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Out and About in Lebanon: Outdoor activities start with Union Canal Days, cruise and car events


It's time to venture outside and absorb the beauty of warm and wonderful May. There's plenty to do, whether you want to check out classic cars at any number of car shows or go for a walk in the woods in Mt. Gretna. Union Canal days combines fun and food with history. And, churches and secular venues are offering all types of music. So much from which to choose!

10 A.M. SATURDAY >> The 26th annual Union Canal Days will be held on the grounds of the historic Union Canal Tunnel Park in North Lebanon Township, at 25th Street and Union Canal Drive. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, you can witness the re-launch of the newly refurbished canal boat, the "Lois Miley." It should be a beautiful weekend to take a relaxing canal boat ride through the historic Union Canal Tunnel. The event will be open until 7 p.m. Union Canal Days is also open Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There's so much more - plenty of fun for the kids, and for all ages. Live music, classic cars display, living history with medieval re-enactors, craft vendors, a sheep-to-shawl demonstration, and loads of hearty "fair" food! What better way to spend your weekend!

And, there's actually more: a chicken barbecue dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, with tickets for $8. Advance tickets are available at the Lebanon County Historical Society's office or call (717) 272-6949.

Parking is $2 per vehicle. Narrated boat rides are $8 for adults, $4 for children (ages 6-18) and children under 6 are free.

No dogs are allowed in the park during the Union Canal Days weekend.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> The Unity Church of Palmyra at 37 East Main Street presents the "Spring Thunder" Concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert is expected to run until 9 p.m. The "Spring Thunder" concert combines the talents of two outstanding performers: Claudia Carawan and Charles Lee. Carawan is an award-winning song writer whose performances have been described as "goose-bump inducing" and she is proficient in many genres, including soul, pop, and gospel. Her original music is vibrant and soulful at the same time.

Lee was the first Pennsylvania State Senior Idol. He is best known for his energetic renditions of Motown classics and heartfelt offerings of standards originally performed by the likes of Sinatra and Mathis. He has opened for such acts as "The Temptations," "Earth, Wind and Fire," and "The Drifters."

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For tickets or more information, call the Unity Church at (717) 838-7807 or email:unityofpalmyra@verizon.net.

9 A.M. SATURDAY >> The Lebanon Christian Academy presents its First Annual Spring Vendor and Craft Event at the Lebanon Christian Academy/Open Door Baptist Church at 875 Academy Drive, Lebanon, along North Eighth Avenue. The event lasts until 2 p.m. The event includes a concession stand and a silent auction. Come check out the vendors and new lines of products.

6:30 P.M. SUNDAY >> God's Missionary Church, 2127 Hill St., Lebanon, will present a service of sacred music by "College Choir" and instrumental ensemble. For more information, contact the Rev. Allen Walter at (717) 273-3690.

7 P.M. SUNDAY >> Comedian Ken Hussar will be appearing in the Worship Center of the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra. The public is invited. A free-will offering will be used to help pay for the new TV system for the Health Care Unit.

4 P.M. SATURDAY >> Come enjoy a "Cruise Night" at the Jonestown KOA (formerly the Lickdale Campground), at 11 Lickdale Road, Jonestown. Vehicles to check out include classics, antiques and muscle cars. At 8 p.m., there will be a "burn-out pit." The event lasts until 9 p.m. Live music will be playing from 4-8 p.m. There will be plenty of food and prizes, too. No judging and no entry fee, but donations are accepted. The campground is located eight miles north of Lebanon, just east of Route 72. For more information or directions, call (717) 865-6411.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> The Union House Taproom and Livery at 12 East Main St., Richland, will have a "Party on the Patio" with guest band "Phantom." This is a fun, laid-back evening with a tiki bar, outside seating, frozen drinks and a new dinner menu. For more information, call (717) 866-9394.

9 P.M. FRIDAY >> Johnny and Hons' Smokehaus in Robesonia will present Peggy Keller, playing acoustic music until midnight. For more information, call (610) 589-6397.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> The "Hard Case Blues" will be playing at the Smokehaus until 10 p.m.

2 P.M. SUNDAY >> The classic rock band "Restless" will be playing until 5 p.m. at the Smokehaus in Robesonia. For more information, call (610) 589-6397.

1 P.M. SATURDAY >> The D.E. Richard Garage and Speedway Mart Car Wash present the 10th annual Car Show and Bike Show. There will be cars, trucks, and bikes of all years, makes and models, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. To register, you can make a donation. The event lasts until 6 p.m., and rain date is Sunday, May 17.

Proceeds from the day's event will be donated to a local Wounded Warrior.

A chicken barbecue, pig roast, other refreshments, and music will be available throughout the day. The show is located at the D.E. Richard Garage, 1 Speedway Drive, Fredericksburg, two blocks east of the town square. For more information, call (717) 865-2971.

