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Tag: Central PA

FREE admission this weekend at Hershey’s ZooAmerica

Alligators, and gray wolves and mountain lions, oh my! See all of ZooAmerica‘s animals for FREE this weekend, January 27 and 28, 2018.

ZooAmerica will be hosting their annual Community Weekend for guests to experience the park and its over 200 animals, free of charge.

The park hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Throughout the zoo there will be many “animal encounters” hosted by ZooAmerica’s naturalists. Guests will be able to see animals up-close, while learning more about the animals’ respective backgrounds, native habitats, and any other questions you or your little ones can come up with. Animal encounters will be scattered throughout the park.

Over 60 North American species are represented at ZooAmerica, so even in the bitter temperatures of January, the animals have all adjusted to the cold weather. Animals like the Gray Wolf actually prefer the cold weather and are known to be more much more active in cooler temperatures. This also goes for the Snowy Owl, whose natural habitat is the open tundras of Alaska and Canada. The Canada Lynx is native to both Alaska and Canada also, but has adapted to the snow and has long legs with big paws, so walking through snow can be done with ease. These are just a few of the many North American animals available to see at ZooAmerica.

If you miss this weekend’s Community Weekend at ZooAmerica, there will be $6 Fridays starting now, and will be available every Friday until March 23, 2018.

Gray Wolves Howling at ZooAmerica

Gettysburg National Military Park accessible to public during government shutdown, some programs canceled

During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures.

Open to Public

  • Park roads, memorials, and trails at Gettysburg National Military Park, will remain accessible to visitors.
  • The film, cyclorama painting and museum exhibits at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center remain open and available to visitors.

Closed and Canceled

  • All park programs have been canceled, including Winter Lectures, Reading Adventures for Families, and the Battlefield Book Series.
  • Eisenhower National Historic Site will be closed during the shutdown.
  • The Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg National Military Park, including the Annex, will be closed during the shutdown.

Limited Services

  • Emergency and rescue services will be limited.
  • There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Gettysburg National Military Park, including
    — public information
    — restrooms
    — trash collection
    — facilities and road maintenance, including snow plowing.
  • Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions.

Campgrounds

The NPS will not be providing services for the McMillan Woods youth group campground, including maintenance, janitorial, bathrooms, check-in/check-out, and reservations. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action.

Visitors holding campground reservations should be aware that there is no guarantee their reserved campsite will be ready and available should they arrive during a government shutdown.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

Outdoor nature programs this winter at Central PA environmental education centers

Don’t let chilly weather keep you indoors!

Bundle up and get back to nature with these outdoors winter programs, sponsored by local environmental education centers.

Some programs require prior registration. Check websites for details.

 

 

 


Mindfulness Hike
Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA
Website
January 7, 2018
10-11:30 a.am
Observe the beautiful nature around us with a brisk 3.1 mile hike, led by yoga instructor Traci Wolfe. Appropriate for ages 12 through adult.

Winter Walk
Gifford Pinchot State Park
2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA
Website
January 12, February 10 and 23, 2018
1-2:30 p.m.
Explore the winter weather this season at Gifford Pinchot State Park for an easy to moderate walk at Pinchot Park. It will be led by a park naturalist and will explore the trails in the Conewago Day Use area.

Mammals!
Lancaster Environmental Center
1 Nature’s Way, Lancaster, PA
Website
January 27, 2018
1- 2 p.m.
Join Naturalist Ann Strauss will provide an afternoon of games and fun while teaching more about mammals. The first part of the hour will be spent playing games outside that simulate mammal behaviors, and the second half will be inside and allow kids to hold and examine mammal  furs and skulls up close. Registration is required and the cost is $2 per person.

Kids Discover: Animals And Their Tracks
Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA
Website
February 11, 2018
1- 3 p.m.
Learn how to track some native Pennsylvanian forest animals at Wildwood Park. A naturalist will be teaching children how to notice walking patterns and the tracks of local animals. Appropriate for ages 5-10. $5 per child, parents are free. Registration for the event is required.

