It’s America’s 250th birthday! Lancaster County will be celebrating the historic milestone with fireworks, festivals, food, music and old-fashioned fun. For a full slate of Fourth of July festivities and summer’s lineup of music events, visit lancastercountymag.com.
Photos: LCM and Social Media
America250 Events
Mountville Fireworks
June 27
Froelich Park
Presented by the Mountville Community Services Foundation, the annual fireworks show launches with a concert (Stu Huggens Band) at 7 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. 350 W. Main St. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) Information: Mountvilleborough.com
Long’s Park Patriotic Concert
June 28
Long’s Park
The Ringgold Band from Berks County will present a patriotic concert followed by fireworks. The band’s roots date to 1852, making it one of the oldest bands of its kind in the country. It came to be associated with the Ringgold Light Artillery, one of the first groups to volunteer for duty in the Civil War. Following the war, Ringgold became a popular concert band in the Berks region. Its popularity continues. 7:30 p.m. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org.
1776 America’s Prize Winning Musical
June 28-30 and July 1
Historic Rock Ford
Historic Rock Ford and War of the Roses Theatre Company will present 1776 America’s Prize Winning Musical, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone.
Experience history through this award-winning musical that highlights the Founding Fathers as humans trying against all odds to create a new nation. This once-in-a-generation performance is being performed at the home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand on the exact 250th anniversary of when the Continental Congress debated independence in Philadelphia. Enjoy familiar songs such as Sit Down, John and He Plays the Violin, as the performance unfolds on the piazza of the Hand Mansion, transformed into the stage itself. Rather than a traditional theatrical setting, the architecture and atmosphere of the Hand Mansion become an integral part of the experience, blurring the line between performance and place. The show is directed by Jamie Hilton and features a stellar cast of 26 local actors. Concessions will be available. June 28 at 4 p.m. June 29, 30 and July 1 at 7 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Simpletix.com
New Holland Summer Arts
July 1 & 4
New Holland Community Memorial Park
On July 1, the park will host the Swingtime Dolls (WW II era music.) On July 4, The New Holland Band will perform a program of patriotic music, followed by fireworks. (Rain date is July 5.) 7 p.m. 400 block E. Jackson St. Information: Newhollandsummerarts.com
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
July 2 & 3
Historic Rock Ford
This free, family-friendly event will feature educational activities, living history, music, self-guided tours of the Hand Mansion, open-hearth cooking and period dance demos, a children’s scavenger hunt, and hands-on experiences that bring the Revolutionary era to life. Free admission but registration is appreciated. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
Celebrate America250
July 3
Penn Medicine Park
The Lancaster Stormers are hosting this free community event that will feature an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and patriotic fun. Guests can enjoy a performance by the Lancaster Symphony, fireworks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, Three Legacies Wrestling, the Crazy On Clay Car Show, historical reenactments, stage entertainment, vendors, lawn games, hot dog and pie-eating contests, and a pig roast. Food and beverages will be available for purchase both inside and outside the stadium. 5-11 p.m., with the LSO performing at 8:45 p.m., and fireworks getting underway at 10 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com
Celebrate America
July 3
The Barn at Paradise Station
Back for its third year, the event will feature food trucks, vendors, a Maker’s Market, games and activities for all ages, and a concert featuring America’s second-oldest community band, The New Holland Band, Perfect Harmony, and the Celebrate America Singers. The night ends with a bang as Schaefer Fireworks presents a stunning fireworks show that will light up the night sky! 4-10 p.m. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information:Barnatparadisestation.com
Columbia 300
July 4
Glatfelter Field
Columbia is celebrating its 300th birthday this year and is hosting a special July 4th party with food, music (Pop Scotch) and fireworks. 6 p.m. Glatfelter Field, 1249 Lancaster Ave., Columbia. Information:Facebook.com
Firecracker 5 Mile Run
July 4
Ephrata
Now in its 49th year, the event, which is sponsored by the Ephrata Rec and the Ephrata War Memorial Association, will include a 5-mile run, as well as a 1-mile Fun Run for kids. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., run gets underway at 8 a.m. Ephrata High School, Oak Blvd., Ephrata. Information: Ephratarec.com.
