The weekend of January 16 and 17, 2016 offered plenty of family fun around Lititz, with several events open to the public free of charge. The highlight for the Lititz community was a performance by a gospel choir from McCaskey High School, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here is a look at the weekend’s offerings.
Gospel choir honors Dr. King
The McCaskey Gospel Choir, from the Lancaster high school, was scheduled to perform live during the Music at Mid-Month series at the Lititz Church of the Brethren on Sunday, January 17, at 3 p.m. The concert celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the weekend leading into the national holiday in his honor.
The performance was free and open to the public in the sanctuary of the Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St. More information was available from the church at 717-626-2131.
Music at Mid-Month brings concerts to the church throughout the year, and a gospel program on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend was a fitting choice. Gospel music played a powerful role in the civil rights movement, and its spirit of hope and perseverance remains closely tied to Dr. King’s legacy.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show’s final day
The 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show was wrapping up that weekend in Harrisburg. As the largest indoor agricultural event in the country, the Farm Show fills its massive complex with educational exhibits, livestock competitions and demonstrations, from butterflies to the famous butter sculpture.
Highlights on the final day included a lumberjack competition, an equine showcase and the circuit finals rodeo, a ticketed event. A former White House chef and cookbook author was scheduled to appear at noon.
Admission was free, with parking at $15. Visitors were encouraged to review tips on parking, shuttles and timing before heading out, since the final days of the show tend to draw large crowds.
A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang pajama party
On Sunday evening, the AACA Museum in Hershey hosted a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Pajama Party and Movie Night. With schools closed the next day for the holiday, it was a well-timed outing for families.
The car from the U.S. Broadway tour of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was on display along with dozens of other vintage vehicles in the museum’s collection. The classic 1968 film, which runs 144 minutes, was set to begin at 6 p.m. inside the museum.
Admission included hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and pizza. Pajamas, blankets and stuffed animals were welcome, and chairs were available for those who preferred them. Tickets were $18 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under, and free for children 3 and under. Advance tickets were required and could be purchased online or by phone at 717-566-7100, extension 100. The museum is located at 161 Museum Drive in Hershey.
A long weekend of options
Taken together, the weekend’s events offered something for nearly every family. There was music with deep meaning at a local church, a final chance to experience one of the state’s signature events, and a cozy movie night surrounded by classic cars.
For many families, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is also a time to reflect and to serve. Attending the gospel concert offered one way to honor Dr. King’s legacy, and many local congregations and organizations held service projects in the same spirit.
Planning ahead
Winter weekends in central Pennsylvania can be unpredictable, and families were advised to check the weather and event details before heading out. Advance tickets for the AACA Museum event were a must, and Farm Show visitors were urged to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Whatever the plan, the weekend was a reminder that even in the depths of January, Lititz and its neighbors offer plenty of reasons to get out of the house.