Members of the Gettysburg Connection staff gathered yesterday for a working and social event in Gettysburg. In addition to sharing stories and updating each other on our work, we had a chance to view the Spring 2026 edition of the Gettysburg Connection Magazine, hot off the press. The visitor-centered magazine, available for free at almost
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
Gettysburg community members came together on Presidents Day for an interfaith gathering at the Chapel of the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, with the intent to name and grieve the nation’s current losses, and to gather strength for “working toward the common good” during current troubling times. The Vigil for Democracy featured “Stations of our Grief” which
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
Adams County officials gathered at the Adams County Courthouse for a New Year swearing-in ceremony this afternoon, marking the start of new terms for local and county leaders elected in the fall municipal election. The ceremony included the installation of mayors and council members from boroughs across the county, township commissioners, and other county officials.
A festive dining room; a buffet of delicious home-made food; a hot chocolate bar and dozens of trays with tempting home-baked desserts awaited diners on Tuesday, as they poured into the Barn at Herr Ridge Farm in Gettysburg for another free Community Dinner, conceived and brought to fruition by Gettysburg resident Stephanie Auer. As we
The annual “A Gettysburg Christmas Festival” was a resounding success this weekend with cool temperatures and even a skiff of snow on Friday evening. Crowds of residents and visitors, young and old, filled the borough enjoying food, music, art, and spirit up and down Baltimore St. Jim Bargas took our photos:
Hundreds of people gathered at the Gettysburg Days Inn and the Hilton Garden Inn on Thanksgiving Eve for the first-ever Gettysburg Community Thanksgiving Dinner, a grassroots effort that quickly grew into a county-wide celebration of generosity. “It’s a blessing,” said David, an all-day volunteer. “For the volunteers, the guests—the whole community.” What began less than
The Majestic Theater held its long-awaited Centennial Celebration yesterday, welcoming patrons to a red-carpet evening of music, history, and community pride that Executive Director Brett Messenger described as “a bold vision made into an artistic reality.” Searchlights lighted the sky as guests entered the historic downtown Gettysburg theater on a Hollywood-style red carpet, where photographers
From spooky floats to candy-filled smiles, this year’s Halloween Parade brought out the best of Gettysburg’s Halloween spirit! The evening, presented by Businesswomen Influencing Gettysburg and Gettysburg Trading Post also included a Dance Party and a Costume Contest. Our photographer Jim Bargas has created a gallery of photos capturing the costumes, laughter, and community pride
Well over a thousand people of all ages gathered peacefully between noon and 1 p.m. on Lincoln Square in Gettysburg yesterday as part of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump’s increasingly authoritarian policies. The Gettysburg rally was one of more than 2,600 held across the country and drew a diverse crowd —
The Thomas Brothers Country Store, located at 4 S. Main Street in Biglerville, welcomed visitors for a soft opening over the past two weekends. The beloved historic store, filled with local charm and nostalgia, plans to open regularly Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will close for the months of
The annual fall Salsa on the Square event took place last evening in front of the Gettysburg Majestic Theater. Hundreds of people from around the county and the area participated in an evening of people, food, dancing, and fun. Jim Bargas was there to document the event. /
The End of Life Committee, an affiliate of Healthy Adams County, hosted an informative Resource Fair today at the Nicarry Meetinghouse in New Oxford. The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., provided practical guidance, resources, and support for individuals and families making important end-of-life decisions. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including
The 2025 Adams County Heritage Festival began with a powerful symbol of unity as attendees gathered in front of the stage to form a large peace sign. Festival co-chair Bill Collinge explained that the gesture was chosen because this year’s event coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Gettysburg Mayor Rita Freeling then
The Gettysburg Warriors (1-1) celebrated their home opener in style Friday night with a 41-34 victory over Waynesboro, powered by a breakout performance from sophomore quarterback Grant Johnson. Johnson threw for more than 370 yards and four touchdowns, giving him over 600 passing yards through just two weeks of the season. “It feels great to
Every fourth Sunday in August, Saint Ignatius Church welcomes the community for its cherished annual picnic, held rain or shine from noon to 7:00 p.m. This year’s gathering on Saturday enjoyed beautiful weather, thanks—many say—to the prayers of Father Howard and the Saint Ignatius parish. The rain, luckily, waited until overnight. Set against the peaceful
First-year Gettysburg College students and staff walked from the campus to the National Cemetery on Thursday evening. The Class of 2029 followed the walk with a sunset ceremony. The annual walk is designed to help students learn about Gettysburg and become better connected to the community. This tradition commemorates Nov. 19, 1863, when Gettysburg students
A new tourist railroad, scheduled to begin offering rides in September, launched today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration at the remodeled Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Depot at 106 N. Washington St. The Gettysburg Excursion Railway is a revitalized heritage rail experience that will bring history to life along the 25-mile rail line between
Project Gettysburg León hosted its annual Garden Party at the home of Karl Mattson on Saturday. The event included music by Lisa Cadigan and Ben Kennedy as well as a catered dinner. Participants had an opportunity to learn more about PGL’s sister city work in Nicaragua and Mexico, while enjoying one of the most beautiful private
69 Flautists gathered on the Gettysburg Hotel balcony yesterday to play patriotic music. The weather was fine and the orchestrations and performances were compelling. Our photographer Jim Bargas was there.
