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Staying Busy at Rock Ford
Capital Day Is Lancaster’s Next Big Thing
BY LOGAN MOYER
BY JEFF FALK
S
MECK’S
• Apple Cider • Cider Donuts
ummer might be over, but there’s still plenty happening at Historic Rock Ford. For the first time on Sunday, Oct. 11, Historic Rock Ford will hold a multifaceted Cider Celebration on its grounds, 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster. “This is a new event that we’re trying,” said Christina McSherry, executive director of Historic Rock Ford. “We think fall is such a nice time of year to enjoy Rock Ford and its grounds. We often have a lot of summer events, and then we have our holiday event, Mark A. Turdo, a researcher with more than 20 years of experience, will be and we thought it would be giving a lecture on historic alcoholic cider. nice to try a fall event. We’re very Barn. The lecture will be given by and importance in Pennsylvania historian and museum professional and where it is heading today. excited.” “He’s been working on recreating The first facet of the event will Mark A. Turdo. He will touch on be a lecture from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. everything from William Penn to historic alcoholic cider,” McSherry in the Langmuir Education Room prohibition, overviewing how cider said. “ Who’s making it, who’s on the first floor of the Rock Ford was historically made, its presence drinking it, because it was one of See Rock Ford pg 5
Freedom Life Church Readies for Annual 5K
BY LOGAN MOYER
1955 Beaver Valley Pike, just N. of Quarryville
(717) 786-4713 Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm, Sat. 8am-4pm
mecksproduce.com
Freedom Life Church will host its annual Freedom 5K and Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, promising to bring runners, families and the community together for a morning of fun and meaningful impact. “Freedom Life Church definitely has a heart for the community, and we want to look for opportunities that we can bring people together and just have a good time, build
relationships and give people a safe place where they can make memories and come together as a family,” said Angie Dearolf, the church’s communications director. Beginning at 9 a.m., the 11th annual Freedom 5K will take participants on an out-and-back road course through Christiana, offering runners and walkers an opportunity to enjoy the community while supporting a cause that reaches far beyond the finish line. The Freedom 5K has raised over
See Freedom Life pg 6 $80,000 to fight human trafficking.
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APPLES
Ready Picked at farm market Sweet to tart PLEASE DELIVER BY WEDNESDAY
LSA
Large Selection of Pumpkins, Mums & more
VOL LXIII • NO 21
Lancaster has its own unique history, style, heritage and traditions. Lancaster also has its own distinct vibe and atmosphere. Lancaster Capital Day’s goal is to highlight and nurture that culture-infused ambiance. “It’s a grassroots, communityled initiative,” said Tim Austin, one of the organizers of Lancaster Capital Day. “It’s a celebration of Lancaster. By investing in Lancaster culture, we have a chance to look at ourselves and celebrate what we love about the community. It’s a cultural festival, but the culture is ours. It’s an opportunity for the city to put on a show. The initial response has been really positive.” The inaugural Lancaster Capital Day will be staged from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, a date that is historically close to Sept. 27, 1777, when Lancaster famously served as the United States’ capital for a single day. Lancaster Capital Day will be conducted in the closed streets and surrounding blocks of 1 Penn Square in the city, at the precise location where the Continental Congress convened an official session inside the Lancaster County Courthouse. Lancaster Capital Day is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. With assistance from nearly 100 volunteers, the event is being produced by nonprofit Keystone Events Project, which has secured the blessings of more than 30 sponsors, public officials and the city of Lancaster. “(Lancaster being America’s capital for a day) is a local claim to fame,” said Austin. “It was See Capital Day pg 2
Everything Fall
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road Saturday 10-4 Fun/Farm (Rts. 741 & 324S)
*Veggies *Melons & Lopes * Bakery 3 Miles S. of Lancaster *Fresh Pressed Apple Cider Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sunday • 717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2026