No Fooling, April is Here!
Spring has finally arrived! It’s time to get out and enjoy all that the season has to offer, including food and brew events, plant swaps and benefits.
Photo Credits: LCM & Social Media
Oklahoma!
Through May 10
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
The Rodgers and Hammerstein show that helped to redefine American musical theater follows farm girl Laurey as she is courted by rival suitors — a cowboy and a farm hand — in 1906. Set on the frontier, this timeless favorite features unforgettable songs like Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin, People Will Say We’re in Love, and the title song, Oklahoma. With its spirited romance, lively dancing and heartwarming story, Oklahoma! is a celebration of community and the American spirit. Times vary. Lunch and dinner buffets served before the show. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Ned and Nancy See America
April 2-July 25
Bird-in-Hand Stage
A brand-new RV. A cross-country itinerary. A couple married 40 years. What could go wrong? For the newly retired Ned and his wife Nancy, a celebratory cross-country road trip turns into a comedy of errors: a hot air balloon ride gone wrong, an encounter with a biker gang, an Amish stowaway, a mugging in DC, plus many other twists and turns down the road. Ned and Nancy end up seeing way more of America than postcards could ever begin to describe! Written by Martha Bolton, this brand-new show from Blue Gate Musicals combines stunning American scenery with lessons in patience, poignant moments, “Golden Oldies” on the radio and a surprise ending you won’t want to miss. Times vary. Lunch and dinner available prior to the show. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Marietta Cherry Blossom Benefit Music Festival
April 18
Marietta
Take in the beauty of the cherry trees that bloom along Front Street in Marietta each spring. Proceeds from the festival help to ensure the longevity of the trees. Those over the age of 21 can stop by a “mug” stand to make your $5 event donation and receive your wristband, which will be needed to drink on the street and make you eligible for $5 specialty drinks. Event will feature live music, food and artisans. 1-6 p.m. Front Street in Marietta. (Rain date is April 19.) Information: DiscoverMariettaPa.org
Mud Sales
April
Peach Bottom, Rawlinsville and Schoeneck
If you’ve never experienced one of Lancaster’s Mud Sales, make this the year to do so. This month there are three Mud Sales to check out, where everything, including the kitchen sink, could hit the auction block, with proceeds benefiting area volunteer fire companies. The food is yummy, too. The April dates are as follows:
April 10 & 11: Rawlinsville Mud Sale. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. 33 Martic Heights Dr., Holtwood. Information: Facebook.com/RVFC58
April 18: Schoeneck Fire Company Mud Sale & Quilt Auction. 8:30 a.m., with bidding for quilts starting at 11 a.m. 125 N. King St., Denver. Information: Facebook.com/schoeneckfire
Best Kept Secrets Tour
April 9-25
Lancaster County
How many times have you driven by a small shop or greenhouse and made a mental note to stop there someday. Well, thanks to this unique tour, that “someday” has arrived. The spring tour will take you to a wide variety of home stores, thrift shops, greenhouses, restaurants and more that you’ve always meant to visit but for one reason or another never have. A ticket/tour guide ($12) is good for the duration of the self-driving tour. Those who purchase early-bird tickets will receive goodie bags that are filled with coupons and other items. The tour also benefits local nonprofits: $1 from each ticket sale will be donated to Lancaster Snow Angels. Information: bestkeptsecretstour.co
Manheim Arts Festival
April 11
Manheim
The Manheim Arts Festival brings the region’s most talented artists together for a vibrant celebration of creativity. Watch masterpieces come to life during the Quick Draw Competition, explore live artist demonstrations and shop a lineup of fine art vendors offering original glass works, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media and more. Other activities will include walks that take in murals and stained-glass windows. Food/beverage vendors will be onsite. 12-4 p.m. Market Square, Manheim (Note: Rain date is April 18.) Information: Lovemanheim.com
Go Green Columbia
April 24
Columbia Crossings
Back for a second year, the event is being hosted by Sahd Metal Recycling, Columbia Shade Tree Commission, Columbia Park Rangers and the Susquehanna National Heritage Center. Event will celebrate Earth Day as well as Arbor Day and will feature environmental education, sustainability initiatives, community engagement, 30+ vendors, food and giveaways, all in support of making Columbia, and our world, a greener place! Be one of the first 400 registrants and receive a free dinner from Rocky’s BBQ or Dugout Eatz. 5-7:30 p.m. 41 Walnut St., Columbia. Information: Facebook.com
MT Earth Fest
April 25
Overlook Park