The Latimore Valley Fair is back this weekend, marking 40 years of tradition and bringing classic summer fun to the greater York Springs community. The fair continues today and tomorrow, June 21 and 22, at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds, located at 314 Latimore Valley Road in York Springs. This free, family-friendly event features antique tractor
On July 20, 2025, community members gathered at SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Gettysburg for The Longest Day, a nationwide initiative organized by the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The event, held annually on the summer solstice, symbolizes the challenging journey faced by individuals living with Alzheimer’s
Biglerville American Legion Post 262, led by Commander Rick Pelc, hosted its traditional Flag Day flag retirement ceremony yesterday. Flags were previously collected at a drop box located by the front door of the Legion, as well as at Representative Torren Ecker’s Abbottstown office. The ceremony took place at the American Legion Post 262 Woods
The 2025 Brass Bands blew in this weekend, blew, and blew out. Here are our photos.
Like butterflies emerging from their cocoons, the Biglerville High School Class of 2025 took flight Friday surrounded by family, friends and the educators who guided them along the way. A sea of black caps and gowns marked by golden stoles and academic regalia entered the stadium two by two. Jubilant cheers lifted from the bleachers
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the historic Lincoln Cemetery in Gettysburg hosted its annual Memorial Day program, a solemn and moving tradition held by the Black community since the 1800s. The event drew an estimated 80 attendees, with 60 seated inside the cemetery and others standing or gathered along the fence line. The program began
Over 400 locals and visitors enjoyed the spring weather yesterday on the lawn surrounding the Gettysburg Rec Park’s bandstand, as six local bands brought a day of live music to town. The day began at 2:00 p.m. with a duo from Sugar Hysteria, followed by Chuck Darwin & the Knuckledraggers. Southern and country sounds from
That chilling headline could have led the news on May 21st—had the tragic events it described not been part of a large-scale emergency simulation held at Gettysburg College. “This exercise has been in the planning stages since September 2024,” said Kimberly Frank of the Adams County Department of Emergency Services. The scenario involved a bus
Gettysburg Rising hosted a candidate forum at the Gettysburg YMCA last night, where about 25 voters listened to and asked questions of candidates for County Judge of Common Pleas and County Sheriff. The candidates for Judge were Paul Royer and Torren Ecker. John Wega was the only County Sheriff candidate appearing, although candidate Josh Fitting
More than 550 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square for a peaceful protest against the current administration’s policies and actions. Cheered on by honking horns and encouraging shout-outs from passers-by, the protesters held signs addressing – among others – the administration’s disregard for the Constitution and laws; the removal of top military and
Demonstrators gathered on the Gettysburg Square Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and a range of policies they say threaten vital public services and civil rights. The peaceful protest, estimated at about 170 people, included dozens of signs and brought horn honks and cheers from passersby. The rally, organized by the Adams
Every 25 years, the Pope declares a Jubilee Year. It is a special year in which there is forgiveness of sins and joyful celebration. It is a time to grow in faith with God. Pope Francis offered mass on Christmas Eve at Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. He said, “For everyone, may the Jubilee
Sunny, brisk weather created a festive setting for the 4th annual Arendtsville Christmas Parade today. The parade left the Arendtsville Community Fire Company noon and processed through the small town spreading holiday cheer. The parade included elves, the grinch, ponies, horses, and of course Jolly St. Nick himself. Bags of candy were handed out to
Gettysburg’s Saint James Lutheran Church hosted its third annual Thanksgiving Eve dinner and Bluegrass Worship Service yesterday. The event, offered free of charge, welcomed church members, Gettysburg CARES guests (Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter), and members of the surrounding community. The evening began with a bountiful dinner served at 5:30 p.m., featuring a traditional
April Jones, known for her boundless ambition and community-minded efforts, is once again spearheading her popular fall clothing giveaway, “Give the Shirt off Your Back.” Building on the success of last year’s events, Jones has organized the giveaway to take place on Nov. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 10:00
Today was Remembrance Day, Gettysburg’s annual event honoring the 1863 Consecration of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, during which President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. We’ll report on the activities soon; For now please enjoy the photos. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.