The Great Backyard Bird Count
Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA
Website
Now through February 17, 2018
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join “birders” from Wildwood and Appalachian Audubon Society in learning about and identifying local birds. This is a chance to enjoy winter birds from the warmth of the indoors, at Wildwood’s Olewine Nature Center. This event will be ongoing from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on February 17.

Mount Hope Maple Madness
Strawberry Hill
914 Mount Hope Road, Fairfield, PA
Website
February, 24, 2018, and March 3, 2018
7:30 – 11:30 a.m.   Pancake Breakfast and Local Art & Craft Vendors
9 a.m. – 12 noon Maple Sugaring Tours (90 minute tour; last tour begins at 12 noon and runs until 1:30p.m.)
Strawberry Hill’s annual Mount Hope Maple Madness maple sugaring festival is held every year on the last Saturday in February and the first Saturday in March.  Tickets available at the door.
All-you-care-to-eat Pancake Breakfast: $8 adult, $4 child
Maple Sugaring Tour: $8 adult, $5 child

$6 Fridays at ZooAmerica
201 Park Avenue, Hershey, PA
Website
Every Friday until March 23, 2018, will offer admissions prices of $6 per person. Stroll the 11 acres of the zoo and learn about more than 200 animals from the five regions of North America.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm takes aim at family fun with new attractions

 

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks, Pennsylvania, opened its 2017 season with five new attractions. The farm’s mix of family-friendly “agri-tainment” was already a sure-fire hit with kids and adults, but the new Round Barrel Racers, Country Road Carts, Paint Ball Range, Battle Zone with Nerf balls, and Twisted Tail Rope Maker add to their arsenal of fun.

My family visited the farm on a beautiful Saturday in August, and after a fun-filled day we are excited to return on a fall evening for pick-your-own pumpkins, flashlight nights in the corn maze and campfires.

Here are our tips to help you enjoy your day at the farm!

Age Range for Fun

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has activities for all ages and interests. Have a sports fan in the family? Try Corny’s Ball-cade, which includes a football toss, baseball throw, and soccer shots section. Love animals? Feed the goats and hold a baby chick. Want to relax? Grab lunch and picnic on the hill with a scenic view of the farm and the Strasburg Rail Road. Have a need for speed? Whoosh down one of the slides or race your family on the pedal cart track.

Our Favorite Activities

My 5-year-old daughter loved the Apple Blasters. There’s something very satisfying about using a gigantic cannon to hit the broadside of a barn with an exploding apple. It made her collapse into giggles after each launch.

My husband, the avid gamer, loved the new battle zone as he converted some video-gaming tactics into real-world actions by hiding behind haystacks and massive tractor tires while being pursued by a 5-year-old assailant.

My favorite activity was the slides. I’m a kid at heart, and the thrill of a fast slide never gets old. Luckily, there’s a soft barrier at the bottom, because I had to use it!

My 1-year-old loved painting in the water-play area in the Lil’ Farmers Playland. I loved the fact that she was using a paint brush dipped in water, and she dried quickly with no mess.

Our Favorite Food

Homemade cider donuts – they melt in your mouth!

Know Before You Go

Prepare for a full day of fun! The time passed quickly, and before I knew it, we had spent the entire day at the farm. Picnic lunches can be brought in, but the delicious scents coming from the food stands had us trying a variety of farm-fresh foods.

Bonus Fun

Strasburg Rail Road runs right through the park, and you can even purchase a discounted ticket for the train and board at the park! The train runs frequently, and it’s cute to see the kids stop playing momentarily to gaze in awe at the train.

Enjoy Cherry Crest Adventure Farm with your family now through early November.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
150 Cherry Hill Road
Ronks, PA 17572

Calendar
Fridays and Saturdays through September 16
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through November 4

Admission
Farm Fun Pass: $17 Weekdays, $20 Saturday
Twilight Pass: $15 Fri. & Sat. after 7 p.m.
Children 2 and under are always free!
Round Barrel Racers and Country Road Carts are included with general admission. Paint ball, battle zone, and the rope making are upcharge attractions.