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4
Stone Gables Estate
This family-friendly event offers acres of festive fun, including live entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, yard games, a petting zoo, campfires, and self-guided tours of two of Lancaster County’s most unique historic venues. Guests can also purchase extras like train rides on the Harrisburg, Lancaster, & Lincoln Railroad, pony rides, food and drinks, and handmade goods from local makers. Fireworks show by Bixler Pyrotechnics. (Note: this is a ticketed event.) 3-9 p.m. 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Lititz 209th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Lititz
One of the country’s longest-running July 4th celebrations is held in Lititz. The day kicks off with the Blanket Run (7-10 a.m.) during which visitors can stake out their spots to watch the fireworks. The annual Lititz Lions Club Patriotic Parade will make its ways through the downtown area at 11 a.m. The afternoon and evening will feature live music; traditional events such as the Queen of Candles pageant, baby parade and pie-eating contest; Kid Zone activities; food trucks/vendors and more. The grand finale, fireworks, will get underway at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required to enter Lititz Springs Park (where most activities are held) and can be purchased online or at the gate. Gates open at noon. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) Information:Lititz4thofjuly.com.
Marietta Fireworks
July 4
Marietta
Thanks to a concerted volunteer effort and the support of businesses and organizations, Marietta’s July 4th celebration made a sparkling return in 2024. This year’s event will feature a nostalgic carnival and food trucks in Marietta War Memorial Park (334 E. Walnut St., Marietta) beginning at 2 p.m. Community Bible Church (331 Anderson Ferry Rd., Marietta) will host food trucks, entertainment and family fun beginning at 4 p.m. Fireworks will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. Information: Mariettafireworks.org.
July 4th Community Event
July 4
Ephrata
Food trucks, kid’s entertainment and live music will be held on the grounds of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren (5:30-9 p.m.). As night falls, the Ephrata Rec and Ephrata Borough will present a fireworks show that is set to start at 9:30 p.m. 201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata. Information: Ecob.church.com
Sweet Summer Festival
July 4
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
The festival will feature patriotic family fun, sweet corn favorites, live music, games, crafts, a local winery and brewery, a sweet corn-eating contest and Cherry Crest’s biggest fireworks show yet. The farm is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Festival activities begin at noon. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com
Community Events
Summer Fest
July 10
East Petersburg
East Petersburg will celebrate summer with food trucks, a beer garden and music provided by the Roof Rockers. 5:30-9 p.m. Community Park, Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com
SECAFest
July 11
Quarryville
Quarryville’s annual summer celebration features food, music, inflatables and fireworks. 4-9:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 297 Park Ave. Information: Secarec.com/save-the-dates/
History
Life in the 1860s: A Civilian Living History Event
July 18
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Travel back to the 1860s during this immersive living-history event that explores civilian life during one of the most transformative decades in American history. As part of the museum’s America250 programming, this event offers a unique interpretation of the Civil War era, focusing not on the battlefield but on the everyday lives of those who lived through the 1860s. Reenactors, demonstrations (including Philadelphia Town Ball, a precursor to modern baseball) and interpretations will bring community life during the Civil War alive. 9 a.m.-4 pm. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Theatre
America: 250 Years of Freedom
Through October 17
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Take a journey through 250 years of America’s most treasured moments, as conveyed through music and stories. The music – America, the Beautiful, My Country ‘Tis of Thee and God Bless America – will stir you. Notables like John Wayne, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Bob Hope and Ronald Reagan will talk about the country they love and inspire you. Patriotic images and stirring scenery will captivate you. This 90-minute multimedia show from Blue Gate Musicals features the Celebration Singers. Times vary. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Mary Poppins The Musical
June 26-August 8
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Adventure abounds as you get whisked away to meet dancing chimney sweeps and an array of colorful characters. Hear classics like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Chim Chim Cher-ee. Lunch or dinner buffets available before the show. Times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
1776: The Musical
July 16-August 1
EPAC
Step into the room where history was made! The acclaimed Tony Award–winning show brings the founding of America to vivid, exhilarating life. With sharp wit, stirring songs, and larger-than-life portraits of the Revolutionary leaders, this bold and surprisingly funny musical captures the debate, doubt and determination behind the Declaration of Independence. It’s both timely and timeless! Times vary. 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata. Information: Epactheatre.org
Hair
July 23-August 20
Mount Gretna Playhouse
Gretna Theatre presents the revolutionary and iconic Grammy and Tony award-winning musical that defined a generation and is still brimming with energy, heart and rebellion, and captures the spirit of the 1960’s counterculture in all its glory. With unforgettable anthems like Aquarius, Hair and Let the Sunshine In, it’s a celebration of freedom and expression and speaks to the hopes, struggles and dreams of youth standing at the edge of change. Decades later, its message still resonates: bold, beautiful, and truly relevant. Book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni & James Rado; music by Galt MacDermot. Times vary. 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna. Information: Gretnatheatre.org
Hallmark Stars Live!
