St., Reading. 7:30 p.m. Information: 610-898-7299 or santander-arena.com.
February 9-10, 14, 16-17, 23-24 | First Date
Triode Media Group Cinema Stage
PRiMA Theatre asks what would you do if you were on a blind date, and your best friend, your therapist and a slew of your broken-hearted exes appeared? This modern musical comedy, based on the book by Austin Winsberg, introduces audience members to Aaron and Casey, who meet for a casual drink and end up having a hilarious high-stakes dinner. With a riveting soundtrack, this production is sure to entertain. 631 S. Water St. Information: 717-327-5124 or primatheatre.org.
February 26-March 4 | Lancaster City Restaurant Week
Downtown Lancaster
The week-long celebration of Lancaster’s dining scene provides the perfect opportunity for you to visit your favorite eateries or discover what’s new in town. Participating restaurants offer unique specials, special pricing or prix fixe menus to diners. Information: lancastercityrestaurantweek.com.
February 9 | Wine 102
Southern End Community Association
Wine enthusiast Doreen Hershey is back to lead this class that explores the etiquette and literacy of wine. Participants will enjoy an evening of wine from around the world. Proceeds will benefit the Southern End Community Association (SECA). 299 Park Ave., Quarryville. 6 p.m. RSVP by January 31. Information: contact Carol at 717-951-8545 or cgibson1112@comcast.net.
February 23-24 | Strasburg Spring Mud Sale
Strasburg Fire Company
This event traditionally kicks off mud sale season in Lancaster County. They are so-named because you can count on getting your shoes muddy. The sales, which serve as fundraisers for local volunteer fire companies, feature antiques, furniture, quilts, crafts, garden and landscaping items, farm machinery, building supplies and just about anything else you could think of or need. Of course, food – and plenty of it – is available. Strasburg’s sale kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with craft items and continues Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., with everything but the kitchen sink (maybe that, too) going on the auction block. 203 Franklin St., Strasburg. Information: 717-687-7232 or strasburgfire.com.
February 24 | Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Dinner
Bird-in-Hand Fire Company
Dinners (and breakfasts) are another way in which local volunteer fire companies raise funds. The Bird-in-Hand Fire Company’s chicken pot pie is legendary (not to mention delicious). Made with pasture-raised chickens, its broth is enhanced with locally grown dried herbs and botanicals. The noodles are rolled throughout the day to ensure freshness. The menu also features peas, pepper cabbage, applesauce, rolls, pie, ice cream and beverages. Eat-in (10:30 a.m.-approximately 6:30 p.m.) or take-out (beginning at 9 a.m.). The company also offers delivery within a 4-mile radius (at set times). 313 Enterprise Dr., Bird-in-Hand. Information: bihfire.com.
Also this month, the East Petersburg Fire Company will be hosting its pot pie (chicken and beef) take-out event February 3 (doors open at 10 a.m.). Address is 6076 Pine St. Information: epfc23.com. And, the Paradise Fire Company will be holding its annual Amish Wedding Meal February 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Address is 5 Hershey Ave. Information: paradisefire.org.
February 11 | George Washington’s Birthday
Rock Ford Plantation
Help to celebrate America’s first president’s 286th birthday and learn about Lancaster’s connection to Washington: Rock Ford’s owner, Gen. Edward Hand, was Washington’s adjunct general and is depicted in the famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware. A story about George Washington will help participants to understand why we continue to celebrate his birthday. During the special visit from “George Washington,” children will sing “Happy Birthday” and enjoy cake and ice cream. Children will also use their artistic talents, play games and have fun in a series of activity stations during this event that is geared toward ages 4-10. Reservations required. Parent(s) must accompany their children. Snow date: February 25. 881 Rockford Rd. 2-4 p.m. Information: 717-392-7223 or rockfordplantation.org.