Amy Boyer Thomas 
While the final Saturday of the National Apple Harvest Festival enjoyed favorable weather, rain fell yesterday, the festival’s final day, Sunday. Despite the pouring rain, festivalgoers came prepared with boots, ponchos, and umbrellas, determined to enjoy the festivities. The mouthwatering aromas of festival foods filled the air as visitors gathered in the auditorium to celebrate
For 75 years, the Pennsylvania Apple Queen program has promoted Adams County’s apple industry while helping young women build confidence, leadership and public-speaking skills, and a stronger connection to their community. The Adams County Fruit Growers Association will mark the anniversary this weekend at the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville. About 40 former queens
For nearly 15 years, Gettysburg Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter (CARES) has worked to provide a safe place to sleep, a warm meal and a path toward housing for people experiencing homelessness in Adams County. Now, the organization is preparing for a significant new chapter with the purchase of a permanent facility at 25
Church Women United welcomed Hillary Barrick as a guest speaker Oct. 7 at the Church of the Brethren on Biglerville Road. Barrick spoke about human trafficking and the work of Women at Risk International, a Michigan-based nonprofit also known as WAR. Barrick said she has volunteered with WAR for about 15 years. She described the
Vocation committee team leaders from parishes throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg gathered on Saturday in Harrisburg to continue the work of encouraging and supporting priestly vocations. The meeting was held nearly two years after an initial vocation workshop brought parish leaders together. Before that workshop, attendees were encouraged to read Hundredfold by Rhonda Gruenewald. While
The sights, sounds, and flavors of autumn will once again fill the South Mountain Fairgrounds as the National Apple Harvest Festival returns on October 3-4, 2026 and October 10-11, 2026. Now it’s 61st year, what began as a single day event on October 10, 1965, grew steadily in popularity, expanding to a two day, two
The aroma of fresh apples fills the air in rural Adams County this time of year. For nearly 70 years, the Kime family has been growing apples in Bendersville, with three generations helping carry the family business forward. Kime’s Cider Mill was established in 1957 by Randy Kime’s parents, Robert and Cora Kime. Today, Randy
History came to life this weekend at The National Apple Museum in Biglerville with a Civil War encampment as part of the community’s America 250 celebrations. Visitors stepped back in time and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, including firearm demonstrations, candle making, a scavenger hunt, and more. Children had the opportunity to
Visitors to the National Apple Museum in Biglerville will have the opportunity to step back more than 160 years this September as the museum recreates a Civil War encampment to simulate the one troops used on the grounds on the way to the Battle of Gettysburg. Join the 5th Texas Company F for a weekend
For Susan and Michael Bruner, Halloween is more than just a holiday, it is a passion they enjoy sharing with others. That passion has grown into Mall1031, a unique Halloween-themed business located at 121 Main Street, Arendtsville. The name Mall1031, fittingly titled for October 31, Halloween, reflects the Bruners’ love of the spooky season. Their
The Adams County Office for Aging has added staff and strengthened supervision following a review under Pennsylvania’s new system for evaluating services for older adults. Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich visited Gettysburg Sept. 2 to discuss the Comprehensive Aging Performance Evaluation, known as CAPE, with local aging services leaders. Lynn Deardorff, executive director of
When Kevin Smith talks about For Such a Time as This, he doesn’t simply talk about a film. He talks about a turning point in his life. The writer and creator behind the award winning kindness documentary is bringing the film to Gettysburg for an exclusive screening at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the
Church Women United, an ecumenical organization that brings together women from different faiths throughout the community, invites local women to attend its next meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Church of the Brethren located at 1710 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg. A representative from Women At Risk
The community is invited to an exclusive free screening of For Such a Time as This at the historic Majestic Theatre in Gettysburg on Saturday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. Produced by Gettysburg College alumnus and area native Kevin Smith, the film has earned 17 international film festival awards and multiple “Best Inspirational Film” and
A new family destination is coming to Gettysburg, offering children a chance to play, explore, imagine and discover. Land of Adventures, located at 125 Glenwood Drive in Gettysburg, will host a soft-opening sneak peek this weekend on August 28-30, 2026. The following weekend, September 4-7, 2026, will be the grand opening. Created by Deb Hill
After being vacant for years, the iconic Distelfink is once again serving ice cream thanks to owners David and Melissa Stremmel of Biglerville. The restaurant is located at 2710 Old Harrisburg Road, at the intersection of Shriver’s Corner Road. Cecil Sandoe owned the original restaurant, which sold soft-serve ice cream, sandwiches, baked goods, and more.
