May: So Much To Do!

May-June 2024

It’s that glorious time of the year! The weather is perfect, gardens are in bloom with spring flowers, rhubarb and strawberries are in season, the school year is in its final stretch and Memorial Day is just around the corner. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, events fill the calendar. 

The U.S. Women’s Open is Returning to Lancaster! 

May 28-June 2
Lancaster Country Club 

Golf fans, the ladies are making a return trip to Lancaster, and the timing couldn’t be more apropos: the Lancaster Country Club (LCC), the site of this year’s U.S. Women’s Open, is kicking off its 125th anniversary (founded April 6, 1900) and unveiling the completion of its ambitious “A Defining Moment” project that resulted in a comprehensive upgrade of the club’s facilities and amenities. 

The tournament was held in Lancaster for the first time in 2015 and set an attendance record thanks to the 134,016 golf fans who followed the action at Lancaster Country Club. That record stood until last year, when Pebble Beach hosted the tournament for the first time (and set television viewership records, as well). With the tournament’s return to LCC, Lancaster, of course, is aiming to reclaim and set some records of its own. 

Thanks to the hospitality shown on the part of the club and the community during the 2015 event (1,500 volunteers will again be assisting during the tournament), LCC gained an honorary member in the tournament’s winner, In Gee Chun. As a result, Chun partnered with the club to create the In Gee Chun LCC Educational Foundation, which awards scholarships to local students who work or have a parent who works at the club. Chun also promotes the value of education in her native South Korea. No doubt Chun views 2015 as a lucky number, as she won two other majors that year and followed up her successes by representing South Korea at the 2016 Olympic Games. 

Another fan favorite, Michele Wie West (now retired), also has ties to Lancaster. Now a jewelry designer, she created the famous Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce friendship bracelet with Wove, a city jeweler. Another collaborative effort with Wove resulted in a bracelet that benefits the recovery efforts on the fire-ravaged island of Maui.     

The U.S. Women’s Open is the premier championship in women’s golf. First played in 1946, the tournament has been conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) since 1953. It is the second major of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) season and has the highest purse in women’s golf, which is now a record-setting $12 million thanks to its partnership with Ally Financial. In addition to Chun and West, notable past champions include Minjee Lee, Inbee Park, Annika Sörenstam, Patty Sheehan and Betsy King. Last year’s winner was Hawaii’s Allisen Corpuz. 

As for tickets, daily Gallery access ranges in price from $25 to $395+ and includes comp parking and shuttle service, grounds and concessions access and grandstand seating at various holes. (The higher-priced tickets provide upgraded amenities.) Packages that provide tickets for the entire event begin at $150. There is also a Flex Pass that provides access during five days of your choosing. Finally, there is the Penn Club package ($2,000) that provides total access as well as upgraded amenities. Information: USwomensopen.com. 

Gardens of Oz

Ongoing
Manheim Township 

Dr. Dennis Denenberg welcomes groups to visit and tour his imaginative gardens and home and, in the process, support breast cancer awareness and research. Two decades of planning and work have transformed what was once an expanse of lawn into a gardenscape that blooms from early spring (6,000+ daffodils) to fall in an ever-changing palette of plants and colors. He is proud of the fact that nary a blade of grass grows on the property. The garden also serves another purpose: through the tours, he raises funds for a cause that is near and dear to his heart: Diana’s Dreamers: Determined to Defeat Breast Cancer, which honors his sister, who succumbed to the disease. Information: gardensofoz.com. 

We Love Our Pets 

Opens May 3
Mulberry Art Studios 

In celebration of National Pet Month, Mulberry Art Studios will exhibit art that honors the animals that bring so much joy to our lives. The 6th annual show will feature artwork from local artists (of all ages) in a variety of mediums. The show opens with a First Friday Reception on May 3 from 5-9 p.m. The public is invited to view the art and meet the artists. In addition, several local pet-related vendors will be onsite. Rescue dogs from The Sebastian Foundation for Animal Rescue will also be at the event. The event is free to visit, but donations to The Sebastian Foundation are encouraged. The exhibit will be available for viewing throughout the month of May by appointment only. 21 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster. Information: Facebook.com/mulberryartstudios.

Plant Sale 

May 4 & 5
Lancaster County Art Association 

Just in time for planting season, the sale will feature a selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs and garden art. In addition, the exhibit, Springtime in the Garden, will showcase members’ work in the Kauffman Gallery, while Jeff McCredie’s work will be displayed in the Steinmetz Gallery. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg. Information: lcaaonline.org. 

Bark for Life 

May 4
New Life Fellowship Church

Bark For Life honors the lifelong contributions of our canine caregivers, celebrates human and canine cancer survivors and works to end cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Canine attendees can participate in games, contests and a Strut Your Mutt costume parade. Rescue organizations, adoptable dogs, vendors and food trucks will be on hand. Demonstrations will be held and a live auction will get underway at 1 p.m. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 420 E. Fulton St., Ephrata. Information: relayforlife.org/barklancasterpa.

Spring Artwalk 

May 4 & 5
Downtown Lancaster

Downtown Lancaster’s galleries and other art venues will be hosting special exhibits, meet-the-artist events, children’s activities and live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: lancastercityart.com.

Heart of Greystone Bingo Event 

May 9
Farm & Home Center 

Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center, which enhances the lives of individuals with special needs, as well as at-risk populations, is holding its first-ever bingo fundraising event.   

Attendees can play 20 games of winners choice bingo, participate in a 50/50 raffle, enjoy food and drink and more. Doors open at 4 p.m., the games get underway at 6 p.m. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. Information: greystonemanortrc.org. 

Feast of the Senses 

May 9
Excelsior 

The Touchstone Foundation, which focuses on mental health wellness for youth and families, is hosting a unique and interactive dining event through which patrons will connect with the five senses – see, feel, hear, smell and taste – through food and beverage pairings, all while learning about the mission of the foundation’s programs. Silent and live auctions will also be held. 5:30 p.m. Ticket Information: touchstonefound.org. 

Herb & Garden Faire 

May 10 & 11
Landis Valley Village & Museum

The Herb & Garden Faire, now in its 36th year, will feature plants from the museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, vendors offering natives and other hard-to-find varieties, herbal skin care products, garden art, jewelry and more. Food and drink will be available onsite. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., rain/shine. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org.

Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy 

May 12
Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the beloved event draws hundreds of big-rig trucks and thousands of spectators, both at the family carnival and along the convoy route. The free family carnival (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) features games, entertainment and local food trucks. The official start of the convoy is 1:30 p.m. The event celebrates current and former wish kids, while raising money to grant more wishes to children with critical illnesses. Funds raised grant 75% of wishes in the Susquehanna Valley. 1190 Lancaster Rd., Manheim. Information: wishconvoy.org.

Gyrofest 

May 18
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries at this spring festival. The menu features gyros, a platter (a gyro, two pieces of spanakopita and a Greek salad), Greek pastries and desserts. Preorder online and pick up your order in the drive-through lanes from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. A third of proceeds will be donated to various philanthropic organizations that benefit the Lancaster community. 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. Information: annunciationorthodox.org.

Heart of Lancaster Arts & Craft Show

May 18
Root’s Country Market & Auction

The spring edition of one of Lancaster’s favorite shows will welcome a selection of artists, craftspeople and vendors from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., rain/shine. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. Information: hlcshow.com.  

Baron Brew Fest 

May 18
Manheim 

Back for its second year, this event offers something for every palate – beer, wine, mead, cider, spirits and more. Dozens of breweries, wineries and distilleries will be represented. Products can be purchased to go. Food trucks will be participating, as well. Live music will be provided. Tickets required. Must be 21+ to attend, ID required. 3-6 p.m., rain/shine. Market Square. Information: lovemanheim.com/brewfest.

Memorial Day Flea Market 

May 27
Amos Herr Park

On Memorial Day, Landisville is the place to be if you love flea markets and garage sales. Featuring over 100 vendors, the flea market offers everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts, vintage clothing and more. Food trucks will also be onsite. Organized by Hempfield recCenter and the Hempfield Women’s Club, proceeds from this event are used to fund the rec’s “Everyone Belongs” financial-assistance program, as well as other community endeavors. The flea market is free to attend. In addition, residents throughout Landisville hold garage sales that day. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 1700 Nissley Rd., Landisville. Information: hempfieldrec.com.

Jazz on the Patio 

May 30 and Thursdays Through August 8
The Barn at Paradise Station 

Lancaster’s newest events venue will be hosting jazz musicians on Thursday evenings throughout early August (note: no event on July 4). The barn’s patio will be the setting, allowing you to take in views of the farm fields and countryside. Small plates, beer and wine available. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 6:30 p.m., rain/shine. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: barnatparadisestation.com.