As we continue our quest to “grow economy” and “build community,” we’re excited to share how we’re bringing the two goals together with First Saturday! Our First Saturday events celebrate the Ephrata community throughout the downtown area all Summer long. See details on all the events below.
Upcoming…
How well do you know Ephrata? Our last First Saturday is a crazy one! The Second Annual Scavenger Hunt, 2:30-4:30 pm, tests your knowledge against your fellow residents and visitors. Can you find the answers to all the clues? More details to come.
The Scavenger Hunt does not require tickets, but we would LOVE to know you’re coming! RSVP below!
We’re also excited to announce that the Historic Conservation Trust of the Ephrata Area has graciously decided to open the Caboose at the Whistle Stop Plaza for tours on First Saturdays. If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside, stop in from 4:00-8:00 p.m. to see!
Past First Saturday Events:
June 1, 2024, Wine Walk
In June we’re bringing back the Wine Walk with more wineries! From 2:30-4:30, join in as local vintners set up tasting rooms within our brick-and-mortar businesses. Taste your way up and down Main Street as you shop and get to know the entrepreneurs who keep our town moving.
Wineries joining us ~
Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery
Glasshouse Wineworks
Kog Hill Winery
Nissley Vineyards
Weathered Vineyards (Ephrata Tasting Room)
Lavender Acres Winery
Red Shale Ridge Vineyards
(* list updated daily)
The wine walk does not require tickets, but we would LOVE to know you’re coming!
July 6, 2024, Chalk the Walk
In July we’re beautifying Main Street with Chalk the Walk! From 11 am-4:30, sign up for your sidewalk ‘canvas’, pick up your sidewalk chalk, and get creative. Groups and individuals are welcome to participate – start planning now!
August 3, 2024, Back to the Books!
With the first day of school right around the corner, it’s time for Back to the Books! All of Main Street turns into a book 2:30-4:30 pm! Our businesses feature pages from great books that families can read by going from shop to shop. All kids receive school supplies at each stop and a copy of the featured book at the end of the route. More details to come.
Llama Destroys the World is our book this year! Be sure to JOIN us along with the author, Jonathan Stutzman, and illustrator, Heather Fox.
At 4:30, switch gears and join us at the Whistle Stop Plaza for a unique experience that brings together the local community for a FREE fun event where friends, family, and neighbors have the opportunity to gather in a festive atmosphere while enjoying the live music (dancing too!), local food vendors, and adult beverages. Local retail vendors offer a personal shopping experience for all attendees.
Food is also a mainstay of the evening event. There’s a great assortment of things to eat at any one event!
This event is family-friendly. Must be 21+ to enjoy an Adult Beverage (bring your ID… you could be 75 years old & using a walker & you will still need to show ID to consume Alcohol) Adult Beverages must stay within the boundaries of the event.
In the event of inclement weather, the events will be canceled.
We LOVE our Vendors!
Mainspring of Ephrata is excited to be hosting First Saturday again in 2024. While all of us (the organizers, volunteers, vendors, food trucks, musicians, and the public) have a role to play when it comes to promoting the event, we recognize that the MAIN responsibility for this effort falls to us, the organizers!
We’ll be building off past events’ success, with OVER 500 people attending any given month & great feedback from vendors & attendees. We have a robust marketing program to bring out even more attendees each month!
We hope you’ll consider joining us! Together we can make this a fun & profitable community event!
In the event of inclement weather, this year we will be canceling the event.
Vendors updated daily!
Old Republic Distillery Ephrata – ALL Dates!
Pour Man’s Brewing Co – ALL Dates!
Weathered Vineyards – ALL Dates!
Ephrata-Reading Elks Lodge 115 – ALL Dates!
Greco’s Italian Ice & Homemade Ice Cream – ALL Dates!
272 BBQ – September
JR’s Brisket – September
D&B’z Food – September
Rad.ish Food Truck – June & July
Donuts NV Lancaster – July & August
Tacos El Gordo – July
Raggamuffin Kitchen (Jamaican food) – August
Vendors updated daily!
Laura the Cookie Lady – Sept
Crafted From Faith – ALL Dates
E Rae Crochet – ALL Dates
The Original Cold Smoked Salt & Pepper Co – June & July
Meadowlark Lane Rustic Crafts – June
Whimzegal – June
Hey Tim Productions – June & July
For His Glory Boutique – ALL Dates
Crafty Nonna Company – June & July
Kona’s Catty Creations – Sept
SEWSWAVE – Sept
Zook Woodcraft – June & July
Beauty and Spirit Arts – June, July & Aug
Inkonic – July
The Candy Crusher Crew – July
Amos and Annie’s – June
Sugarplum Country – ALL Dates
Home Decor Items – June
Lorah’s Homemade Chocolate – ALL Dates
Fly Custom/Violet by She – ALL Dates
Uprooted Horizons Woodworking and Crafts LLC – June
Lavender Acres Winery – ALL Dates
Red Shale Ridge Vineyards – June
Share Your Gifts Studio – June, July & Aug
Emma’s Closet & Color Street – June
AEM Originals (resin art products) – June
Fairy Hair Sparkles by Zarah – July & Aug
Old Broke & Beautiful – Sept
House Sparrow Design Co – June
Hello Dia – ALL Dates!
Roni’s Sea Glass Jewelry – July & Aug
Build-A-Balloon – Aug
Fairytale Fragrance Co – Sept
Friends of Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park – Sept
We had such a good time at the Whistle Stop on Saturday night. We saw many friends, ate great food, had some good drinks and just loved the atmosphere provided by the band!!
Thanks for all the time and devotion to those who planned, set up, and cleaned up afterward!! Nicely done!!
~ Beth
Honey Trap – June 1, 2024
Welcome Honey Trap!
Honey Trap is a fierce 4-piece, female-fronted hard rock band, hailing from the bustling streets of New York City. Formed in 2014, their signature sound is a unique blend of sensual, yet edgy vocals over melodic guitar, groovy bass licks, and heavy-hitting drum beats.
Crossing Abbey Road – July 6, 2024
Welcome Crossing Abbey Road!
Crossing Abbey Road is a Beatles cover band based in central Pennsylvania. The band has been entertaining audiences for over a decade, bringing the timeless music of The Beatles to life for generations old and new.
Off Our Rockers – August 3, 2023
Welcome Back Off Our Rockers!
Off Our Rockers is Lancaster’s premier classic rock band. 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Rock / British Invasion (their specialty)
Sound Method – September 7, 2024
Welcome Sound Method
3 guys. Playing music. Eating Taco Bell. Getting shredded cheese in Zach’s glove box.
Scott & Jan Eaby
Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Jeff Burroughs
16 E. Main Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: (717) 721-6196
Email: lisa@mainspringofephrata.org
Have Questions or Suggestions?
email: lisa@mainspringofephrata.org