The Biglerville Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Marker in a ceremony on Saturday at the Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville. It is in place and can be viewed along West York Street. Garden Club member Kay Walters explained, “The Blue Star Marker is a celebration of veterans past and present.” The special marker will honor
Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and military supporters and their families gathered this morning at HACC for the Operation Honor Rural Salute Breaking Bread with Heroes breakfast. It was an event focused on fellowship, wellness, and suicide prevention. Speaker, Michael Schlitz, Vice President of Outreach for the Robert Irvine Foundation, shared the organization’s mission
Country music fans can enjoy a performance by Chris Woodward and Shindiggin at the South Mountain Fair Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Woodward performs songs from his own records as well as top 40 hits, older country songs, and classic rock. The fair wraps up on Saturday with several family-friendly traditions, including the
Veterans, active-duty military members, spouses, families, first responders, and supporters are invited to gather for a free Heroes Breakfast on Saturday, July 25, from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. at HACC Gettysburg Campus, kicking off Operation Honor: Rural Salute. It will be held in Hoffman Room (room 130). The breakfast is fittingly called Breaking Bread
The sights and sounds of fair week are beginning to come alive as volunteers spend countless hours preparing the grounds, cleaning buildings, preparing exhibits, and putting the finishing touches on the fairgrounds for this year’s 104th Annual South Mountain Fair. New this year, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, livestock departments have added classes
Community members are encouraged to take part in several events throughout late August and September as Adams County recognizes Suicide Prevention Month. Kathy Gaskin, Behavioral Health Task Force and Elizabeth Cooper, Veterans Advocate Network, worked to organize volunteers to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect individuals and families with valuable resources. There are several upcoming
The Arendtsville community gathered Saturday to celebrate the Arendtsville Fire Company’s 115th anniversary with a block party that brought together residents, local businesses, firefighters, and visitors for a day of family-friendly activities and community pride. The celebration featured live music, pony rides, a waterslide, a bounce house, games, and activities for all ages. Local vendors
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program will remain in Gettysburg as it develops a new facility at 1225 Bon Ox Road. Site work is already underway on the 60-acre property, including stormwater improvements and pasture preparation ahead of construction. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Plans
Community members gathered at Concordia at SpiriTrust in Gettysburg on Friday for The Longest Day Walk, an event held to raise awareness and support for those who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The walk took place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving participants an opportunity to walk, reflect, and learn more about Alzheimer’s disease
For nearly four decades, Eddie Diveley has traveled the roads of Adams County delivering letters, packages and a friendly greeting to residents along his rural mail route. Yesterday, the United States Postal Service at the Biglerville Post Office recognized his extraordinary milestone, and recognized him with the million mile safety award. He efficiently serves the
The United Way of Adams County recognized outstanding community volunteers during its 79th anniversary volunteer awards dessert reception held last night at the Adams County Emergency Services Center. Community members, volunteers, award nominators, and leaders gathered to honor those whose service has strengthened Adams County through compassion, commitment, and generosity. The awards were recognized under
The National Apple Museum in Biglerville is inviting the community to become part of a special keepsake celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The museum has created an America 250 anniversary quilt, and community members can have their names added to the quilt for a $2.50 donation. The project offers residents and visitors an
Residents from across the Upper Adams area gathered on June 13, 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a day filled with family fun and patriotic festivities. The celebration began with a parade at 1:00 p.m. at the Biglerville High School. Onlookers comprised of visitors and residents lining Main Street while Penn Dot approved street
As communities across Adams County prepare for Memorial Day parades, ceremonies, and gatherings, local veterans advocate Stan Clark hopes residents will take time to remember the true purpose behind the national holiday. Clark, Director of Veterans Affairs for the Adams County Office of Veterans Affairs, explained that “Memorial Day is much more than the unofficial
The Upper Adams School District proudly carried on a long-standing tradition as students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades gathered for the 69th annual Color Day today at the Upper Adams Intermediate School in Arendtsville. This year’s cultural focus was Native Americans. The spirited outdoor day kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with students marching on
The Gettysburg Vegetarian Dinner Club welcomed community members to an evening of tasty vegetarian food and meaningful conversation during a free, four-course dinner. It was held on May 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., at the Gettysburg Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 1495 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg. Preregistered guests gathered at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy a thoughtfully
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America! Various states and countries across the nation are celebrating this milestone birthday. Residents across Upper Adams have united to organize an event honoring this historic day. Residents are invited to come together this summer for a patriotic celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The landmark celebration, hosted collaboratively by
