It was 250 years ago that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Lancaster County will be celebrating the historic milestone with fireworks, festivals, food, music and old-fashioned fun.
LCM and Social Media Photos
Mountville Fireworks
June 27
Froelich Park
The Mountville Community Services Foundation and other organizations will be presenting the annual fireworks show that launches with a concert (Stu Huggens Band). 7 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. 350 W. Main St. (Note: Rain date is June 28.) 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. Plus, Charlie’s Cannons will be onsite for this event! 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
Colonial Punches: Flavors of History
July 2
Historic Rock Ford
How did the colonists toast historic moments? Tony Shahan will be on hand to present Colonial Punches: Flavors of History. Follow the development of punches from their 17th century beginnings with arrack, through the changing uses of brandy and rum, and ending with whiskey adopted by the patriots. The tasting will consist of five punches featuring rum, brandy and whiskey and will be accompanied by stories and trivia about punch history and drinking habits. A fun way to explore American history in a glass. (Note: this is a ticketed event.) 6 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
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 admissionbut registration is appreciated. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
Celebrate America at Longwood
July 2-5
Longwood Gardens
Longwood’s festivities kick off July 2 with Fireworks & Fountains: Great American Composers. Jaw-dropping fireworks and the dancing fountains will provide the backdrop for a soundscape of American music featuring iconic works that span classical brilliance, jazz innovation and contemporary favorites from some of the nation’s most influential composers. (Rain date is July 3.) The weekend will also feature guided Spotlight Tours of Peirce’s Park, opportunities to climb to the top of the Chimes Tower, live music in the Beer Garden, illuminated fountain shows, themed concessions and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. Information: Longwoodgardens.org
Celebrate America!
July 3
The Barn at Paradise Station
The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with food trucks, yard games and other activities. At 7:30 p.m., The New Holland Band and Perfect Harmony will present a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks will conclude the evening. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. (Note: Rain date is July 6.) Information:Barnatparadisestation.com.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
July 3
Penn Medicine Park
Penn Medicine Park and the Lancaster Stormers are hosting a free community event that will include a DJ, music, apple pie- and hot dog-eating contests, games, inflatables, kid’s activities, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks set off at 9:30 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.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 Extravaganza & Fireworks
July 4
Stone Gables Estate
Stone Gables presents its annual tribute to America’s birthday. Event features self-guided tours of Ironstone Ranch and the Star Barn, yard games, food trucks, artisans, a campfire, petting zoo, music (Josh Squared Band and Hutch) family-friendly entertainment (circus arts and juggler,David Darwin, and “The Reptile Guy”) and, of course, fireworks. Gates open at 3 p.m. 1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Lititz 208th 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, beginning at 12 p.m. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) Information: Lititz4thofjuly.com.
Marietta Fireworks
July 4
Marietta
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 be launched 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. As night falls, the Ephrata Rec will present a fireworks show. 5:30-9 p.m., with fireworks set to start at 9:30 p.m. 201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata. Information: Ecob.church.com
Stars & Stripes Forever
July 11
Barshinger Center for the Musical Arts
The Allegro Orchestra Lancaster will salute 250 years of American music by performing works by Bernstein, Copland, Sousa and more. 3 p.m. 620 College Ave., Lancaster. (Ticketed event.) Information: Allegrolancaster.org
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
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
Manheim Historical Society
July 19
Manheim
All of the organization’s facilities at the railroad station complex will be open for free tours. Also, there will be free rides on the Trolley (weather permitting). Historian Craig Hall will share his story about Ben Franklin and conduct “A Conversation about the Declaration of Independence”(2 p.m. the freight room). A walking tour will begin at 3:10 p.m. (weather permitting). 1-4 p.m. 210 S. Charlotte St., Manheim. Information: Manheimhistoricalsociety.org
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 such as 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
Sweet Corn Festival
July 4
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
July 4th will kick off the summer season at Cherry Crest, which is home to one of America’s favorite corn mazes (per USA Today). Each year brings a new theme and this year’s will harken back to an early favorite, the Liberty Bell. July 4th’s Sweet Corn Festival will feature the golden sweetness of farm-fresh corn, lively music, festival games, crafts, dancing and all the summer fun you can handle. A guest brewery and winery will be onsite. The day will end with Cherry Crest’s biggest fireworks show yet! July 4th hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with festival activities starting at noon. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com
The Corn maze isn’t Cherry Crest’s only salute to America’s birthday. They are also bringing back a field of wheat into which the words, We the People, are “engraved.” The wheat field references 2003 and the role Cherry Crest played in the grand-opening celebration of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, which officially opened July 4, 2003.
Legend has it that the center was thinking about having the crop art planted somewhere in the Midwest, prompting Gov. Ed Rendell to intervene and point out the wheat art should be planted in Pennsylvania, because that’s where it all started. Jack Coleman, who owns Cherry Crest, was asked to participate due to his expertise in corn mazes. A wheat field on the property was ultimately emblazoned with the words, We the People. The crop art measured 1,000 feet long x 300 feet high.
Cherry Crest’s PR person, Cathy Kornfield, got involved when the Associated Press sent a photographer to document the field. Cathy hired an airplane and she and the AP photographer took to the skies for photos. The AP image was released to newspapers across the U.S., while one of Cathy’s photos became a postcard that was printed for Cherry Crest’s 2004 season.
The 2026 We the People crop art is the project of Dylan Coleman, Jack’s son, who views it as the perfect complement to the farm’s 2026 Let Freedom Ring Liberty Bell Amazing Maize Maze®, which reflects back to Cherry Crest’s original Liberty Bell maze design planted in 1999. The wheat art is an exact replica of the 2003 version but is in a field that is closer to the Adventure Farm. As Dylan reported on Facebook, “Originally created in 2003 for the opening of the National Constitution Center, we knew this was the perfect year to bring it back. Using careful field mapping and a lot of teamwork, the design is now growing once again, and as the wheat turns golden throughout the season, it’ll become even more beautiful heading into fall.”
Leave a Reply