A generous donor again provided funding for a free turkey dinner giveaway. The event was held Sat., Nov. 16, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Biglerville Fire Hall Volunteers, including Mayor Phil Wagner were on-site to direct traffic for the drive-through event. Hot meals with traditional Thanksgiving fixings were served. Roast turkey, mashed
Beautiful fall weather created a pleasant night for this year’s parade. Thanks to Businesswomen Influencing Gettysburg for making it happen. Thanks to Jim Bargas for the photos.
Nestled in Pennsylvania’s apple country, the annual National Apple Harvest Festival celebrated fall this weekend with handmade crafts, delicious food, and lively entertainment. Visitors enjoyed steam engine displays, live music, antique cars, orchard tours, pony rides, tastings, and artisan demonstrations, ensuring something for everyone. Most of the festival’s proceeds go back to the community and
It’s homecoming weekend at Gettysburg High. The school celebrated with a 42-14 win over Palmyra. Jim Bargas was at Friday night’s game. A report from last night’s dance will be posted soon.
As part of the Adams County Library System’s (ACLS) 2024 Adams County Reads One Book program, local book lovers were treated to two special evenings last week with author Peng Shepherd. The program is designed to have the whole community unite to read the same book, and the library then organizes special programs centered around
More than 150 guests attended the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) 60th Anniversary Celebration and fundraising banquet on September 26 at King Street Church in Chambersburg, PA. Attendees included SCCAP staff, volunteers, officials, and sponsors who celebrated the organization’s success, as well as numerous clients who, during the evening’s presentation of “Parade of Faces,”
The event were moved indoors due to the rain, but the festivities went on as planned. Jim Bargas and Amy Thomas shared some photos. Photos by Jim Bargas: Photos by Amy Thomas
The Biglerville Fire Company hosted itsannual fair last week. Hot meals were served nightly in the dining hall. Platters include: hot roast beef, hot chicken sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches and fries. Potato soup and cream of crab soup were also on the menu. Also available were games, rides, cash Bingo, small games of chance, raffle prizes,
Sunny weather with low humidity and highs in the low 80s made a perfect day for the Annual Adams County Heritage Festival. There were more crafts and organization tables than ever, music from around the world, and food, food, food. Jim Bargas was there to record the activities.