The community Earth Day festival is being hosted by the Manheim Township School District and Manheim Township Department of Parks and Recreation. Event will include a wide range of nonprofit organizations whose focus is on the environment, native plant vendors and presentations. Event also features a native plant sale, kid’s activities, food trucks, maker’s market, recycling drive and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 595 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster. Information: Facebook.com
Wine & Cheese Train
April 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
Strasburg Rail Road
Climb aboard the first-class lounge car, Linn W. Moedinger and enjoy wines from Waltz Vineyards that are paired accordingly with cheeses. (Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request.) 21+ only. Friday and Saturday, 4 & 6 p.m. Sunday, 4 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Spring Taste of Bird-in-Hand
April 11
Artisan Village
Sample the sweet, sour and savory goodness that Bird-in-Hand has to offer. The tasting event will offer samples of a variety of the products that follow traditional and family recipes. Food from the local purveyors represented in Artisan Village’s Pantry section will also be available to sample. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2705 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
An Evening of Alton Brown
April 11
American Music Theatre
Best known for creating and hosting groundbreaking culinary television programming such as Good Eats, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen and Food Network Star, Alton Brown has also built one of the most successful culinary touring franchises, stripping away the spectacle in favor of connection, spontaneity and storytelling, and delivering a show that is equal parts humor, science, food and heart. 7:30 p.m. 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: AMTshow.com
Lititz History & Whiskey Tours
April 11 & 18
Lititz
Sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the guided tours are designed to acquaint participants with the history of Main Street, which is lined with buildings that date as far back as the 1700s and include America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, Lancaster County’s first pharmacy, Lititz’s first bank and a Revolutionary War hospital. Guests will then visit Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, where they will enjoy a guided tasting of three local whiskeys and learn about the whiskey and distilling history of the Lititz area. Ages 21+. 4-6 p.m. Tours depart from the Square in Lititz. Note: Tours are held throughout the year. Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com
Lancaster City Restaurant Week
April 13-19
Dozens of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars and pubs will be participating in this spring edition of the event that celebrates the city’s culinary diversity, with most offering promotions throughout the week. Here’s your chance to support a favorite eatery or discover a new one. Information: lancastercityrestaurantweek.com.
The Fresh Brews of Mount Joy
April 25
Mount Joy
The festival will feature 50+ breweries, food trucks and live music. VIP tickets available; designated drivers admitted free. 21+ only/IDs required. Sponsored by Voyage Mount Joy in conjunction with YAH Brew, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Donegal Athletic Club, which helps to support the needs of local athletes. 2-5 p.m. East Main Street, Mount Joy. Information: Facebook.com
Backyard Cutting Garden Class
April 7 & 11
Flourish Flower Farm
Trisha Snyder, the owner and founder of Flourish Flower Farm, will be sharing her knowledge about starting a small backyard cutting garden. With over 25 years in the business, Trish has been researching this topic for quite some time! Her new book, Backyard Cutting Garden is also included in the price of the class, during which she will delve into which flower varieties will provide blooms throughout the entire growing season. Learn tips for getting started on a new garden, tweaking an existing garden for cutting flowers and practical ideas on how to keep your flowers happy and healthy. A variety of specialty cut flower plants and plugs will be available for purchase. 6:30 p.m. 1518 E. Main St., East Earl. Note: The Saturday event (10 a.m.) will include brunch. Information: http://flourish.flowers
Spring Plant Swap
April 10
Historic Poole Forge
Bring your excess plants to Historic Poole Forge and leave with new varieties for your garden. Arrive at the picnic pavilion with labeled containers at 6 p.m. The swap gets underway at 6:30 p.m. 1940 Main St., Narvon. (Note: a Spring Flea Market will be held Saturday, April 11.) Information: Historicpooleforge.org
Pennsylvania Herb and Garden Festival
April 17-18
York Expo Center
It’s time to think about gardens! The show will feature plant-related vendors, speakers, workshops and demonstrations. Admission is $10 (kids 12 and under are free). Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 334 Carlisle Ave., York. Information:paherbfest.com
Plant Exchange
April 26
Lititz Historical Foundation
