Plump Hollabaugh Bros. peaches made United Way of Adams County’s contributions to the community even juicier this past weekend.
Thousands of people flocked to the fourth-generation family farm north of Biglerville on Aug. 13 and 14 to enjoy everything peachy – peach sundaes, peach sundaes, peach pies, peach bread, peach muffins, peach scones, peach sugar cakes and peachy pie.
A team of three United Way of Adams County staff and 20 volunteers spent a cumulative 144 hours serving walking tacos and grilled sausages, hot dogs and hamburgers. Long lines on Saturday especially kept everyone hustling. The United Way supported another local business, Bucher Meats in McKnightstown, with its purchase of meat. Students from the Biglerville High School band volunteered their time to park cars in the farm market’s main lot and other makeshift lots on the farm.
Local band Across the Pond entertained crowds on Saturday and Billy and the Curly Brothers traveled to Biglerville from West Virginia on Sunday. Wagon rides, yard games and face painting were also available at the family-centric affair.
United Way of Adams County Executive Director Laura McMahon expressed appreciation for the Hollabaugh family, who not only allowed the United Way to operate a food stand but also placed numerous donation jars throughout the festival grounds. McMahon said an exact financial impact figure should be known next week, but initial calculations prove about $6,000 dollars will be added to the non-profit corporation’s coffers.
“The United Way truly values our partnership with Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. as we wrap up our sixth consecutive year providing the food stand at the Peach Festival. We are able to raise crucial funds to support needed services and programs in Adams County through collaborated efforts like this one and look forward to many more successful Festivals with Hollabaugh’s in the future,” McMahon said. “Many thanks to Kay and everyone at Hollabaugh for your continued support!”
The United Way serves Adams County through three focus areas: education, financial stability and health. The organization recently distributed about 340 backpacks full of donated supplies to students returning to school.
United Way will delploy thousands of volunteers into the community to complete various projects during its annual Day of Caring on Sept. 10. Day of Caring kicks-off the 2022-23 Campaign, which McMahon hopes will surpass its $175,000 goal to commemorate the United Way’s 75th anniversary.
It will then slide into Bag the Bounty mode, a massive food drive held in conjunction with the Gettysburg Times, ACNB Bank and Kennie’s Markets. Collection boxes will be places throughout the Adams County Community. Food will be distributed through partner agencies such as South Central Community Action Programs, Manos Unidas Hispanic American Center and Ruth’s Harvest.
“I’m hoping we have a good amount of donations,” McMahon said. “I expect the need for food and necessities to be at an all-time high this time around.”
Adams County residents can learn more about United Way and access an application for its Emergency Food and Shelter Program at www.uwadams.org.
Photos by Alex J. Hayes
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Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
It was a wonderful event. Enjoyed seeing people out and about again since the pandemic. Food, entertainment and fruit and vegetables were great.
Thanks for reading, Colleen!