By Jan Powers
Would you believe that the Adams County Heritage Festival is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year? Beginning in 1992, in a very small way, with no budget at all, we came together at the Rec Park with Native American, Latino and Roots musicians as unpaid entertainment. We’ve come a long way since then, growing much larger, incorporating international foods and displays, along with a rousing afternoon of great music and dance. This year’s celebration, slated for Sunday, September 20, will be a gala celebration of community unity, as well as our national 250th. Look for us, as always, at the Gettysburg Recreation Park on Long Lane from noon till 4 p.m.
Starting off the festivities at noon will be Bagpiper Rodney Yeaple of the York Pipe Band in his Scottish kilt. Following civic proclamations, the Knotwork Band will take the stage, continuing the Celtic musical theme. They will be followed by a Mexican dance group, Casa Guanajuato, from Kennett Square. At 2 p.m., a quintessentially American musical genre, Barbershop harmony, will be presented by The Catoctones, a barbershop chorus from Frederick, Maryland. And finally at 3, the Pakiva Bluz Band from Washington, DC will offer another truly American musical genre, the authentic African American blues.
Of course, a variety of food trucks and other food vendors will be on hand with cuisines from virtually every part of the world. Some festival-goers opt not only for lunch but also for delicious take-home meals. A variety of non-profit organizations will feature booths as usual, offering information and opportunities to sign up for community involvement. Children will find hands-on craft activities in the special Children’s Area, and some may want to participate in the annual HAPBI bicycle parade, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Because we do not charge admission or parking fees, and are completely donor-funded, families can attend completely free of charge. They may enjoy picking up a passport and getting it stamped at various international displays. We also encourage everyone to put a pin in the world map at the Festival entrance to honor where you or your ancestors came from. As we learn about other parts of the world, we continue to celebrate our own heritage here in Adams County as well as that of our great nation.
For more information about the Adams County Heritage Festival, or to register as a vendor, go to the Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice.
Jan Powers is a member of the Adams County Heritage Festival planning committee.