Girls Soccer: Biglerville vs. Fairfield (Sep 4, 2024) Boys Soccer: Biglerville vs. Littlestown (Sep 3, 2024)
Roughly 840 home cooked family-style meals were served yesterday at the picturesque picnic grove adjacent to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Orrtanna. Patrons look forward to the annual picnic which is always held on the forth Saturday in August from noon until dusk. They come from near and far to attend. There were visitors
Residents of Gettysburg and surrounding areas have a new destination to satisfy their sweet cravings, as La Michoacan Paleteria opens its doors in the West St. Plaza on the corner of West St. and Springs Ave. This Mexican ice cream and popsicle parlor, inspired by traditional flavors and techniques from Michoacán, Mexico, offers a uniqe
This weekend, Biglerville was abuzz with excitement as Hollabaugh’s Brothers Inc. 34th Annual Peach Festival drew an unprecedented number of visitors. The event saw crowds flock to enjoy the sunny weather and festive activities. “The weather cleared up beautifully and people really took the opportunity to come out and enjoy the day,” said Kay Hollabaugh,
The Bendersville Community Fire Company held its annual carnival on Thursday, Friday, andSaturday. This year marked 105 years for the carnival. Volunteer Kathy Yingling helped with the outside sandwich stand. “Attendance was definitely down because of the heat on Thursday and Friday,” she said. “Also, it was down because of storms on Saturday.” Half Pint
Flute players of all ages and skills gathered in front of the Gettysburg Hotel today to perform patriotic and Civil War music.
When first meeting Dr. Michael Sullivan, Chief Medical Director and founder of the Maryland-Pennsylvania Mission of Mercy, one is immediately struck by his warm smile and gentle, generous demeanor. Sullivan’s essence exudes kindness and understanding. For three decades he has dedicated himself to caring for others. Sullivan was treating patients at the mission’s mobile health
American Legion Post 262 held its annual Flag Day flag retirement ceremony yesterday. Flags, patriotic pinwheels, and bookmarks were handed out to the attendees. State Representative Torren Ecker attended the ceremony with his family. Legion Post Commander Rick Pelc spoke about the Flag Day holiday. The Apple Core Band played the Star Spangled Banner and
Art and barn lovers packed the G.A.R. hall at 53 E. Middle Street in Gettysburg for the opening night reception on June 7 for Historic Gettysburg Adams County’s BarnArt Show and Sale. Winners were announced in both fine art and photography categories, as judged by artist Paul Gallo, a member of the “Seven Lively Artists”
Over 1,000 devout Christians from local Catholic Churches gathered on the grounds of The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg this week to celebrate the arrival of the first-ever National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Worshippers filled the basilica this morning to participate in the standing-room only mass.The Most Reverend Archbishop William E. Lori was
Gettysburg marked its 157th Memorial Day with a poignant blend of reverence and celebration yesterday. Residents and visitors alike gathered to honor the memory of fallen soldiers and reflect on the town’s significant military history. The Memorial Day events kicked off with the annual parade, a stirring spectacle of community spirit and military vehicles. Leading
Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT), the non-profit 501c3 organization located at 49 York Street within the first block of Lincoln Square in Gettysburg, PA, will present its Penguin Project (actors with special needs) production of The Sound Of Music at 7 pm Friday, May 17 and 2 pm Saturday, May 18 at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater. Tickets are
The 2024 Upper Adams School District Color Day was held on Monday as students in grades 4-6 participated in physical education activities and dance. Events included a 1/4 mile run, 50 yard dash, 100 yard dash, sack race, 3 legged race, 200 yard relay, softball throw, foul shots, and jump rope. Tournaments included volleyball, soccer,
Healthy Adams County’s Behavioral Health Task Force, in collaboration with other local agencies, brought the inaugural Mental Health Wellness Day to the Adams County Farmers Market today. “It was a pretty good turnout for the weather and for our first time doing the event,” said Healthy Adams County Executive Director Kathy Gaskin. Exhibitors included AlAnon,
Strawberry Hill Nature Center is $25,000 richer thanks to the generous support of attendees of the 5th annual Night for Nature dinner and Auction. “We hit our goal of raising $25,000,” said Dan Brannen, executive director, who added that all the proceeds will go toward supporting the environmental education programs. In addition, Gettysburg Green Gathering
Thad’s Place, home of the Thaddeus Stevens Museum, held its grand opening yesterday. The museum, located at 46 Chambersburg Street, is sponsored by the Thaddeus Stevens Society. April 4 was Thaddeus Stevens’ 232nd birthday and the 25th anniversary of the Thaddeus Stevens Society. The museum features artifacts from the society’s collection including many of Stevens’
