As summer winds down, Mainspring of Ephrata is excited to announce our Second Annual "First Saturday Back to the Books" event on August 3rd from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. If you've been enjoying our First Saturday events downtown this summer, you know how they bring our community together and create a vibrant hub of activity. Now, as the lazy days of summer begin to wane we're channeling that energy into a fun and practical community-driven initiative that promises a unique blend of literature, local business engagement, and back-to-school preparation. Let us know you're coming!
A Community Effort
We’ve partnered with some fantastic local organizations to make this event possible. The Ephrata Public Library, Pawsitive Pediatric Dentistry, and the Ephrata Area Education Foundation have joined forces to create an afternoon that’s educational, entertaining, and helpful for families preparing for the new school year.
A Literary Adventure Downtown
The heart of our event is a creative “book walk” featuring “Llama Destroys the World,” a delightful children’s book by local author Jonathon Stutzman and illustrator Heather Fox. Families will follow a map through downtown Ephrata, discovering pages of the story displayed in our local businesses. It’s a unique way to explore our town and enjoy a good book at the same time.
Practical Perks for Back-to-School
While the book walk provides entertainment and promotes literacy, we’ve added a practical twist. As families visit participating businesses along the route, children will receive essential back-to-school supplies. It’s a great way to prepare for the school year while supporting our local business community.
Event Highlights:
Community Spirit in Action
This event showcases the power of community collaboration. By bringing together local businesses, educational institutions, and families, we’re creating an environment that celebrates learning, supports local commerce, and makes back-to-school preparations a bit more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead
Our First Saturday events have become a model for community engagement. We’re not just preparing for school; we’re strengthening the bonds that make Ephrata special.
For families in the area, this event offers a perfect blend of summer fun and back-to-school readiness. The combination of a literary-themed walk, free school supplies, and the chance to meet a local author and illustrator makes for an enriching afternoon that both children and parents can appreciate.As always, our First Saturday afternoon events are followed up by the live music, shopping from local crafters and food and beverage trucks from 4:30-8:00 pm at the Whistle Stop Plaza. Check the details and see the complete line of up vendors here.
Mark your calendars for August 3rd and join us for an afternoon of books, community spirit, and back-to-school excitement. We look forward to seeing you there!