Lots of community celebrations and gatherings will be held this week that feature history, food, family activities and more!
Lancaster City Restaurant Week
September 14-20
Dozens of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars and pubs will be participating in the fall 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 Denver Fair
September 15-19
Denver
Known for its competitions, food and emphasis on community, the fair is also heralded for its special events (this year’s include a hot wings eating contest for first responders on Tuesday; the Miss Denver Fair Queen contest on Wednesday; and a 5K race on Saturday). Music will be provided by The Uptown Band (Wed.), Jess Zimmerman Band (Fri.) and Vinyl Rush (Sat.). Fireworks will close out the fair on Saturday. Times vary. 801 Main Street, Denver. Information: Thedenverfair.com
Southern Lancaster County Fair
September 16-18
Solanco Fairgrounds
The fair honors the tradition in which it was founded in 1950: fellowship, food and friendly competition. There’s also an expo through which businesses, churches and organizations acquaint visitors with the services they offer. The food is amazing! Special events include tractor pulls, an Iron Man competition, and a celebrity milking contest. Plus, there’s a parade. Hours vary. Park Avenue, Quarryville. Information: Solancofair.org
Wild and Uncommon Weekend/York Pawpaw Festival
September 17-20
Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
The Horn Farm Center has expanded its popular Pawpaw Festival in order to celebrate the region’s food, art, natural beauty and, of course, pawpaws, which are regarded as the largest fruit that is native to the eastern U.S. The Pawpaw Festival, which is celebrating its 22nd anniversary, will officially be held Saturday, September 19 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). It will feature tree vendors, orchard tours, pawpaw-themed merchandise, educational exhibitors and food made with pawpaws. (Note: tickets for the festival must be pre-purchased.) Events on Thursday, Friday and Sunday include cooking classes, hikes, farm tours, live music and more. Hours vary. 4945 Horn Rd., York. Information: Hornfarmcenter.org
Tailgate Festival
September 18 & 19
Kitchen Kettle Village
The village ushers in the fall season with scarecrows, pumpkins, cornshocks and lots of homemade tailgate foods including salsas, pickles, burgers, dips, salads and delectable drinks. Speaking of scarecrows, Kitchen Kettle is hosting a contest that will benefit nonprofit organizations. Scarecrows designed by the nonprofits will be positioned throughout the village. Vote for your favorite. Live music and a Tailgate Games Area will also be offered. Get in the spirit of football season by wearing your favorite jersey or sports attire. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Day Out With Thomas
September 18-20
Strasburg Railroad
Everyone’s favorite engine is visiting Strasburg this month as part of the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour. Hop aboard a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at themed photo ops, and snag something special at the exclusive gift shop. Then keep the rhythm going at the Music Corner, filled with lawn games, hands-on activities and music-inspired fun that will have the whole family dancing along. Don’t spin your wheels … tickets go fast! 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
MAC & Cheese Festival
September 19
Columbia Market House
The Annual MAC + Cheese Festival returns to the Columbia Market House, bringing together cheesy bites, community fun and a delicious reason to spend the evening downtown. Who will win this year’s Big Cheese contest? Note: This is a ticketed event ($5). 5-7 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Discovercolumbia.com
Airing of the Quilts/Quilt Fest
September 19
Garden Spot Village
This annual event will include quilting demonstrations, a lecture by local art historian Gloria Mast, who will discuss “Crazy Quilts & Scrap Boxes,” quilt sales and a community “Airing of the Quilts.” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Information: Gardenspotvillage.org
Hometown Heroes Festival
September 19
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Cherry Crest will once again host a day that will pay tribute to the courageous individuals who serve our hometowns. From firefighters and police officers to healthcare workers, the festival is a heartfelt salute to those who keep our communities safe and thriving. A portion of ticket sales for this day will be donated to local volunteer fire departments. Festivities will include a Candy Drop, Touch-a-Truck & Meet & Greet with Local EMS, fire departments and police, a Heroes Parade and Patriotic Fireworks Show. Farm is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Festival hours are 12-6:30 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com
L’Italia Festival
September 19
Downtown Lititz
Presented by the Keystone Italian Project, the festival (or, as they say in Italy, festa) celebrates all things Italian, including the language, culture, art, music, dance, sense of community and, of course, the cuisine and wine of the country’s various regions. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Lititz. Information: Lititz.it
Lancaster Airshow
September 19 & 20
Lancaster Airport
The aviation-filled weekend will include daily aerobatic performances, static aircraft displays, aircraft/helicopter/balloon rides and more. A variety of food trucks will also be onsite. Note: This is a ticketed event. 500 Airport Rd., Lititz. Information: Lancasterairport.com
Amos Herr Community Festival
September 20
Amos Herr Park
Sponsored by East Hempfield Township, the East Petersburg Lions Club and the Amos Herr House/Historical Society, the annual festival entails a car show, craft vendors, food, tours of the Herr homestead, music and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1700 Nissley Rd., Landisville. Information: Easthempfield.org
Wags on Wright
September 20
John Wright Restaurant
Back for its 13th year, the event will feature pet-friendly vendors, a pizza special on the Pizza Patio, dog-friendly burgers and more. Proceeds benefit the Columbia Animal Shelter and Pitties Love Peace. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
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