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Out and About in Lebanon: Local festivals, outdoor adventures await!


Summertime, and the livin' is...busy! Hard to believe, but it's time to make plans for your Fourth of July celebrations! Lots to do this week, too, whether you're stopping by the Robesonia Street Fair, taking the kids to the Strasburg Railroad, enjoying a classic silent movie, or tramping through the woods on a scavenger hunt. As always, plenty of good local bands and musical events to sample.

7 P.M. TONIGHT, FRIDAY, SATURDAY >> Drive to Myerstown for three days of family fun during the Mary, Gate of Heaven Church's "Summer Fest." Tonight's entertainment is "Hit List," Friday will be "Laredo," and Saturday will be the ever popular "Pentagon." And there's more: a book sale and basket raffle are on hand each day starting at 10 a.m. and the food court and midway games open daily at 5 p.m. There's plenty for the kids, too! The church grounds are located at 188 West McKinley Avenue, Myerstown.

10 A.M. FRIDAY >> After a sold-out North American tour, super group "Maroon 5" has announced they'll be performing at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., with special guests Nick Jonas and Matt McAndrew. The Hershey stop is only one of two US shows this summer - so don't miss it! Tickets go on sale Friday and are available at the Giant Center Box Office. Ticket prices range from $34.60 to $104. They can be charged by phone at (717) 534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

10 A.M. FRIDAY >> "Friday Writers" will be meeting from 10 a.m. until noon in the Lebanon Community Library, 125 N. Seventh St., Lebanon. Come and share, discuss, and write! This is open to all genres, all levels of interest.

10:15 A.M. FRIDAY >> It's a treat for the little ones at the Strasburg Railroad when Thomas the Tank Engine comes to visit during "Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour." Thomas is the star of the popular "Thomas and Friends" TV show. Thomas and Percy, another train, will be giving train rides Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Strasburg Railroad Station. Thomas-themed activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling and additional train-themed rides will be available throughout the day and are included with the ticket price. Trains depart every 30 minutes. Friday, they begin at 10:15 a.m., lasting until 1:45 p.m.; Saturday 9:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 10;15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

7 P.M. FRIDAY >> The Robesonia Street Fair will be in full swing when the classic rock group "Skid Marks" takes the stage. The band will play from 7 to 10 p.m. This is perfect summer entertainment for the whole family. Remember those summer fairs of your youth? Bring the kids for rides, and enjoy some great "fair food," then listen to one of the best groups in the region when these guys get the night moving. You want the Beatles, the Stones, Elvis, Foo Fighters, Dave Clark 5, the Zombies, CCR? You've got it - and so much more. The fair opens at 5 p.m. and a car show will be on the grounds at that time. On Saturday, the street fair will feature the band "Laredo," from 7 to 10 p.m., with fireworks to follow!

7 p.m. Friday: Legends Cafe has the fabulous JCM Band this week, and they'll be playing cool rock and roll until 10 p.m. For more information, contact Legends Cafe at 273-7700.

7 P.M. FRIDAY >> At the "Re:Create" arts initiative, 39 S. Eighth St., you can listen to acoustic blues from local favorite Dennis "Blind Melon" Easter. At 8 p.m. it's the return of Lancaster County singer/songwriter Olds Sleeper. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call (717) 269-3301.

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, SATURDAY >> The Gretna Theatre will present "Flipside: The Patti Page Story" until June 28. This show features 28 Patti Page hits, including "Tennessee Waltz," and "Allegheny Moon." On Sunday, the performance will begin at 2 p.m. This will be one of the most popular shows of the season, so hurry to get tickets. Call (717) 964-3627.

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY >> Nolan Walborn will present "New Discoveries in our Solar System" in the Hall of Philosophy in Mt. Gretna. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Mt. Gretna Historical Society and the PA Chautauqua. For more information, call (717) 964-1830 or go to: pachautauqua.org.

9 A.M. SATURDAY >> A "4D/5K Run and 1-mile run/walk" will begin and end at Fire Station One, 400 South Eighth St., Lebanon. Registration begins at 7 a.m. This is the annual "I Run For Those Who Can't," with proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It is open to all ages. For more information, go to: www.4d5k.org/event.

9:30 A.M. SATURDAY >> Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Myerstown Rod and Gun Club for the Sunnyside Charity Ride to benefit Lebanon County Developmental and Disability Services. Participants will ride to the DDS/Alley Learning Center at 12th and Walnut streets, Lebanon. A motorcycle show will follow, with a free concert from 11 a.m. and food for sale until 2 p.m. All are welcome. A rain date will be June 28, with the ride beginning and ending at the Sunnyside Clubhouse.

10 a.m. Saturday >> An antique appraisal clinic will be held until 2 p.m. in the Rehrersburg Lions' Den, Teen Challenge Road, Rehrersburg. A fee will be charged, but there is no limit to the amount of items you can bring for appraisal. Refreshments are available for purchase. This event is sponsored by the Andulhea Heritage Center. Call (610) 589-6639.