8 P.M. SATURDAY >> The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra performs "Symphonic Sensations" in the historic Forum Auditorium on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in downtown Harrisburg. Stuart Malina is the music director. For more information, go to www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

10 A.M. FRIDAY >> Tickets go on sale for the famous a cappella group, "Straight No Chaser" this morning. The group will be performing in the Hershey Theatre on Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets for this show are $32.35, $42.35, and $52.35 and are available at the Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at (717) 534-3405 or (800) 745-3000 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

"Straight No Chaser" is touring in support of their fifth full-length release, "The New Old-Fashioned Tour."

7 P.M. FRIDAY >> Mike Kitchen and friends will present an evening of lively and deeply spiritual Gospel music at Legends Cafe, 9 South Ninth Street. They'll be on stage until 9 p.m. For more information, call (717) 273-7700. Legends is open Thursday though Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> Bryan Stevenson and Band will perform rock and roll and Christian praise music at Legends Cafe in Lebanon. These guys know how to rock it out, so come for the music, have hot coffee and enjoy a cool evening. Legends has an excellent menu. For more information, call (717) 273-7700.

10 A.M. SUNDAY >> The Seventh Annual Richland Legion Car and Bike Show will be held at 8 West New Street in Richland. Proceeds benefit the Keystone Wounded Warriors. Chicken barbecue and pulled pork will be provided by Hresko's for $8 each. Pick-up for the chicken or pork is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All cars and bikes are welcome: street rods, muscle cars, exotics, collector cars, trucks and bikes. "Lebanon Levi" Stoltzfus, a Richland resident and star of the reality show Amish Mafia will be selling and signing his best-selling book "Amish Confidential" to benefit Wounded Warriors as well. This event will be held rain or shine. Check it out and help a good cause.

10 A.M. SATURDAY, MAY 22 THROUGH JUNE 14 >> The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra presents "Lindenwood, a Country Destination Showhouse and Gardens 2015." Guests are invited to enjoy the home tour in each room of this historic building, decorated by premier interior designers, and wander through the gardens with unique outdoor areas designed by landscape artists. Special events, lunch and shopping via on-grounds vendors are all part of the Lindenwood experience. Musicians entertain throughout the grounds and speakers are a part of the event. All proceeds benefit the HSO. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, with extended hours Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Infants and children under 10 are not admitted and spiked heels are not permitted. For more information, go to: symphonyshowhouse.org.

3 P.M. SUNDAY >> A recital by concert organist Dr. Joan Lippincott will take place in the First United Methodist Church at 64 West Chocolate Avenue for the Sacred Concert Series. The concert is planned to celebrate the completion of the organ, which now features an additional six ranks of pipes. The piece "Paean" by Dr. Robert Lau, will be featured. Lippincott will also play works by Bach and Liszt. The concert is free, a free-will offering will be received.

10 A.M., WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 >> Something for the kids - start early to get them to know and love nature so they take care of it when they're older! The Governor Dick Environmental Center is sponsoring a "Hands On Nature" program of nature explorations for kids ages 2 to 6. The cost is $5 per child. Participants are asked to meet at the Governor Dick Environmental Center on Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. All must be pre-registered. Please call (717) 964-3808 or go to: governordick@hotmail.com. Please leave a name and phone number in case event is cancelled.

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, MAY 22 >> Cornwall Manor Concert Series presents pianist Dr. Eric Fung for the final concert of the 2014-2015 season. The concert will be held in the Freeman Auditorium on the second floor of the community center. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following the concert. Fung is an associate professor at Lebanon Valley College, and teaches piano and keyboard harmony.

3 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 23 >> It's time to unplug! Leave behind the electronic gadgets and enjoy nature! The nice folks at Governor Dick Environmental Center, located along Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna, will help you to see the light - and the wildflowers, trees and ferns. You're sure to enjoy discovering the diverse wildflowers in the park. You must pre-register by calling 964-3808 or go to: governordick@hotmail.com.

9 A.M. SATURDAY, MAY 30 >> An Antique Appraisal Fair will be held in the Mt. Gretna Fire Company Social Hall on Boulevard Street in Mt. Gretna. The event is sponsored by the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society. Terry Breidenstine, owner of All County Jewelry, Coins, and Antiques in Lebanon, will provide the appraisals.

Folks can bring up to five items and will be charged $5 for each appraisal. All proceeds will benefit the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society. The appraisal fair is open to the public, and more information can be obtained by calling event chairperson Susan Hostetter at (717) 964-1956.

10:30 A.M., MONDAY, MAY 25 >> A Memorial Day Parade will be held in Bethel to say 'thank you' to all branches of the military for their service. The parade will form at the north end of town, and services will follow the parade at Salem Reformed Church.