From the very beginning, the Adams County Heritage Festival has had two goals: to bring together the local community by celebrating our varied backgrounds and to introduce people here to other cultures in far-flung corners of the world. We’ve always tackled both goals by offering exciting music and dance performances, foods from many cultures and artisan crafts displays and demonstrations. This year’s festival, scheduled for September 15 at the Gettysburg Recreation Park from noon until 4 p.m., will be no exception.
However, in honor of the fact that we’ve finally recovered from a pandemic-generated shortage of cooks and servers, we’re going all out to offer a wide array of international and local cuisines. In addition to favorites like Antietam Dairy and Bantam Coffee Roasters, we’ll feature Creative Crepes, Eurobites, EJ Smokehouse and Dabo Rye. If Mexican is your preference, Alberta Hernandez and Lourdes Perez will be back, and Liliana Arias will sell her fantastic cakes and great Colombian food. Indonesian entrees by Mie and Me will be available, as well as superb Middle Eastern meals from 7 Spice Doner Kebab and the New York Gyro Halal guys. Something new will be Liberian food from Tata’s Kitchen. So surely plan to eat at this year’s Festival as well as take home meals to enjoy later in the week.
But what about the performances? Up at 12:15, following our opening ceremony with bagpiper Rodney Yeaple, will be an Irish ensemble, Clann Redmond. Following at 1:10 will be the Gray Cloud Singers and Dancers, offering an opportunity to watch Native Americans in traditional dress performing authentic first- people dances. Third on the roster at 2:10 will be Mariachi Esmeralda from Washington, DC, returning after their acclaimed Cinco de Mayo appearance. Rounding out our schedule for the day will be the Brownsville Church of God Praise Choir, whom some will remember from this year’s MLK program. Tables will be provided in front of the stage, but consider bringing a folding chair or blanket to best enjoy the show.
Because ours is a family festival, children’s activities have always been a big part of the day. As usual, a large area will be set aside for hands-on crafts under the direction of local artist Annie Byrne. The theme this time around is trees, and fabric will be the medium. Kids like to decorate their bikes for the annual HAPBI bicycle parade at 1 p.m. Children also enjoy our passport program, accompanying their families to each of the international cultural displays. Finding a country’s flag in their “official” passports and getting them stamped is always an adventure. Adults, too, will appreciate putting a pin in a map to honor their personal family heritage.
We’re hoping for good weather, of course, so that the Central PA Guild of Handweavers can demonstrate their traditional arts. Drummers too will gather under the direction of Ricky Czar to learn about different kinds of drums and drumming techniques, as well as to enjoy some good old-fashioned beats.
With much to do and see at this year’s Adams Couty Heritage Festival, definitely set aside Sunday, September 15 to once again help us celebrate unity in our community through music, food and art.
Bicycle Parade at Heritage Festival
The Heritage Festival Kids’ Bike Parade will again be held at the 2024 Heritage Festival. Bicyclists can begin decorating their bikes at 12:30 p.m. near the performers’ stage. At 1:00 they will ride their bikes around the Rec Park, led by Vida Principal Elana Nashelsky, who is serving as the 2024 parade marshal. Parade participants will be eligible for a drawing for a $350 credit at Gettysburg Bicycle and Fitness, courtesy of Thrivent and Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc.
Jan Powers taught at Gettysburg College for 49 years in the fields of South Asian Studies, Women's Studies, and Peace Studies. In addition to being an avid kayaker, she is a published poet. Her photographs have appeared in a number of juried shows. She also teaches English to adults in two Afghan refugee families and enjoys sailing on the Chesapeake.
This is an excellent event with much to do and see, while bringing everyone in the community together. The food is great, entertainment is fun, and so many great vendors; including lots of children’s activities.