July 29
Santander Performing Arts Center
For the first time, Hallmark is taking the show on the road! Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach, this intimate 90-minute show brings together the Leading Ladies and Leading Men of Hallmark for never-before-heard stories, behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt conversations and plenty of laughter. See the stars you love, including Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Paul Campbell, and Kimberly Susted, in a whole new way – genuine, unscripted, and sharing the moments that shape the Hallmark world. VIP packages available. 7:30 p.m. 136 N. 6th St., Reading. Information: Santander-Arena.com
Benefits
Washington Boro Tomato Festival
July 11 & 18
Washington Boro
You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Washington Boro Jet Star tomato! Washington Boro has been celebrating its tomato heritage for decades with a festival whose house specialty is tomato sandwiches (adding bacon is an option). Event also features games, raffles, live music and tomato sales. Proceeds benefit Blue Rock Fire & Rescue. 3-9 p.m. Washington Boro Park, 2010 River Rd., Washington Boro. Information: Facebook.com
Haiti Benefit Auction
July 17-18
Bird-in-Hand
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the collaborative effort on the parts of churches and individuals to raise funds for mission projects in Haiti. Friday’s events include a dinner (chicken BBQ, pulled pork, pizza, burgers), gospel singing and an auction of tools, crafts, quilts and specialty items. Saturday will feature breakfast fare, food stands and auctions entailing furniture, quilts, play-sets, tractors, gardening needs, sheds and more. One item up for bid is a 3D painting (1986) by Abner Zook called Fall Countryside. Friday, starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, starting at 6:30 a.m., with the auction getting underway at 8 a.m. 338 N. Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Pahaitiauction.com
Food
Farm-to-Table Dinner
July 25
Inn at Twin Linden
Chefs John and Don will craft a menu highlighting the season’s best local produce and other items. 6 p.m. 2092 Main St., Narvon. Information: InnattwinLinden.com
Cruisin’ Cuisine Car Show/Taste of Mount Joy
July 25
Mount Joy
Now in its 23rd year, the car show will include classes such as classic, antique and muscle cars; street rods; Corvettes; motorcycles; and trucks. Local restaurants and vendors will comprise the “Taste of Mount Joy” portion of the event. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Downtown Mount Joy. Information: Voyagemountjoy.com
Outdoors
Lancaster Polo Club
July
Rothsville
It’s the Year of the Horse and the Lancaster Polo Club is back for another summer of polo. This year, the club is celebrating 70 years of playing on Forney Field, which its namesake, Ben Forney, built on his farm in 1956. Spend Sunday afternoons tailgating, cheering on the home team and taking part in such traditions as divot stomping. Food and beverage vendors are onsite. Gates open at 1 p.m., match starts at 2:30 p.m. $10 admission (cash only). 70 Church Rd., Rothsville. Information: Facebook.com
Chief Uncas Cruises
Through Labor Day
Susquehanna River
Come aboard the Chief Uncas and learn all about the Susquehanna River through Discovery or Sunset cruises hosted by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Days/times vary. Information: Susqnha.org
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