September 2019
It is hard to believe that it is back to school season already in our community. As fall approaches, there are some exciting things happening at Mainspring and in Ephrata.
Did you see the latest article about Mainspring in the August 14th edition of the Ephrata Review? Executive director Kelly Withum talked about our recent partnership with Franklin & Marshall College’s Ware Center for Civic Engagement, our ongoing collaborative projects with the Ephrata Area School District, our exciting progress on the Heatherwood Bike Park, and much more.
We are very thankful for all of the recent press and publicity about our efforts in the Ephrata community, including, a full feature on Ephrata in July’s issue of Lancaster County Magazine. Did you see it?
Looking for something to do? There is always something happening in Ephrata! Do not forget to visit our website’s calendar to find wonderful local events in your community. On it, you will find Mainspring of Ephrata’s signature events, such as the “Live on the Plaza” series, the “Party on the Plaza” series, and the upcoming Christmas in Ephrata events. Also on the calendar are annual events and community programs from the Ephrata Public Library, the Ephrata Elks, the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, the Historic Ephrata Cloister, and more!
Is your event on Mainspring’s Calendar? If not, do not forget to submit your organization’s events by visiting the Mainspring website for more information and details. We want to continue to see our calendar grow!
The Party on the Plaza at the Whistle is a downtown community event that combines food, adult beverages, and LIVE music. The event is a great opportunity for friends and neighbors to gather together. Event is rain or shine. Admission is free.
The Ephrata Fair, “The largest street fair in Pennsylvania” has been a significant part of local history since 1919, showcasing our many agricultural events and exhibits, as well as all the fun on the Midway.
An annual event honoring our Veterans. The event begins at dusk and goes until 8 pm. A flag will hang over the trail near Veterans Plaza. Patriotic music will be playing and food trucks / a coffee stand will be set up.
There is no formal ceremony, The event simply provides an opportunity for private reflection in honor of Veterans.
Our Ephrata tradition of Santa’s arrival and tree lighting continues.
Mainspring of Ephrata is taking this event to new levels! Many families look forward to this special evening and making precious memories each year. We will also welcome the Belsnickel.
You won’t want to miss it!
To sponsor Christmas In Ephrata, click the button below to see all the ways you can support this 95-year-old tradition!
Visit with friends and family to discover the sights, sounds, and crafts of the past and present in a relaxed evening under the stars. Meet local artisans keeping the tradition of handmade art alive. Enjoy music by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. Enjoy light refreshments.
Tickets $6 for everyone age 3 and above.
Performances at 6:30 and 8:00 pm each night. Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and holiday music in the 1741 Meetinghouse at the Ephrata Cloister.
Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required. Admission is $7 per person.
Visit the Historic Ephrata Cloister website for details on ticket sales.
Their passion is classic cars! The outside of the building is old-style service center but the interior is lit up like the Vegas strip. From the neon signs that cover the walls to the custom made lamps, the showroom takes you back in history.
Stop by 519 W. Main St. Ephrata and have Jim Landis’s right-hand man, Terry Rossey give you the grand tour. He can give you the history details for the building, signs & framed memorabilia. He can even sell you a car! This place is so interesting even if you are not in the market for a vehicle, this will be an enjoyable visit!
We are on our way to opening the Heatherwood Bike Park this fall. The tentative date for the opening is October 19, 2019. Did you know that the Heatherwood Bike Park will be among the first biking trail of this type in Pennsylvania? We could not have made the progress that we have on this project alone. Below are some of the many collaborators, sponsors, and volunteers that are working hard to bring this project to life!
Mainspring is incredibly thankful to our local breweries for coming together to create a special beer to benefit the Heatherwood Bike Park. Pour Man’s Brewing Company, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company, and Black Forest Brewing Company created an “Ales for Trails” brew that was incredibly popular in our community. Sales of the “Ales for Trails” collaborative raised $7,648. That is a lot of beer and a lot of thanks!
A huge thank you to AJ’s Pop-Up Mini Golf for their recent support of the Heatherwood Bike Park. Four years ago, the Van Grouw family started AJ’s Pop-Up Mini Golf in Lititz. The 18-hole golf course features a new theme each year, with this year’s theme being “All Across America.” The pop-up experience was open on August 17th and 18th with donations going towards the Heatherwood Bike Park. We are so grateful for the $1,225 that was raised by AJ’s for our efforts.
How can you still contribute?
You can still contribute to our GoFundMe page for the Heatherwood Bike Park by visiting our GoFundMe page.
We have raised almost $3,500 from community members just like you!
We are also still looking for volunteers!
Our Heatherwood Bike Park volunteers have already put in countless hours getting the area ready and cleaning up the grounds. Thank you to Tim at Eagle View Landscaping and SAMBA (Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association) for all of your support as we continue to make exciting progress! Please check our Facebook page to see when the next workday will be!
