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Out and About in Lebanon: Treat yourself to the Schaefferstown Firemen's Carnival this weekend


As the summer winds down, events are available that you'll find as welcome as a glass of homemade lemonade. Take in the Schaefferstown Firemen's Carnival, a summertime tradition for close to 100 years. This coming Sunday will be this season's last "Music in the Park" at Coleman's Park, with a band that was formed way back in the 1800s; the Philharmonic Band of Reading.

The book sale at the Lebanon Library this week is an inexpensive form of entertainment that can transport you to another world. And, of course, peach festivals

5 P.M. TONIGHT, FRIDAY, AUG. 14, AND SATURDAY, AUG. 15 >> For three consecutive days, you'll be able to treat yourself to the Schaefferstown Firemen's' Carnival. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and lasts each evening until 10 p.m. Admission is free. This year, the carnival has midway games and rides for the kids. Entertainment Thursday is "New Found Grass," on Friday, it's Lindsey Erin, and "Phantom," and on Saturday, "Mitch and the Moodswings." Friday also has "cow patty bingo," and Saturday offers the annual car cruise. There are plenty of games, door prizes and great food, like pulled pork and sausage sandwiches, burgers and fries, funnel cakes and ice cream. For more information, go to: www.stowncarnival.com.

8 A.M. FRIDAY, AUG. 14 >> This is the first day of the fabulous three-day book sale at the Lebanon Community Library, at 125 N. Seventh St. On Friday and Saturday, the hours of the sale are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday, August 17, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bargain prices go from 50 cents to $3. For more information, visit: www.lclibs.org/lebanon or call (717) 273-7624.

10 A.M. FRIDAY >> Due to popular demand, a second show has been added for America's premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, on November 5 at 9:30 p.m. in the Hershey Theatre. Tickets are on sale online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com and www.TicketMaster.com or by phone at (717) 534-3405. They are also available at the Hershey Theatre Box Office. For more information, visit www.JerrySeinfeld.com.

11 A.M. FRIDAY >> Bethany's 152nd Anniversary Day celebration starts now and lasts until 9:30 p.m. The Keystone Band starts off the day with music at 11 a.m., when the midway opens. There's also a petting zoo, games, and rides for the kids. At 1 p.m., Matt Miskie performs; at 4 p.m., Haley Sheeler is the entertainment; and at 7 p.m., the regional favorite, "Burning House" takes the stage. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

5 P.M. FRIDAY AUGUST 14 >> The Cornwall United Methodist Church at Rt. 419 and Alden Street, will be holding the church's annual peach festival, starting at 5 p.m. This festival features the best in peach sundaes and peach cobblers, served with homemade ice cream. Hot dogs, French fries, soup and pork barbecue will also be available. Food will be served until 8 p.m. Entertainment will be the Masonic Band from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m., and a children's carnival will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy a pleasant evening. For information, call 272-0418.

7 P.M. FRIDAY >> The popular band "Memory Laps-e" will be performing at Legends Cafe, 9 South Ninth St. For more information, call (717) 273-7700.

2 P.M. SATURDAY >> The 43rd Peach Festival of Zion Lutheran Church will be held on the church grounds at 300 W. High St., Womelsdorf. The festival features freshly baked peach pies and cakes and peaches and ice cream. Entertainment is by the "Ragtime Willi Band," and begins at 4:30 p.m. The day includes raffle prizes, jewelry sale and white elephant sale, and lasts until 8 p.m.

5 P.M. SATURDAY >> Come out to the Rehrersburg Lions' Carnival for a great time; meals begin at 5 p.m. and the entertainment, "Kat and the Mad Dogz," begins at 7 p.m. Admission by donation, free parking. Bring lawn chairs. Plenty of games, prizes for the kids and refreshments.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> One of the best Christian contemporary bands around, "Damaskus Road," will be performing at Legends Cafe on South Ninth Street. They'll be playing until 9 p.m. For information, call 273-7700.

9 P.M. SATURDAY >> The Mike Schwartz Band, formerly known as Skid Marks, will be playing at the Myerstown VFW. If you're looking for the best in classic rock, check it out. The band will play until midnight. This event is open to the public.

6 P.M. SUNDAY >> The Millcreek Community Group presents "Music in the Park" at Memorial Park on Memorial Boulevard in Newmanstown. This week, singer James Young will be the entertainment, and he'll be crooning all of your Sinatra favorites. The event is free, a free-will offering will be taken. Bring lawn chairs. Food and drinks go on sale at 5 p.m.

7 P.M. SUNDAY >> It's always the right time for an old-fashioned band concert in a beautiful setting. This Sunday, the Philharmonic Band of Reading, formed in the 1800s, will come to Coleman's Park Veterans Memorial Amphitheater for the final summer "Music in the Park" concert. You'll be reminded of old marches, show tunes, overtures and traditional songs that will surely get your foot tapping. No admission is charged, but a collection will be taken to help cover costs. Remember to bring your favorite lawn chair, then sit back and enjoy.

7 P.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 >> Mark your calendar now for this performance by the Lebanon Big Swing Band, when they'll be performing at Spang Crest Manor in Lebanon. The event is open to the public. The music will continue until 8 p.m.

7 P.M. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 >> "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash" will be presented at the Gretna Theatre. This is the final main stage show of the season. For tickets to this tribute to the "man in black," call (717) 964-3627 or go to gretnatheatre.com. The show will be presented through August 23.

2 P.M. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, SAT., 22, AND SUNDAY, 23 >> The Civil War is coming to Lebanon County in the form of a three-day encampment and reenactment at the Union Canal Tunnel Park, at Union Canal Drive in West Lebanon Township, behind the Lebanon Valley Mall. Spectator battles will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Living history demonstrations will take place both days. For a unique experience, visit the camp after dark, with the "Candlelight Walk" Saturday evening. The walk begins at 7:30 p.m., with last entry at 8:45 p.m. Candles will be provided for a donation or you may bring your own flashlight.

Admission to the public is simply a donation of a non-perishable food item, or $2 per car. The event is sponsored by the Lebanon County Historical Society, the 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the Infantry of the 13th Mississippi C.S.A.

10 A.M. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 >> The Governor Dick Environmental Center invites youngsters ages 7 to 12 to learn more about our feathered friends with a program called "Outdoor Adventurers: Birds!" The kids will learn about bird adaptations and look for birds on a hike. Cost is $5 per child. The environmental center is located at 3283 Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. Participants must pre-register, by calling 964-3808 or at governordick@hotmail.com. Leave a name and phone number in case the program is cancelled.

7 P.M. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 >> For something different, bring the family to a "Nighttime Insect Safari" at the Governor Dick Environmental Center on Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. Be sure to bring a flashlight , as you'll be looking and listening for the "night crew." To pre-register, call 964-3808 or go to governordick@hotmail.com.

3 P.M. SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 >> Virtuoso pianist William Hume of Carlisle will present a concert in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Sixth and Chestnut streets. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults, $5 for students, with proceeds benefiting the Harmonia Student Scholarship Fund. Hume is a concert soloist and chamber musician who has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and on National Public radio. The piano recital is sponsored by the Harmonia Music Association of Lebanon.