10 A.M. SATURDAY >> Historic Schaefferstown presents the "Cherry Fair and Early American Craft Fair" on the grounds of the Alexander Schaeffer Farm, at 213 South Carpenter Street. The event will take place rain or shine and there is plenty of free parking. Admission is $5, with children under 12 free. The event is open until 5 p.m.

1 P.M. SATURDAY >> Combine a walk in the woods with yoga stretches at the Governor Dick Environmental Center - it's a win-win experience for your body and your senses! This is for all ages, beginner or experienced. The environmental center is located along Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. Pre-registration is required. Call 964-3808.

2 P.M. SATURDAY >> Psychic/medium Kelly Kearney will be at the Lantern Lodge, 411 N. College St., Myerstown, until 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome, although reservations are encouraged. Fore more information, contact Kelly at (484)883-4667 or at: www.takethepath.biz.

4:30 P.M. SATURDAY >> A Firemens' Carnival will be held on the grounds of the Bellegrove Fire Company. "Solid Gold" will be the entertainment for the evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. Games, including bingo, and refreshments will be available all evening. It's a good idea to bring a lawn chair. Admission is by donation.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> The band "New Direction" will be playing at Legends Cafe, 9 South Ninth Street. "New Direction" can take you anywhere, including modern country and classic rock; this multi-genre band is developing quite a following. Come check it out! For more information, go to: www.legendscafe.org.

7 P.M. SATURDAY >> Come on out and dance to the "oldies" with Mickey Santora at the Prescott Banquet Hall. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., a buffet is available at 6 p.m., and music and dancing is from 7 to 10:30 p.m. This event benefits Keystone Wounded Warriors and the Indiantown Gap Fish and Game Conservation Club. For tickets, call (717) 272-0269.

8:30 P.M. SATURDAY >> These stars are not on the red carpet; they're so much more interesting! Join the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society to observe stars through members' telescopes. This will take place at the Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township. The evening is presented by the Berks Co. Parks and Recreation Department. For information, call (610) 374-8839.

2 P.M. SUNDAY >> Travel back in time with a silent film presentation at the Allen Theatre, 36 East Main St., Annville. The movie will be "It," starring Clara Bow, with live organ accompaniment. Sponsored in part by the Susquehanna Valley Theatre Organ Society. For information, www.SVTOS.org.

3 P.M. SUNDAY >> Make this the day you "unplug" and get back to nature. Test your observation skills on a scavenger hunt through the woods of Mt Gretna at the Governor Dick Environmental Center on Pinch Road. Sure beats TV re-runs! This is a free event; pre-registration is required. To register, call 964-3808.

7 P.M. SUNDAY >> Spend the evening under the stars at Coleman Park, enjoying "Music in the Park." The Taylor Family will be the featured entertainment this evening, at the Coleman Park Amphitheatre, 1400 Maple St. Bring lawn chairs. No admission fee; a free will offering will be taken. For more information, go to:www.musicinthepark.net.

10 A.M. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 >> Every Wednesday afternoon, all July long, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Lebanon Community Library will offer "Tech Help" at the library's computer center. Bring your questions and/or your gadgets. Basic computer skills are supported. This is part of the Lebanon County libraries initiative for "No Adult Left Behind" when it comes to technology issues. Call the Lebanon Library at (717) 273-7624 to register for a half-hour time slot.

NOON, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 >> Families can enjoy a variety of free noontime performances this summer, all geared toward kids, at the ChocolateTown Square in Hershey. Presented by The Hershey Story Museum, the free series includes "Silly Joe Sings," a guitar-playing comedian who entertains with high-energy songs about the everyday lives of kids and families.

9:15 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 4 >> This year's Fourth of July will be extra-special for the kids in Mt. Gretna as they enjoy the second annual "Fairy Tale Morning." First, children can enjoy an ice cream buffet breakfast in the Hall of Philosophy. This requires a reservation (call 964-1830) and a $5 fee. The magic continues at 9:45 a.m. with a special story about Fiona the Fairy, the resident fairy of Mt. Gretna's Fairy Garden. The story will be read by Kathy Snavely. The morning will continue with a parade by the children, dressed up as their favorite mystical creatures, as they walk to the Fairy Garden.

Then, at 11 a.m., the Theatre for Young Audiences will present "Cinderella and the Lone Prince" at the Playhouse.

7 P.M. SATURDAY, JULY 4 >> Come hear the patriotic sounds of the Keystone Band of Rehrersburg in the Mt. Gretna Playhouse.

9 p.m. Saturday, July 4: Enjoy the Grand Illumination in Mt. Gretna. Walk the streets of the Chautauqua and enjoy the view of local homes and cottages with their specially illuminated and decorated porches.

NOON, WED., JULY 8 >> Audiences will be amazed by the tricks and antics brought by "The Juggling Hoffmans," who come to entertain at ChocolateTown Square. This is an interactive show that the adults will enjoy, too. Free for everyone.