By Brad Igou
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mish Country is known for its Plain culture, its iconic regional foods, historic heritage attractions and museums, theaters and amusements, outlet shopping, and much more. But the one thing that keeps bringing people back for more is our festivals and very special events. Let’s take a look at what’s happening this month. Here are a few of my favorites, and why… First of all, I love live theater, and, if you do as well, we’re definitely in the right place. In August, one of my favorite musicals can be enjoyed at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. It’s HAIRSPRAY, and you can read all about it on page 17 of this issue. I’ve been going to shows at DADT for decades, literally, and whether it’s something traditional like THE KING & I, something more contemporary like MISS SAIGON, or something edgy like RENT, I’ve always enjoyed the eclectic mix of shows and the talented casts that Dutch Apple consistently assembles. Theater is always a great evening activity, especially since we tend to roll up the sidewalks in the countryside around five o’clock. Whenever I need a good laugh, I know I can head for Rainbow Dinner Theatre, celebrating its 30th anniversary, with over 5,000 performances and one million customers. That’s a lot of laughs! But then this theatre is “all comedy, all the time,” so you know you’ll always be treated to a zany show. Right now through August 9th see “Always a Bridesmaid,” followed by “Drinking Habits” beginning August 16th. In the latter, the nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have secretly been turning grape juice into wine to keep the convent’s doors open. But now two reporters are about to blow their cover. You can bet plenty of “nunsense” will ensue. I’ve been told Rainbow has some surprises in store for 2015 because “this is not your parents’ dinner theatre.” An excellent combination of Amish Country and theater is Wanda Brunstetter’s HALFSTITCHED: THE MUSICAL appearing on the Bird-in-Hand Stage. It’s a pleasant, tuneful show, with interesting characters and a clever premise. You can read more about it on page 7. All three theater options have tasty meals built into their show packages, so no need to worry about grabbing a quick dinner and then hurrying to the theater.
For a dining experience of a very different sort, try Bird-in-Hand Restaurant’s always-in-demand “Banquet in a Cornfield,” an evening featuring a tractor-pulled hayride to the Smucker family farm for a farmfresh meal of barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, baked lima beans, and more. This fun evening concludes with live music around the fire pit. Next let me mention one of the lesser known, but most unique events in Amish Country. That would be the Threshermen’s Reunion at Rough & Tumble. First, let’s get the name out of the way. The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association is housed on a 33-acre museum of mostly operating antique and obsolete machinery which many of us have never seen, at least not in action. If a machine runs on gas or steam, it’s probably here, from trains and factory equipment to tractors and cars. Be sure to catch the Reunion’s 90-minute parade, along with the demonstrations of threshing, great foods, and the fascinating mix of locals, including many Amish (who actually still use some of this machinery!). I’ve had a gas and found it a good place to let off steam! Seriously, it’s worth putting on your Amish Country must-do list. Looking to go farther back in time? You’ll thank me for my recommendation to visit the glorious Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. You can read about it in our cover story. I’ve been going to the Faire for years, almost from the beginning when it was just a couple weekends on the Victorian grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery. The event now runs 12 weekends, and it is simply impossible to enjoy all the entertainments in just one day. The shows, facilities, foods, and quality of the performances get better every year. And, unlike an amusement park where the attraction is perhaps a new roller coaster or ride every now and then, the Faire is forever evolving. You’ll enjoy interacting with the colorfully costumed cast of characters (feel free to go in your own costume!) and marvel at the heart-pounding joust at the end of the day. This year the storyline features King Henry, a change after many years of “God Save the Queen {Elizabeth I},” and will definitely be something new even for devoted Fairegoers. The Strasburg Rail Road is a popular venue offering events all year long, including Days Out With Thomas, the Easter Bunny Train, Santa’s Paradise Express, the new Steam Punk unLimited,
and the Great Train Robbery where Bonnie and Clyde are rumored to make an appearance. Saturdays in August, however, you can enjoy a crime-free ride on the Wine & Cheese Train as the big steam locomotive takes you to Paradise and back while you sample complimentary wine, cheese, and crackers. Or try the new Farm and Brew Trains on select dates in August and enjoy ribs, sausage, and yummy desserts along with the sampling of five seasonal beers from local breweries. Finally, as we look toward the end of August, you will want to make time for the Labor Day Auction of the Hospice of Lancaster County. In addition to the amazing items being auctioned off --- quilts, fine jewelry, lawn and garden plants, beautiful artwork, gift certificates, Amish-made indoor and outdoor furnishings, sports memorabilia, and collectibles --- there is the “Grand Slam Raffle” with four chances to win a 2014 Ford Mustang, a $2,500 Visa Card, a 3-Night Cruise for Two or a 50” Flat Screen HDTV. And you don’t need to be there to win! It’s a wonderful fund-raising event tradition (this is the 30th year), and an opportunity to eat good food and rub shoulders with the locals, including many Amish. In addition to these special events, remember that there are many other excellent ongoing activities from the incomparable Amish Visit-in-Person Tours at Plain and Fancy Farm and the Ghost Tours in Strasburg and Downtown Lancaster, to antiquing on Sundays in Adamstown at Renninger’s and Shupp’s Grove. You might even try creating your own event with the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team as you float over our amazing farmlands from high above. If the balloon lands on an Amish farm, as it sometimes does, you have instantly created an unforgettable experience for your family! I’ve truly only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do hereabouts, and I’ve only highlighted the month of August. My best advice is to start planning your return visit to enjoy all that Amish Country has to offer...both the expected and the unexpected!