The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority’s (GARA) Executive Director, Erin Pedigree, reported on the following park activities during the months of June through August:
The Farmers Market has seen overwhelming success at its new location at the rec park, featuring special activities such as Civic Engagement Day, a Homesteading & Green Living Expo, the Farmers Market Fairy Festival, Kids Day, and Young Entrepreneurs Day. GARA is working with the Farmers Market team to plan a collaborative event in October in time for the Halloween holiday.
Other successful events included the hosting of Soccer Shots, baseball tournaments, the Library Fun Fest, a chamber mixer, Juneteenth celebrations, the A Gettysburg Fourth event, the first Get Out and Skate event, National Night Out, and the Sunday Music in the Park series.
The Gettysburg Area Skate Park committee held a fundraiser that was successful despite a rainy day. The committee will continue to work on the design and budget for a new skate park this summer. Another skate park event to raise funds will coincide with the Halloween Farmers Market event planned for October.
Upcoming summer events include the God on the Ground event on August 25th and the Overdose Awareness Walk on August 31st.
The Best After School Program is hosting a Parents Night Fundraiser in September. GARA has been chosen as the host organization, with all proceeds from the event going to the rec park.
Other upcoming events include the 2023 York/Adams Heart Walk on September 9 and the continuing Country Line Dances held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
GARA will participate in this year’s Christmas Festival, featuring a craft show inside the Christmas Market hosted by the Farmers Market on Saturday, December 2. Plans so far include the return of characters from the movie Frozen (Anna and Elsa), as well as a Christmas photo booth.
The date for GARA’s Day in New York City bus trip is set for December 9, 2023. More information on how to register will be forthcoming.
In other business, Vice Chairman Steve Toddes’ appointment to the GARA Board was set to expire in May 2023. His term as Cumberland Township Supervisor ends December 31, 2023. Upon the board’s request, Toddes agreed to stay on as GARA Board member until the end of his term on the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors. The Cumberland Township will appoint a new member to the GARA board at that time.
The full agenda of the meeting and previous meeting minutes can be found at GARA Meetings and Holidays.
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.