Gettysburg Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter (CARES) hosted a volunteer dinner at the Youth House in Gettysburg yesterday for volunteers, staff, and board members. It connected dedicated volunteers for an evening of appreciation and camaraderie. The gathering served both as a heartfelt thank-you for their ongoing commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and as
The Veterans Advocate Network (VAN) is a collaborative group dedicated to serving veterans and military-affiliated individuals and families in Adams County. It has grown into a vital resource since its launch in October 2022. The idea for VAN emerged when Elizabeth Cooper, formerly a Veterans Representative with Adams/Franklin County CareerLink and now with the Pennsylvania
Community members and families in the Upper Adams School District were invited to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in education during a special event held yesterday at Biglerville High School. Titled “AI in Education: The Future of Learning,” the program gave attendees a clearer understanding of how AI is shaping classrooms and the
Despite temperatures in the 30s and blustery winds, families bundled up and and headed to East Berlin Community Park yesterday for a an annual, festive, Easter egg hunt. It drew a large crowd from across Adams County. The annual event, which has been happening for at least 10 years, welcomed children of all ages for
Arendtsville Mayor April Suarez Jones is bringing energy and a strong community focus to her new role, launching a series of initiatives designed to connect residents and make the borough more vibrant. A longtime volunteer with the Arendtsville Community Fire Company, Jones is already helping organize major local events, including the Upper Adams 250th celebration
Gettysburg Area High School welcomed families and community members last night for a free educational event focused on helping parents understand the growing online risks facing children and teens. The program, “Keeping Kids Safe from Hidden Digital Dangers,” aimed to equip parents, guardians, and caregivers with practical tools to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
A group of local fathers has banded together to create a nonprofit sports complex to transform youth athletics in the New Oxford and surrounding community. Led by founder and President Ryan Henry, a police officer and father, the group has formed American Dream Athletics (ADA), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to
Over 100 students in the Upper Adams School District are eagerly anticipating packing their bags for a long-standing tradition of Environmental Camp at Camp Nawakwa in Biglerville. The students will participate in three days of outdoor learning during the day and sleep in cabins on site for two nights on May 13-15, 2026. Now in
Biglerville High School senior Samuel Dick has been recognized as the Adams County recipient of the Good Citizen Award presented by the Gettysburg Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR ). Dick was honored at the organization’s annual student awards luncheon held yesterday at the Gateway Diner banquet facility in Gettysburg. Each year
Students across the Upper Adams School District spent four days this week exploring the traditions, stories, and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples of North America during this year’s Cultural Arts Days, a long-standing district tradition that combines hands-on learning with the arts. The annual program engaged students at Biglerville Elementary School (grades K–3) and Upper
At January’s Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, longtime orchard leader Joy Cline was presented with the East Regional Grower of the Year award at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. The annual convention was held January 27-29, 2026 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. Cline, with a humble manner, said “the award is shared
A bankruptcy court this week approved the $51 million sale of SpiriTrust Lutheran’s six senior-living communities and three HUDD properties to Concordia Lutheran Ministries, clearing a major step in the transfer of ownership of facilities that serve more than 1,000 older adults across York, Franklin and Adams counties. At a sales hearing held earlier this
America250PA kicked off its semiquincentennial celebration at Hotel Gettysburg on January 22, 2026, from 1:15 to 3 p.m. Upon entering, community members, leaders, state and local officials, history buffs, and partners from across the Commonwealth had time to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and collect commemorative items such as Adams County 250th mini flags, hand sanitizer, yard
Service to the community remains a cornerstone of the Gardners Community Troop 75, according to Scoutmaster Bill Walmer, who says the troop’s recent projects reflect how Scouting extends far beyond weekly meetings and campouts. Walmer, a former Troop 75 Scout himself, was inspired to become a leader by his father, Chuck, who served as an
With the retirement of the much-loved Chaplain Angel Perez from the Adams County Prison Ministry (ACPM), a new voice of compassion and faith has stepped into the role. Chaplain Rachel DuPhily, a licensed minister, said she felt a clear calling to apply. “I was super excited and prayed about it, put in my application, and
Years of exposure to the elements have taken a toll on the eastern wall of the National Apple Museum in Biglerville. Museum volunteers had worked to caulk gaps between the aging boards, but as volunteer Edy Sarnoff explained, “Then, the boards started to crumble.” It became clear that more substantial repairs were necessary to preserve
Christ Lutheran Church, at 30 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, welcomed the New Year with a family-friendly open house on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. The celebration ran from 7 to 10 p.m. and drew parishioners, neighbors, volunteers, and community members for an evening of music, activities, and fellowship. Guests enjoyed free live entertainment, light