This annual event, which is held in conjunction with the Lititz Garden Club, invites gardeners to exchange excess perennials for other plants. How it works is you bring potted and tagged plants (perennials only) to the exchange and receive a ticket for each donation. The donated plants are then organized into categories at which time you can use your tickets to select new varieties. 1:30 p.m. Mary Oehme Gardens, rear of 137-145 E. Main St., Lititz. Information: lititzhistoricalfoundation.com
America 250 in Manheim … A Taste of History
April 18
Kreider Farms Cultural Center
Raise a toast to five American patriots who have significant connections to Manheim. Glasshouse Wineworks of Manheim has crafted a unique wine to honor each patriot, whose stories will be shared. Hors d’ouvres and desserts associated with the era will also be served. Proceeds benefit the Manheim Historical Society and Manheim Community Library. 6 p.m. 547 N. Penryn Rd., Manheim. Information: Facebook.com
PA Family Travel Fair
April 11
Lebanon Expo Center & Fairgrounds
Where & When Pennsylvania is the host of the travel fair that focuses on Pennsylvania as a family-friendly vacation destination. Exhibitors from the state’s travel-related organizations, resorts, amusements and other destinations will be on hand to provide information. Kid’s activities will also be offered. Food available onsite. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon. Information: Whereandwhen.com
Tanger Arboretum Benefit
April 8
Doubletree Resort by Hilton
The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is hosting their annual dinner, proceeds from which will benefit The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum. The 11-acre arboretum is home to a multitude of plant specimens and garden features on the grounds of LancasterHistory and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. The Arboretum includes over 100 species of trees from all over the world, as well as two Pennsylvania State Champion trees, pollinator gardens and an American Conifer Society Reference Garden. The guest speaker will be Andrew Conboy (pictured), an urban forester, arborist and native plant enthusiast from Philadelphia. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a raffle and Mr. Conboy’s presentation. 6 p.m. 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhistory.org
Night of Hope
April 18
Shawnee Run Event Venue
Lancaster County Field of Hope is a nonprofit organization that assists families facing financial difficulties due to extraordinary and unexpected medical expenses. The organization’s spring benefit will feature lite fare from Columbia-area restaurants, beer and wine, live music (courtesy of James Wolpert, a former contestant on The Voice), and a silent auction. Plus, this year’s recipients will be introduced. 7-9 p.m. 1145 Ridge Ave., Columbia. Ticketed event. Information: Lancofieldofhope.com
Nourish Your Noodle
April 21
Southern Market
Learn how the work of Mental Health America of Lancaster County, the event’s sponsor, is impacting lives. Sample unique dishes from around the world and participate in live and silent auctions. 5:30 p.m. 100 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information:mhalancaster.org.
Empty Bowls
April 26
Lancaster Creative Factory
An evening of food, art and music will benefit Meals on Wheels of Lancaster. Guests can choose from a selection of over 400 unique ceramic bowls crafted by local artists of the Lancaster Creative Factory. Then, fill your empty bowl with soups, fresh breads and baked goods from an array of local restaurants and bakeries. The event will also feature live and silent auctions, a glass blowing demonstration and live music. 4-7 p.m. 580 S. Prince St. (Rear), Lancaster. Information: Lancastercreativefactory.org
UDS Gala
April 30
Lancaster County Convention Center
United Disabilities Services celebrates 61 years of providing personal care and support services to older adults and people with disabilities with a gala benefit that will welcome former Philadelphia Phillies’ star, John Kruk, as the keynote speaker. The evening will get underway with a cocktail hour, followed by a full-course dinner. Silent and live auctions will also be held. Kruk will also be on hand for an “extra innings” after-party that will follow the gala. He will participate in a fireside-style interview (conducted by Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro) and pose for photos. Raffle tickets will be sold for the after-party event, with 10 lucky winners being given the opportunity to attend. Winners will be announced April 1. Gala hours are 4:30-8:30 p.m. After-Hours party, 9-10 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Udservices.org
Feast of the Senses
May 7
Excelsior
This interactive event, which is being presented by the Touchstone Foundation, takes guests on a tour of the five senses – see, feel, hear, smell and taste – through delectable food and beverage pairings. Guests will also learn about Touchstone’s mission and programs that relate to mental health and well-being for the children and youth in Lancaster County. An auction will feature items that relate to self-care, family experiences, wellness and local favorites. 5:30 p.m. 125 E. King St., Lancaster. Note: Reservations are requested by April 11. Information: Touchstonefound.org
