Looking for part-time work? Check out our community bulletin!

 Looking for part-time work? Check out our community bulletin!

 Looking for part-time work? Check out our community bulletin!

 Looking for part-time work? Check out our community bulletin!

First Saturday

Join Us for First Saturday!

June 7 ⋅ July 5 ⋅ August 2 ⋅ September 6
Whistle Stop Plaza, 16 E. Main St., Ephrata

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…

  • June 7, 2025, 3rd Annual 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 ~(updated daily)

Wine Walk doesn’t require tickets but we would LOVE to know you’re coming! RSVP below!

RSVP First Saturday

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  • July 5, 2025, Chalk the Walk

In July we’re beautifying Main Street again with Chalk the Walk! From 11 am-4:30, Sign up here for your sidewalk ‘canvas’ pick up your sidewalk chalk, and get creative. Groups and individuals are welcome to participate – start planning now!

 

  • August 2, 2025, 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 on which book will be featured!

Back to the Books doesn’t require tickets but we would LOVE to know you’re coming! RSVP below!

RSVP First Saturday

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  • September 6, 2025, Explore Ephrata

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!

 

 

RSVP First Saturday

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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:

  Whistle Stop Plaza 4:30-8:00 PM

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.

 

VENDORS

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.

2025 Adult Beverages & Food Trucks 

Vendors updated daily!

 

 

2025 Retail Vendors

Vendors updated daily!

Sugarplum Country – June, Aug & Sept

 

What people are saying…

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

LIVE MUSIC

We are welcoming 3 NEW bands for 2025!

Caulfield’s Radio – June 7, 2024

Welcome Caulfield’s Radio!

The four-man group derives its name from the pages of JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye and creates a dynamic and tension-heavy sound that reflects the angst and rebellion found in the classic novel.

 

 

 

Chris Rafter – July 5, 2025

Welcome Chris Rafter!

Singer/Songwriter Chris Rafter has a voice and sound that sets him apart in the music industry. Growing up in Philadelphia and California has led to life experiences that have driven his lyrics and tone. He’s been inspired by many artists, but Nirvana is held close to his heart. Cover songs become his own, and he will also mix in some of his melodic originals. Rafter’s shows leave people wanting more. He doesn’t just put on a show but gives you a performance that makes you feel- and that’s exactly what art should do.

 

 

 

Lauren Davidson – August 2, 2025

 

Welcome Lauren Davidson!

Country Music Association (CMA) Artist & Grammy Recording Academy Member Lauren Davidson is unconventional, inimitable, and unmissable. Blending New York City vibes with the rich tones of Contemporary Country Music, she has created a genre all her own, and audiences and critics just can’t get enough.

 

 

 

Sound Method – September  7, 2024

 

Welcome Back Sound Method!

3 guys. Playing music. Eating Taco Bell. Getting shredded cheese in Zach’s glove box.

 

 

 

 

2024 Community Partner & Sponsors

 

Community Partners

Platinum Sponsors

 

 

Gold Sponsors

Sue & Dan Burkholder


Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Scott & Jan Eaby

Key Aid Ace Hardware

Inghams Powder Coating

Brickyard Beverage

Renovations Sells, Lancaster

Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Jeff Burroughs

JD’s Pazzo Pizza 

Gehman Jewelers

Simple Soiree

Dever Family Dentistry

Stubbs Insurance Assoc

Cloister Restaurant

 

Contact Us

​Event Presented by:


16 E. Main Street
Ephrata, PA  17522
Phone:  (717) 721-6196

Email: lisa@mainspringofephrata.org

Have Questions or Suggestions?
email: lisa@mainspringofephrata.org