Out and About in Lebanon: Enjoy the last First Friday of Summer
The hills are alive with music — and so are the carnival grounds, clubs, parks, and church fairs this week. Whether you prefer rock, jazz, contemporary Christian, acoustic guitar, or old standards, you've got a place to go to enjoy some of the best regional music around. Or, enjoy them all!
10 a.m. Friday
Ever wonder who's living under that rock? Your kids have! The Governor Dick Environmental Center is inviting children ages 7 to 12 to come out for some outdoor adventures that involve "rock flipping." The Center is located on Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. Cost is $5 per child. You must pre-register by calling (717) 964-3808 or go to:governordick@hotmail.com.
10 a.m. Friday
Another great kids' event — "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" — is coming to the Hershey Theatre on Saturday, February 20 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The legacy of the beloved "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" lives on with this hit television series that airs daily on PBS Kids. Now Daniel and his friends are ready to delight live audiences, too. Tickets go on sale today and range from $20 to $53 and are available at the Hershey theatre Box office. They can be charged by phone at (717) 534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.
10 a.m. Friday
Now, something for the adults: Jerry Seinfeld returns to the stage at the Hershey Theatre on November 5 at 7 p.m., and tickets go on sale Friday morning. Tickets for the first day of the sale are only available at the Giant Center Box Office, online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com, www.TicketMaster.com or by phone at 534-3405. Following the first day, they are available at the Hershey Theatre Box Office. For more information, visit www.JerrySeinfeld.com.
5 p.m. Friday
Don't say goodbye to summer yet — St. Benedict's Summer Festival is happening all weekend long and it's going to be great! The festival will be on the grounds of St. Cecilia's Parish Center at 750 State Drive, starting at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and lasting 'til 10 p.m. On Sunday, the festival is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This festival has games, a 'Kiddie Korner,' inflatable bounce houses, raffles, bingo, and a beer tent. The fair food is nonstop, from hot dogs to halushki, from fajitas to funnel cakes, it's all there.
The entertainment is second to none; Friday evening "Not Quite Einstein," will be playing from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday, the renowned "Burning House" will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. and perform until 10 p.m. On Sunday, there will be "Dancing to the Oldies" with Mickey Santora. Come on over!
5 p.m. Friday
Philadelphia artist Mary DeWitt will show her exhibition entitled "Release!" at the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts as part of the First Friday Art Walk, at 734 Willow Street. The exhibition will be hosted by the Female Offenders Re-Entry Program of Lebanon County (F.O.R.E.).
6 p.m. Friday
Enjoy "The Cornwall Blast" on the grounds of the historic Cornwall iron furnace. The "Blast" features local beer and wines, as well as a pig roast with all the trimmings. The evening's entertainment will be "The Wayne Fox Trio," and activities are scheduled until 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $40, and $45 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets, stop by the furnace or phone (717) 272-9711. Guests must be 18 to attend and 21 to sample the alcohol.
7 p.m. Friday
The praise and worship band with the great name: LAW (Life After Work) will be performing at Legends Cafe, 9 South Ninth St. They'll be taking over the stage until 9 p.m. For more information, call (717) 273-7700.
7 p.m. Friday
The band "Cloud Party" will be performing for the Bethany Children's Home Summer Concert Series. No admission is charged, a free will offering will be taken. Seating is on the lawn, so bring a lawn chair or blanket.
7:30 p.m. Friday
Comedian Mark Russell will be the featured performer in the Mt. Gretna Playhouse. For more information, go to:GretnaMusic.org or call (717) 361-1508.
1 p.m. Saturday
Kochenderfer United Methodist Church, 1105 Kochenderfer Road, will hold a "Revelation Day," with live bands and speaker Dan Kirby from Gretna Glen. Tickets are available at www.rev-fest.com. Or call, 273-0525.
4 p.m. Saturday
Come and enjoy the huge Community Block Party sponsored by the Bridge of Hope Church in Womelsdorf. The block party will take place at LJ's Fitness, 102 North Third Street. Music will be provided by the Jesse Baker Band. Moonwalks and "bouncy houses" will be available for the kids, and there will be plenty of food. For more information, go to:www.ThebridgeofHopeChurch.com.
7 p.m. Saturday
Want to hear some of the best, most soulful guitar ever? Come to Legends Cafe when Chaz DePaolo and his Blues Band heat up the night. They'll be playing until 9 p.m. Sit and sip an espresso while you take in some great music. Legends is open Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7 p.m. Saturday
New name, same great band — the former "Skid Marks" are now the "Mike Schwartz Band," named after the lead guitarist, and will be tearing up the Smokehaus in Robesonia Saturday night. The band will be playing from 7 pm. to 10 p.m.; all the classic sounds of rock and roll that everybody wants to hear. Come on out and dance the night away! To learn more, call (610) 589-6397.
7 p.m. Saturday
"The Outlaws" take the stage, along with the "Crazy Elmer Show" at the Rehrersburg Lions Carnival. The carnival has home cooking and meals are served from 5 p.m. Plenty of games, too! Admission is $5, children under 12 are free. Parking is free.
7 p.m. Saturday
The Mt. Gretna Campmeeting Assoc. will hold a "Heritage Festival" in the Tabernacle featuring "The Robin Work Quartet." For more information, call Robin at (717) 964-1372.
8 a.m. Sunday
The fact that they're getting you out of bed on an early Sunday morning to go for a fast-paced hike should alert you to the fact that this "walk" is for serious hikers. This is a fitness hike of 4 to 6 miles, sponsored by the Governor Dick Environmental Center on Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. Meet there to begin. Pre-register by calling (717) 964-3808 or go to: governordick@hotmail.com.
6 p.m. Sunday
Debi Wahl will be the featured performer, singing a variety of genres when "Music in the Park" comes to the Newmanstown Memorial Park. No admission fee, a free-will offering will be taken. Bring a lawn chair and settle back for an enjoyable evening. In case of rain, the concert will be held in Living Stones Church on East Main Street.
6 p.m. Sunday
An "Outdoor Night of Music" will be presented by the Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, 31 Rehrersburg Road, Bethel, featuring the Danelle Cressinger Band and The Faithful Men. All are welcome. Call (717) 933-4723.
8 p.m. Sunday
Everyone enjoys the harmony of a male quartet, especially if they're singing Southern Gospel. At Coleman's Park, the summer concert series for "Music in the Park" continues with "Triumphant Quartet," a group that shows you Southern Gospel music at its best. Spend a summer evening listening to this Grammy-nominated group. No admission fee is charge; a free-will offering will be taken. Bring your favorite lawn chair.
10 a.m. Wednesday
If you need a mid-week "pick-me-up," take the kids to the Governor Dick Environmental Center at Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna for a hands-on nature "Humpty Dumpty Hike." This event is for children ages 2-6, and the cost is $5 per child. Call to pre-register at (717) 964-3808 or go to: governordick@hotmail.com.
5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 — 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. Entertainment Thursday is "New Found Grass," on Friday, it's Lindsey Erin, 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. For more information, go to: www.stowncarnival.com.
5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Start saving your quarters now! 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.
5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 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!
7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 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.
2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 — Sunday, Aug. 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." 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. Food concessions and restaurants are nearby. The event is sponsored by the Lebanon County Historical Society, the 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the Infantry of the 13th Mississippi C.S.A.
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.