 

karen-blogger-small

Karen Bumbaugh is an Information Technology professional who enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children, ages 1 and 5. Outside of her family and career, her passion is helping parents find places to have fun with their children. In 2014, she founded “Been There Done That with Kids” a website and blog that includes trip reports, tips, and ways to prepare for family outings. Follow Karen and “Been There Done That with Kids” on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and BeenThereDoneThatWithKids.com.

Stargazing program at Little Round Top in Gettysburg

At 8 p.m. on August 10, Gettysburg National Military Park, with the Westminster Astronomical Society, invites the public to participate in a star-gazing program at Little Round Top, Auto Tour Stop 8.

Throughout history mankind has always been fascinated by the stars in our galaxy. Even during the American Civil War, soldiers and civilians on both sides looked to the heavens for inspiration, solace, and understanding.

This event is for stargazers of all interest levels.  Limited numbers of telescopes and binoculars will be available for use during the program, though participants are encouraged to bring their own.

This free program, part of the History at Sunset series, will begin at 8 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. Parking is available at Little Round Top, along Sedgwick Avenue.  No registration is required.

For the safety of participants at the end of the program, the public is advised to bring handheld flashlights for use in returning to your vehicles.

Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War, the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and their commemorations. Learn more at www.nps.gov/gett

Bounce houses, petting zoo and pony rides at the Family Festival in Lancaster this Saturday, June 24

costume-parade

FREE admission, FREE parking and FREE FAMILY FUN!

Saturday, June 24, 2017
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Long’s Park

As always, this FREE event will feature live music and stage performances, a petting zoo and pony rides, Atomic bounce houses, storytime corner, and lots of exhibitors with child-friendly activities.

Children are also invited to dress up and walk in the costume parade or bring their favorite stuffed animal for a check-up. Bring a picnic lunch or get something from our food court and spend the day enjoying everything this festival has to offer for local families.

Use #ParentFamilyFest on social media to share the fun!

While at the Family Festival, make sure to sign up for our door prize giveaways!

You could win one of two great prizes:

Family four-pack of tickets to Dutch Wonderland!
dutch-wonderland-logo

One-year family membership to Lancaster Science Factory!

 

lancaster-science-factory-logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Star Museums in Central PA offer FREE admission this summer to military families

pa-state-museum-mastadon
Mastodon at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

More 2,000 Blue Star Museums across America are offering free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Blue Star Museum program, in collaboration with the national Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their community, especially after a military move.

“The Blue Star Museums program is a great opportunity for the NEA to team up with local museums in every state in the nation to support our service members and their families,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “It means a lot to offer these families access to high-quality, budget-friendly opportunities to spend time together.”

This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children’s museums, including newly participating museums: the EdgarAllen Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia; The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis Tennessee; the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Hagerman Idaho; and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer.

“Whether they want to blast off at a science museum, take a walk through nature, or encounter animals at the aquarium, Blue Star Museums will help service members and their families create memories this summer,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “This fantastic collaboration with the NEA brings our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”

Check out the Blue Star Museums Parent Toolkit:  A Guide for Before, During, and After Your Family Trip to the Museum (created by Blue Star Families)

A list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Blue Star Museums in Central PA

Adams County
Appalachian Trail Museum

Cumberland County
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center

Dauphin County
AACA Museum
Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
Susquehanna Art Museum
The State Museum of Pennsylvania

Franklin County
Conococheague Institute
Franklin County Historical Society

Lancaster County
Ephrata Cloister
Lancaster Science Factory
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
North Museum of Nature and Science
National Watch & Clock Museum
North Museum of Nature and Science
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Lebanon County
Cornwall Iron Furnace

York County
York County History Center

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Pop-up vacations: Weekends in Central Pennsylvania are made for camping

Happy Campers Lying in a Tent

From state parks to family campgrounds, mountain cabins and streamside tent sites, an overnight adventure is within a two-hour drive from home.  Here’s our shortlist of favorite family-friendly places to set up camp to enjoy a weekend under the stars!