Despite the windy and cold weather there was a great turnout for the first-ever “Gettysburg Loves Love” event on Lincoln Square. “Everybody was so happy and so in love,” said Gettysburg Mayor Frealing after re-marrying almost 100 couples from the balcony of the Gettysburg Hotel. “For better and for worse; in sickness and in health…
The Project Gettysburg Leon (PGL) Fiesta and Auction returned to Gettysburg College this evening with food, fun, friends, and a live auction to support its work. PGL was founded in 1986 by Karl Mattson and Will Lane to connect Gettysburg with its sister city in Nicaragua. PGL promotes friendship and advances sustainable development through capacity
Local stars and their choreographers returned to the Majestic Theater stage last night for Dancing with the Local Stars Tournament of Champions. After practicing their moves for months, the contestants showed off their skills in front of a sold-out and energetic crowd. Mark Clowney and Dawn Glass, 2014 Champions, were named winners of the special
With rainy weather blowing out just as the 2023 Gettysburg “A Christmas Festival” began last evening, thousands of lovers of Gettysburg blew in for holiday fun and festivities. From opportunities to meet Santa to shopping throughout the borough, to the Gettysburg Garden Club’s annual greens sale at the firehouse, to a scavenger hunt, free carriage
102 local nonprofits gathered this evening at the Gettysburg Middle School for the 2023 Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree. The event, which was held in person for the first time since the Covid pandemic, brought out hundreds of donors looking for worthy causes. Other donors brought checks to a drive-up station at the school
The Adams County Arts Council celebrated the beginning of a remodeling project at its First Friday celebrations last night.
On a spectacular autumn day last Saturday, six Adams County barns were on display for the public to travel back in time for the annual Historic Barns Tour hosted by Historic Gettysburg-Adams County (HGAC). Five of the barns are privately owned and usually not open to the public. Visitors were given the opportunity to drive
It wasn’t the best weather for an outdoor festival this year, but the show went on. Adams County Heritage Festival organizer Bill Collinge said it was the coolest and rainiest of any of the 31 prior festivals. “We were dampened, but it wasn’t a washout,” he said. Susan Collinge praised the non-profit organizations for their
The Gettysburg Warriors girls’ tennis team, playing without the benefit of their usual coach, squared off against the Spring Grove Rockets on a lovely afternoon at home this afternoon, showcasing their skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship. The final score of the season opener was 3-2 in favor of the Rockets. The Warrior’s ace singles player, Carmen
The 20th Annual Round Barn Confest featured roasted sweet corn, pulled pork, chicken, sundaes, and the music of Chuck Darwin & The Knuckle Draggers. Photos by Jim Bargas. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.
Hundreds of friends came out today in Gardners for a musical fundraiser to benefit local painter and musician “Cousin” Bill Jones who suffered a brain hemorrhage on April 6. Billy has a lengthy recovery ahead of him. If you wish to donate, a Go Fund Me has been set up. Photos by Jim Bargas. Click
It was a hot one, but the weather cooperated for outdoor festivities on this July 4. Please enjoy our photos, courtesy of Jim Bargas.
The 2023 edition of the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival was a resounding success from June 7-11. The rain held off just long enough for all five days of our concerts and events to take place in delightful summer weather. We were all concerned about air quality due to Canadian wildfires, but it gradually improved during
The Adams County Public Library FunFest 2023 was held on Friday in the Gettysburg Rec Park. The FunFest serves as the kickoff of SummerQuest, the library’s summer learning program. SummerQuest attempts to deal with the seemingly intractable “summer learning loss” that affects many school-age children. The SummerQuest program encourages children to take advantage of library
The festival, held at the South Mountain Fairgrounds, benefited the Adams County Land Conservancy. Photos by Jim Bargas Click any photo to start the slideshow
The uniqueness of attending Adams County’s smallest public secondary school was on full display during the Fairfield Area High School graduation ceremony on Wednesday. Every commencement is about the future. Most have speeches from the valedictorian, salutatorian, and high school principal. Fairfield’s followed suit. It also ended with the reading of names and graduates moving
Almost 100 Adams County community members, many holding signs and wearing orange shirts, gathered for a “Stand for Children” vigil walk and special service in commemoration of victims of gun violence on the first anniversary of the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting. Organized by Gettysburg for Gun Sense, in collaboration with the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams
