Let’s talk about November and the amazing economic development opportunity coming to our community.
A week of combined historical commemoration and contemporary activity is designed to bring people downtown to experience all that Gettysburg has to offer.
On November 16-19, the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and the National Park Service will present the free events of Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish. On November 20, Main Street Gettysburg will present the Live on Lincoln Square concert. This embraces Gettysburg’s blended identity—a special place deeply rooted in history that is home to a vibrant, contemporary community.
Gettysburg will experience a significant increase in visitors, thanks to programming and activities in the heart of our historic district. Monday through Thursday will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a re-creation of President Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg in 1863, followed by a celebration with live music on Friday featuring Nick Mich, Six Whiskey Revival, and Uncle Kracker from 3:00-10:00 p.m.
This once-in-a-lifetime venue is in the heart of downtown, where visitors will shop, dine, stay, and experience. It creates something far more valuable than a single evening of entertainment; it creates a connection to Gettysburg that sparks return visits. That is economic development.
This all matters to local businesses because people do not simply attend an event – they park, walk, eat, shop, visit, and stay. They impact our restaurants, stores, museums, tours, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and more. Their experiences represent opportunities.
Hosting an event of this size requires planning and logistics, all of which have been coordinated with public agencies and community partners. Planning includes truck and local detours, emergency services, public safety, parking, shuttles, and pedestrian movement. PennDOT will detour truck traffic outside of Gettysburg.
Lincoln Square and one block in each direction will be closed to vehicle traffic from November 15 through November 21. Sidewalks will remain open with businesses and residences accessible. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at several locations.
We acknowledge honestly that there will be inconveniences. But the tradeoff in opportunity is tremendous.
Temporary infrastructure—including a professional stage and sound system, seating, large screens, portable restrooms, and other event equipment—will be placed to accommodate programming and visitors. That investment is designed to bring people downtown and give them a reason to stay.
Business owners might consider extended hours, create special offers, promote dining or to-go options – offer something visitors cannot find anywhere else. Economic development does not happen through one event, one grant, or one project. It happens through efforts to create reasons for people to come here, reasons to stay longer, and reasons to come back. The whole week provides such opportunities.
Together we can showcase Gettysburg as a special place rooted in its history, vibrant today, and investing in its future. That is economic development. Together we can make the most out of it this November.
Since 1984, Main Street Gettysburg has worked to preserve, promote, revitalize, and improve historic Gettysburg. Proceeds from Live on Lincoln Square will support our mission and projects that serve our community.
Jill Sellers is President and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Gettysburg. She lives in Adams County with her husband Shane, and their two sons, Joshua (21) and Caleb (17).
