Top 10 To-Dos for May 2023

1 We Love Our Pets Art Show | May 5

Photo courtesy of Mulberry Art Studios.

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 annual We Love Our Pets Show will feature 236 pieces of artwork from 148 local artists in a variety of mediums. The show opens with a First Friday Reception on May 5 from 5-9 p.m. The public is invited to view the art and meet the artists as well as seven local pet related vendors. 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. Information: Facebook or 717-295-1949.

2 Sheep Shearing | May 5-6

Photo courtesy of The Amish Farm and House.

The Amish Farm and House

During this annual event, visitors can watch live demonstrations from a professional sheep shearer, browse artisans, enjoy a hayride and explore the 15-acre farm. Also, interact with the farm’s lambs, donkeys, chicks and sheep at the petting zoo. The Amish BBQ Barn will also be open offering ribs, chicken BBQ, soft pretzels, ice cream and more. The event will run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for children ages 5-11. Information: Amish Farm and House or 717-928-8245.

3 Mayfest | May 6

Photo courtesy of Maytown Historical Society.

Fuhrman Park and Historic Maytown

Celebrate Maytown’s history with demonstrations, a quilt display, costumed storytellers, a cake walk, a historical scavenger hunt, homemade food, penny candy, a bake sale and of course, the Maypole dance. At Fuhrman Park, there will also be a Makers Market from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. where there will be a variety of vendors, live art, cash raffles, music and food trucks. The event will also feature a House, Patio, Yard & Garden Tour from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The tour will cost $15 and will feature 10 open houses, patios, yards and gardens. Proceeds from Mayfest benefit The Maytown Historical Society. The rain date is May 7. Information: Facebook or 717-426-1526.

4 Herb & Garden Faire | May 12 & 13

Photo courtesy of Landis Valley Village & Museum.

Landis Valley Village & Museum

The Herb & Garden Faire will feature plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, natives and other hard-to-find varieties, as well as herbal skin care products, garden art and jewelry. Food and drink will be available onsite. The 35th-annual faire will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 6-11. Children under 5 are free. Tickets can be pre-purchased here. Information: Landis Valley Village & Museum or 717-569-0401.

5 Gyrofest | May 13

Photo courtesy of Nicokam Photography/Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries at Gyrofest. Choose either just a gyro or a platter, which includes a gyro, two pieces of spanakopita and a Greek salad. Greek pastries and desserts will also be available for purchase, including loukoumathes, rice pudding, baklava, kataifi and koulourakia. Preorder online and pick up your order in the drive-through lanes from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. A third of proceeds go to charity, funding various philanthropic organizations that benefit the Lancaster community. Information: annunciationorthodox.org or 717-394-1735.

6 Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy | May 14

Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley.

Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction

This beloved event draws hundreds of big rig trucks and thousands of spectators, both at the family carnival and along the convoy route. At the family carnival from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy carnival games, entertainment, local food trucks and watch the official start of the convoy at 1:30 p.m. Admission to the carnival is free. 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. Information: Facebook or 717-283-4880.

7 The Give Back Event | May 20

Photo courtesy of The Give Back Event.

Conoy Creek Park

The Give Back Event’s goal is to lift up small businesses after the challenges they’ve faced the past few years. It is free for vendors to participate and free for the public to attend. Spend the day enjoying over 100 vendors, food trucks, adult beverages, entertainment, a chili cook off and children’s activities, such as sack races and story hour. The Give Back Event is dog-friendly and there will even be some grooming services available from Wizard of Paws. The event will be held from 12-5 p.m. Information: Facebook.

8 Spring Artwalk | May 20 & 21

Photo courtesy of Lancaster Artwalk.

Downtown Lancaster

Take a self-guided tour of Downtown Lancaster’s galleries during the Spring Artwalk. Artists and galleries will be featuring special exhibitions, meet-the-artist events, children’s activities and live demonstrations. Be sure to stop by the Historic Preservation Trust, where artist Keisha Finnie will be hosting a first-of-its-kind BIPOC Gallery Row Exhibition, featuring BIPOC visual and performing artists and businesses in one space. Spring Artwalk will occur on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Information: lancastercityartgalleries.com/lancaster-artwalk.

9 Flavorfest | May 27 & 28

Photo courtesy of Mount Hope Estate.

Mount Hope Estate

Flavorfest is a wine festival held on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire over Memorial Day Weekend. Sample over 25 wineries and distilleries and shop their products. Also browse unique merchants and grab a bite at one of the on-site kitchens. There will also be demonstrations, such as glassblowing and blacksmithing. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, cost $21.95 for adults and $6.95 for ages 12-20. The event will be held rain or shine from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on both days. Information: http://www.parenfaire.com/flavorfest.html.

10 Memorial Day Flea Market | May 29

Photo courtesy of Hempfield recCenter.

Amos Herr Park

Featuring over 100 vendors, this flea market will offer antiques, 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 Everyone Belongs financial assistance program and other community endeavors. The flea market is free to attend. Information: Hempfield recCenter or 717-898-3102.

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