Family Campgrounds

With kid-friendly activities, themed events and a variety of on-site amenities (yes, even Wi-Fi), family campgrounds are a perfect entry-point to the great outdoors. And if you love spending a day in the wilderness but the thought of sleeping in a tent leaves you cold, look into renting a cabin or cottage. You can bunk in comfort and tell the critters (your children and the wild animals) you’ll see them in the morning.

Twin Grove RV Resort and Cottages
1445 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove
Twin Grove is chock full of kid-friendly amenities, including an arcade, swimming pool, mini golf and amusement park rides. Nearby Swatara State Park offers miles of hiking, biking and waterways to explore, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Paradise Stream Family Campground
693 Paradise Stream Road, Loysville
With a creek to explore, a lake to fish in and swimming pool to jump into, “I’m bored” will be a forgotten phrase. Other activities include mini golf, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds, hiking and a pedal go-kart track. Cabin rentals are available, and the sites along Sherman Creek are spacious.

Buttonwood Campground
1515 E River Road, Mifflintown
Campground attractions include mini-golf, pedal karts, nighttime laser tag and a giant trampoline “jumping pillow.” Launch a canoe – or kayak or tube – into the Juniata River and meander downstream. Juniata River Adventures offers rentals and shuttles to and from the campground.

Mountain Creek Campground
349 Pine Grove Road, Gardners
Location, location, location – Mountain Creek Campground is situated at the entrance to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, with Michaux State Forest and Caledonia State Park just down the road. Activities at the campground include hayrides, horseshoes, corn hole and shuffleboard.

State Park Campgrounds

Pop quiz: How many state parks are in Pennsylvania? Answer: A lot. 121, to be exact, with over 200,000 acres on hand for outdoor adventures. Make a reservation online, pack your camping gear and start exploring. Here are a few local-ish favorites to check out.

Codorus State Park
Marina Drive, Hanover
Activities include hiking, mountain biking trails, disc golf and boating. No swimming is allowed in the lake, but the park features a large swimming pool with slides. The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg offers an ample shoreline for fishing and East Branch Codorus Creek is an approved trout stocking stream.

Caledonia State Park
101 Pine Grove Road, Fayetteville
Perfect for a walks in the woods, Caledonia State Park is surrounded by over 84,000 acres of state forest land. Tent and trailer camping is available at two campgrounds within the park: Chinquapin Hill Campground is closer to the swimming pool; Hosack Run Campground is pet-friendly and near the Hosack Run creek. Check out the nearby Totem Pole Playhouse for an evening of summertime theater.

Black Mashannon State Park
4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg
Among the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ 25 Must-see Parks, Black Mashannon State Park is one of the largest wetland areas in the state. Twenty miles of hiking trails and boarded walkways allow for easy exploration of the park’s diverse habitats for a wide variety of birds, animals and plants. Tent camping as well as both rustic and modern cabins are available.

Little Buffalo State Park
1579 State Park Road, Newport
An award for walking? Little Buffalo State Park is an American Volkssport Association trail site where hikers can log miles toward achievement awards. After hiking on the park’s eight miles of trails, take a dip in the swimming pool or just cool off in the sprayground. The 88-acre Holman Lake offers warm-water fishing, and boats, canoes and paddleboats are available to rent

Amusement Park Campgrounds

Whether trailer camping or setting up a tent, staying the night at a campground can be both a cost-savings and a great way to extend the fun after a day at the amusement park. These three campgrounds are a short drive (or walk!) from the cotton candy and coasters.

