Blog

Mark your calendars and get ready for another spectacular year of community celebrations! From spring kickoffs to holiday magic, we've packed 2026 with events that bring our downtown to life. Here's what's coming your way:

There's something magical about standing atop the ridge that overlooks our beloved Ephrata – the same vantage point where the grand Mountain Springs Hotel once welcomed presidents Lincoln, Buchanan, and Grant to our community. Today, that mountain holds the same potential to transform Ephrata's future, and we need your input to make it happen.

In August of 2025, Mainspring's Donors and Partners came together at the Brossman Building downtown to hear about our latest efforts and to listen to a panel of professionals explore revitalization through business, real estate, and design. Click below to learn more about how communities like Columbia, Lancaster, and Lititz work to build and grow their economic communities.

We get this question a lot: Why does Mainspring of Ephrata focus so much time, energy, and funding on Main Street? Don’t you care about the rest of the Borough? Joy Ashley, Executive Director, Mainspring of Ephrata says the answer is a resounding yes—we absolutely care about every neighborhood, every street, and every business across Ephrata. But revitalization doesn't happen all at once or everywhere at the same time. It requires a focused, strategic, and proven approach. Read on for her perspective.

Ready to put your Ephrata knowledge to the test? Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6th from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. as Mainspring of Ephrata presents the third annual "Explore Ephrata" scavenger hunt – the exciting finale to our beloved First Saturday summer series!

Whether you missed it or just want to relive the Chalk the Walk artwork, we've got you! Take a look below at all the day's fun - and don't forget to visit our events calendar for what's coming next, or sign up to be a volunteer. Mainspring is helping build our community and we want you to be a part of it!

The llamas are back, the backpacks are ready, and downtown Ephrata is about to become the coolest classroom you've ever seen!

Get ready to unleash your creativity and turn downtown Ephrata into a spectacular sidewalk art gallery! Chalk the Walk is back for our July First Saturday event, and we can't wait to see Main Street come alive with colorful masterpieces created by artists of all ages.

What happens when you combine athletic inspiration with small-town charm? You get the perfect recipe for economic vitality and community pride. Ephrata is about to find out firsthand as we prepare to welcome hundreds of athletes and their families for two major sporting events this summer. These competitions represent far more than athletic achievement – they're catalysts for business growth, community engagement, and the kind of positive exposure that transforms visitors into advocates for our remarkable town.

In the heart of Lancaster County, something special is happening. Ephrata is experiencing a renaissance—a vibrant revival of community spirit, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. Behind this transformation stands not just Mainspring of Ephrata, but a remarkable coalition of businesses and organizations committed to making our community thrive. These are our Community Partners, and today, we celebrate their invaluable contributions to Ephrata's bright future.