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 officially opened the festival by reading a proclamation affirming, “The Adams County Heritage Festival has been established to celebrate our county’s rich cultural diversity…we can never do too much to promote good will and understanding among all of our citizens.”
Hundreds of residents and visitors carried that spirit forward throughout the day, enjoying a wide array of international food vendors, live music, dance performances, and informational booths hosted by artists, community groups, and local leaders. Entertainment kicked off with Adams County’s own Ray Owen and his partner Christine, followed by the Kozak Ukrainian Dancers, the Namaste World Music Band, and the high-energy Experience Band and Show.
The festival’s booths reflected the wide range of organizations that contribute to Adams County’s cultural life. Participants included the Vida Charter School, AYUSA (an international student exchange program), the Lincoln Fellowship, Gettysburg for Gun Sense, the Gettysburg High School Latinx Club, and the Thaddeus Stevens Society, among many others. Local political candidates, including GASD school board candidates and candidates for Adams County Judge Torren Ecker and Paul Royer, were also present to meet constituents.
Now in its 34th year, the festival is sponsored by the Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice, founded in 1985 to broaden the reach of the peace and justice movement in local communities. Looking at the diversity of voices, ideas, and traditions represented, and the mutual respect shown among participants, organizers said the event once again achieved its goal: “a celebration of unity in our community.”
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.
It’s moments and events like this that make me proud to be an Adams County resident.