Hersheypark Camping Resort
1200 Sweet Street (formerly Matlack Road), Hummelstown
As a guest at one of the official resorts of Hersheypark, campers enjoy Sweet Start early access to select rides within Hersheypark. On-site recreation includes two swimming pools, sports facilities and movie nights. Both cabins and campsites are available.

Knoebels Campground
391 Knoebels Boulevard, Elysburg
Park your car, set up the tent and walk to the rides. The campground at Knoebels is adjacent to the amusement park making it extra easy to take mid-day breaks from the action. Campground amenities include the Trading Post campground store, playground and a small swimming pool.

Lake Glory Campground
96 Eisenhower Road, Catawissa
Located a few miles from Knoebels, there’s a small lake, woods, a scenic stream and more. With some cabins, RV hook-ups, and tent sites, along with a Trading Post campground store and a playground, and free shuttles to the amusement park.

Old Mill Stream Campground at Dutch Wonderland
2249 Lincoln Highway E, Lancaster
Tree-lined and set against the pastoral landscape of Lancaster County, the Old Mill Stream Campground is steps away from Dutch Wonderland and close to other local tourist attractions and outlet shopping. Campground amenities include Wi-Fi, a camp store, game room and playground. Tent sites and cabins available.

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Where to pick your own strawberries in Central Pa.

We think the only thing tastier than a locally grown, ripe strawberry is one you’ve picked yourself. So we’ve culled the region for pick-your-own strawberry patches, and present them here, listed by area.

With the mostly warm winter, forecasts are for a strawberry harvest that’s a bit earlier than typical this year — maybe by a week, according to Kathleen Demchak, a senior extension associate with Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences who conducts applied research to help berry growers. It all depends upon the cultural system that farmers use in their fields, she explains.

Check the farms’ websites and Facebook pages, or give them a call to see if their harvests are ready for picking. Then go to it! Because strawberry season is short, but oh so sweet.

CUMBERLAND & DAUPHIN COUNTIES

Blyler Fruit Farm
www.blylerfruit.farm
922 Route 25, Spring Glen  717-365-3177
Check out their other produce while you’re there.

Bricker’s Strawberry Farm
www.brickersstrawberries.com
1710 W. Lisburn Road, Carlisle 717-258-6160
They advise to call ahead to make sure their harvest is in and ready for picking the day you want to head over.

Cross the Creek Farm
www.facebook.com/crossthecreekfarmpa
2035 Pine Road, Newville  717-776-2317
Usually open 7 a.m. till dusk, or as long as the day’s harvest lasts.

Oak Grove Farms
www.oakgrovefarmsinc.com
846 Fisher Road, Mechanicsburg  717-766-2216
In addition to strawberries, you can pick yourself some tasty baked goods and chicken corn soup — from their shop, not their fields.

Paulus Farm Market
www.paulusfarmmarket.com
1216 S York St, Mechanicsburg  717-697-4330
In its second year of offering pick-your-own strawberries, this farm market also has lots of other produce, homemade foods, farm animals to feed and pet, and a play area for kids.

Strites Orchards
www.stritesorchard.com
1000 Strites Road, Harrisburg  717-564-3130
This farm’s been in operation for over 100 years, and has lots of yummy baked and canned goods in addition to other fresh produce.

ripe strawberries on a bush in the garden

LANCASTER & LEBANON COUNTIES

Brecknock Orchard
www.brecknockorchard.com/pick-your-own
390 Orchard Road, Mohnton  717-445-5704
In addition to the regular pick-your-own held Mondays through Saturdays, the orchard will host two Strawberry Festivals — June 3 and 10 — featuring hayrides to the strawberry field, fun kids activities, make-your-own chocolate covered strawberries, and free slices of their seven-foot strawberry shortcake, all starting at 10 a.m.

Brook Lawn Farm Market
www.facebook.com/brooklawnfarmmarket
2325 Lititz Pike, Lancaster  717-569-4748
They have pick-your-own strawberries and peas in late May and early June.

