Books, ice cream share festive day at Blue Ridge Summit
BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT- Join the Blue Ridge Summit Free Library to celebrate its 40th annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, with activities, food and entertainment in the library, on Sabillasville Road and on the plaza green.
Here's a listing of this year's events:
Whistle 5K run/ walk
The day will open with the third annual Whistle 5K Run/Walk, which takes off at 8 a.m. from the plaza green. The run/walk will follow the shady and scenic streets of Blue Ridge Summit, including the beautiful panoramic view from “The Lodge.” Participants for the 5K should park in the lot of Living Word Church (directly across the railroad tracks from the library) or use Church Street or Dutrow Avenue - look for the signs. To register or for more information contact Duke Martin at 717-729-0188 or jacksmtn@embarqmail.com.
Ice Cream Social
The main event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. with the plaza green and Sabillasville Road (closed to vehicular traffic) filled with exhibits, a silent auction, living histories, artwork, pottery, entertainment, book signings and thousands of gently used books for sale, along with sales of library memorabilia, a delicious selection of local baked goods, great food and, of course, ice cream.
Silent auction
This year marks the second silent auction with more than 25 themed boxes and baskets filled with gift certificates, memorabilia, books, wine and children’s items, plus things for the golfer, gardener, knitter and more. Stop by and get a number and bid, or if you can’t stay until the auction closes at 1 p.m. use the “buy it now” option. For a list of auction items contact Lisa Costello at lakewitch6@gmail.com, Facebook (the One and Only Blue Ridge Summit Free Library) or stop by the library where it is posted.
Book sale - food - library memorabilia
Thousands of gently used books will be offered for sale including selections for adults, teens and children. Used DVDs and audio books will also be sold. Gift items, such as library tee shirts, note cards and wood block library replicas will be available for purchase along with two books (in limited supply) by the late John McClellan, "A River To Cross" and "The Conterfeiters," plus other items. Food for sale will include John Van Der Cruyssen’s special bar-b-q chicken, hot dogs, steamers, funnel cakes, snacks, beverages and baked goods. Ice cream will be provided by Antietam Dairy, which donates a portion of their sales to the library. Hop on board for a delicious “Train Sundae” – train shaped brownie, Antietam Dairy ice cream, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. To commemorate the 40th Ice Cream Social, there will be we an anniversary cake to share with everybody after a special cake-cutting by several “library celebrities."
Entertainment
Scheduled entertainment will be as follows: The Wayne Band 9-10 a.m.; Rich Fehle 10- 10:45 a.m.; Harvey Bridgers Award and Anniversary Cake Cutting Ceremony 10: 45 a.m.; Culler Magic Show, 11- 11:45 a.m.; Hayley Bowders and Rich Fehle 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.; the Magic of Jim Greer 1-1:45 p.m.; Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Company and Blue Ridge Mt. Volunteer Fire Company will offer free fire truck rides from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and seated massages will be given by Synergy Therapeutic Massage Center.
Vendors and exhibits
Jack and Holly Olzewski, with Olzewski's Fossils and Minerals, oriented to kids and adults alike, will be set up inside the library with fossils, jewelry, sharks teeth, minerals and surprises. The Friends of the Monterey Pass Battlefield will be present with exhibits and information about the 100 acre tract of land recently purchased for battlefield preservation and photos and information about the new interpretive center.
Local artist Steve Burdette will be displaying and selling his artwork, including the new library print, along with local landmarks and Civil War prints; Valerie Parsons will have a selection of her beautiful and practical hand turned pottery for sale; and Bill Hammann will offer a selection of his intricate scherenschnitte. Local authors James Rada, Allison Hanson and Bob O’Connor will be on hand to sell and sign their publications, and the Blue Ridge Garden Club will have a variety of plants and floral arrangements for sale.
Check out the displays and exhibits by the Antietam Watershed Association, the Antietam Historical Association and the South Mountain Appalachian Trail Association. Antique car lovers will want to take time to look over the restored Model A Fords on display, courtesy of Hub City Model A Ford Club. Stop by and talk with Andi Amin about a planned “Paint Night at the Library” - see samples and learn more about the fun of “paint night."
Living history
In 1754 two surveyors passed through our area in their quest to settle a dispute between the Calverts and Penns by establishing the official state line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. Meet and greet surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon at their living history site by the log cabin. Also known as Bob Angle and Wayne Twigg, the two living historians will have much to tell about surveying of the Mason-Dixon Line (which runs behind the library) along with exhibits and displays to enhance their program.
For the kids
A variety of activities for children will include face painting by specialist Donna Farris, who can paint their faces with an exotic look. There will be an opportunity to “play in the street” with bubbles and sidewalk chalk
Parking is available in the plaza lot across from the library off Monterey Lane, at the Living Word Church, at the Church of Transfiguration, Church Street, Dutrow Avenue and in other adjacent lots. For more information call the library's manager, Nancy Bert, at 717-794-2240, on Facebook (the One and Only Blue Ridge Summit Free Library), or online at www.fcls.org; link on Locations. Library hours are 3-8 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.