Creekside Farm Market with Shady Creek Farm
www.thecreeksidemarket.com/pick-your-own
1436 Mt. Joy Road, Manheim  717-826-3378
Their season usually starts mid-May, and their hours start early too — pickers can hit their fields at 7 a.m.

Honey Bear Orchards
www.honeybearorchards.com/strawberries
1819 Thompson Avenue, Lebanon  717-867-4611
The orchard specializes in peaches, but they have a pick-your-own strawberry patch each year (and also grow cherries, apricots, raspberries, apples, nectarines, plums and apples).

Myers Strawberries
www.facebook.com/myersstrawberries
1429 Auction Road, Manheim  717-653-1259
Get a ride out to the strawberry fields on a John Deere gator, and then enjoy the ambiance of a meandering stream, beautiful croplands, and a wooden covered bridge while you pick.

Old Homestead Farm Stand
www.theoldhomesteadfarm.com/pick-your-own.html
361 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks  717-669-1636
They’ll open for strawberry picking June 1.

Risser-Marvel Farm Market
www.rissermarvel.com
2425 Horseshoe Pike, Annville  717-838-1438
In addition to the strawberry patch, they have other seasonal fruit and veggies picked fresh, plus fresh baked goods.

Shenks Berry Farm
www.shenkberryfarm.com
911 Disston View Dr., Lititz   717-626-6194
A scenic farm with beef cattle, sheep, vegetable crops and, of course, strawberry patches.

YORK COUNTY

Barefoot Farm
www.facebook.com/barefootfarmdoverpa
6621 Bluebird Lane, Dover  717-292-1390
Strawberry fields, plus fresh strawberry sundaes, chocolate dipped strawberries and even an ice cream shop that’s open during the berry season.

Brown’s Orchards
www.brownsorchards.com
8773 Yellow Church Road, Seven Valleys  717-428-2036
Located three miles from their market in Loganville, the orchard features pick-your-own strawberries beginning in late May.

Forge Hill Orchards
www.forgehillorchards.com
135 Blossom Drive, Mt Wolf  717-266-1206
The farm has been around for three-quarters of a century. Pick-your-own strawberries starting in late May, then sour cherries in June.

Paulus Orchard
www.paulusorchards.com
522 E. Mount Airy Road, Dillsburg  717-432-2544
They’ll open Memorial Day weekend for pick-your-own strawberries and more.

Shaw Orchards
www.shaworchards.com/strawberries.php
5594 Norrisville Road, White Hall, Md.  410-692-2429
They’ll take you on a scenic wagon ride to the strawberry patches (there is a $5 per person, pre-paid minimum purchase required).

 Girl carrying box of strawberries in a field

 

Tips for Berry Picking

  • Visit farm’s website, Facebook page or call ahead to confirm hours and make sure it’s open for picking; they may close due to weather or if they’ve been picked clean of ripened fruit.
  • Bring cash. Many smaller farms do not accept credit cards.
  • Avoid stacking many layers of berries in your container; you don’t want to crush them.
  • Stay in your designated picking area and only pick berries that are fully red.
  • If possible, pick in the morning or evening, when berries are less likely to dry out quickly.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent and sturdy footwear for walking through farm fields.

Leslie Penkunas is the editor of Central Penn Parent.

Curtain up! 2017 high school musicals in Central Pennsylvania

It’s high school musical season in Central Pennsylvania and we’ve put together an (almost) definitive list of musicals in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties. Whew!

That said, we know we’ve missed a few. If you have a listing to add or correction, let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected].

For links to ticket information, click on the musical’s title. (Again, if you have a link to add, email us.)

March is also Music in Our Schools Month. Throughout March, we’ll be featuring personal essays from music educators and students from around Central PA. If you would like to take part in our project by submitting a personal essay, please contact us at [email protected] We want to share your appreciation for music in our schools!

And now, without further ado, your Central Pennsylvania high school musicals!

(* Indicates a production registered to be evaluated for a 2017 Hershey Theatre Apollo Award.)

Spotlights Theater Stage

 

Weekend of March 2 – 5, 2017

The Secret Garden
*Cedar Crest High School
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.

Mary Poppins
*Central Dauphin High School
(Green Cast)
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m.
(White Cast)
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

Sister Act
Central York High School
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m.

The Sound of Music
Dover Area High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

Little Shop of Horrors
East Pennsboro Area High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

The Sound of Music
*Elizabethtown Area High School
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Beauty and the Beast
*ENCORE! Homeschool Productions
(performances are at Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center)
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m. SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m. SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m. SOLD OUT

Do You Wanna Dance?
Fairfield Area High School
Friday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Little Shop of Horrors
Gettysburg Area High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Mary Poppins
*Harrisburg Christian School
Thursday March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Little Mermaid
Hempfield High School
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m.

Urinetown
*Hershey High School
Thursday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

Anything Goes
Kennard-Dale High School
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 3 p.m.

High School Musical
Lampeter-Strasburg High School
Thursday March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Nice Work If You Can Get It
*Lower Dauphin High School
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.

The Pirates of Penzance
Manheim Township High School
Thursday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

The Addams Family
*Middletown Area High School
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.

Rock of Ages
Newport Middle and High School
Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.

The Little Mermaid
Penn Manor High School
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Seussical, the Musical
*Red Land High School
Thursday March 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

The Music Man
Red Lion High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

Ragtime
*Susquehanna Township High School
Thursday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 2:30 p.m.

Annie
Upper Dauphin Area High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 5, 3 p.m.

The Pajama Game
York Suburban High School
Friday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Weekend of March 9 –12, 2017

Pirates of Penzance
*Boiling Springs High School
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 1:30 p.m.

James and the Giant Peach
*Camp Hill High School
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

Legally Blonde The Musical
New Oxford High School
Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Footloose
*Donegal High School
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

Les Miserables
Eastern Lebanon County High School
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

The Wizard of Oz
*Harrisburg Academy
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

Peter and the Starcatcher
*Milton Hershey School
(performances are at Founders Hall)
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.

Les Miserables
Manheim Central High School
Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
Northern Lebanon High School
Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Grease
*Palmyra Area High School
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m.

The Little Mermaid
Penn Manor High School
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof
Shippensburg Area High School
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Solanco High School
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Addams Family
*West Perry High School
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Weekend of March 16 – 19, 2017

Little Women
Bermudian Springs High School
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof
Cedar Cliff High School
Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m.

Bring It On The Musical
*Central Dauphin East High School
Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m.

The Addams Family
Eastern York High School
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m.

Mary Poppins
JP McCaskey High School
Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2:30 p.m.

Cinderella
Lebanon High School
Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 3 p.m.

Beauty and the Beast
*New Covenant Christian School
(Cast A)
Thursday, March 16, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.
(Cast B)
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m.

Disaster!
*Susquenita High School
Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.

South Pacific
Warwick High School
Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m.

Weekend of March 24 – March 26, 2017

The Little Mermaid
West York Area High School
Friday March 24, 7 p.m.
Saturday March 25, 7 p.m.
Sunday March 26, 2 p.m.

Weekend of March 29 – April 2, 2017

Sweet Charity
*Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA) Charter School
(performances are at Whitaker Center)
Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Kiss Me, Kate
Cumberland Valley High School
Wednesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2, 2 p.m.

Weekend of April 6 – 9, 2017

42nd Street
*Annville-Cleona Secondary School
Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.

Les Miserables
Big Spring High School
Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

South Pacific
*Bishop McDevitt High School
Friday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 3 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof
Conestoga Valley High School
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m.

The Drowsy Chaperone
Dallastown Area High School
Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m.

The Little Mermaid
*Dauphin County Technical School
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m.

High School Musical
Garden Spot High School
Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2:30 p.m.

Les Miserables
Hanover High School
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m.

Shrek The Musical
Susquehannock High School
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m.

Memphis
William Penn Senior High School
Friday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 6:30 p.m.

Weekend of April 20 – 23, 2017

Grease
Ephrata High School
Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 21, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 22, 7 p.m.

 

Spotlights Theater Stage

New Year’s ‘Countdown to Noon’ family events

Party horn blowers and confetti

Do your kids poop out before the party at midnight? Is 11:59 p.m. way past your bedtime? Ring in the New Year at these family-friendly “countdown to noon” events! (Note: The event at the State Museum of Pennsylvania will be held on Friday, December 30; all other events will be held Saturday, December 31.)

Happy Noon Year at State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North Street, Harrisburg, PA
Friday, December 30, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Adults $7; $6 senior citizens; $5 children ages 1-11; Planetarium fees apply. 
Website
Young children and their families are invited to welcome the New Year during the annual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration, an opportunity for kids to enjoy their own special “ringing in the New Year.” Make a craft, snack, dance, learn about music in nature and enjoy a performance by Steven Courtney, multiple winner of the Parents Choice Award, Children’s Music Web Awards, and the Arpeggio Award for “Outstanding Work with Children” through the Arts. Take in a seasonal planetarium show (admission fees apply). The Museum’s famous firefly and balloon drop will be in Memorial Hall at 12:00 Noon. No reservation is required, walk-ups are welcome. Please Note: Curiosity Connection will close for the day at 2:15 PM. Planetarium tickets and Curiosity Connection Play Time tickets are extremely limited.


New Year’s Snow Ball at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD
Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum admission is $14.95 for guest ages 2 and up. Children under 2 and members are FREE.
Website
Kids of all ages will love the much-anticipated Balloon Drop, which takes place at 12 o’clock noon in Port Discovery’s 10,000 square foot glass atrium. Eric Energy will serve as Master of Ceremonies and lead the spectacular countdown followed by a juice and cookie toast. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume and create numbers and sound makers in anticipation of the big Balloon Drop. And once again, an American Sign Language interpreter will be present for the Countdown again this year.


New Year’s Eve Countdown at The Hershey Story Museum
63 W Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bubble stomp is FREE
Little Elves Workshop $5 per ornament
General admission rates apply to museum, Chocolate Lab and tastings
Website
Youngsters can make some noise with the Hershey’s product characters and “bubble-wrap stomps” at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Kids will celebrate the incoming New Year by stomping on giant sheets of bubble wrap on the Museum’s patio. In the event of inclement weather, stomps will take place in the Museum’s Grand Lobby. Before or after stomps, kids can journey through Little Elves Workshop and create an ornament out of chocolate clay, icing and ribbon. Children also can test some vintage toys, and the whole family can pose in front of a snowy Hershey scene for a holiday photo opportunity. Little Elves Workshop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31. The Hershey Story Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017.


New Year’s Eve at Noon at National Watch and Clock Museum
514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA
Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Adults $9; senior citizens $8; children age 5-16 $5; children younger than 5 FREE; family rate $23
Website
Ring in the New Year with Father Time and Baby New Year at the place that is the center of time—The National Watch and Clock Museum. Father Time will lead guests in a dance party full of fun and swinging music. As part of the traditional celebration, the Museum will host a countdown with Father Time, complete with a balloon drop at the strike of noon. Activities include crafts, photo booth, face painting, cookie decorating, trivia games and story time. Party guests can also create a 2016 time capsule and write their resolutions on the 2017 Resolution Wall. Advanced registration is not necessary and all activities are included with regular paid admission. For additional information, contact 717.684.8261, ext. 237.


24th Annual Popcorn Hat Players New Year’s Eve Party for Children
Whitaker Center, 222 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 11 a.m. to noon
Tickets $12
Website
Join the Popcorn Hat Players for a New Year’s Eve Party with a countdown to noon. This year’s show is “Cinderella.” Tickets include admission to the show, noisemakers, party hats and a Hawaiian lei. Hurry! This event sells out every year!