The Lititz Fourth of July celebration is one of the oldest Independence Day traditions in the country, and in 2015 it got off to a soggy start. Weather delayed the opening of Lititz Springs Park on the morning of July 4, leaving residents with a little unexpected time on their hands before the festivities began.
Rather than wait by the window, here were five ways to put that time to good use before heading to the park.
1. Buy tickets for the Lititz Chocolate Walk
For anyone who had not yet secured them, the delay was the perfect moment to buy tickets to the Lititz Chocolate Walk. The popular fall event lets ticket holders sample chocolate treats at stops all around downtown. Tickets are limited and typically sell out in a relatively short time, so waiting is rarely a good strategy.
That summer, there was also a way to save $2.50 per ticket, and tickets were available both online and in person at a list of Lititz and nearby merchants. A few minutes spent on tickets during the rain delay could pay off with a sweet afternoon in October.
2. Plan a free lunch at Moe’s
A promotion at the local Moe’s Southwest Grill was offering a free lunch the following week, with a chance to win free Moe’s for a year. The rain delay offered a good opportunity to decide who to bring along and to read up on how the promotion worked.
3. Visit the Lititz Historical Foundation
Two of the town’s historical treasures were open that morning until 1 p.m.: the Lititz Historical Foundation Museum and the Johannes Mueller House. Both sit at 145 E. Main St., across the street from the Moravian Church Square.
The museum tells the story of Lititz from its founding as a Moravian community in the 18th century, while the Mueller House offers a glimpse into domestic life in the early town. On a holiday devoted to American history, a stop at either was a fitting way to spend part of the day. Anyone who missed them on the Fourth was encouraged to visit soon after.
4. Charge your camera
The Fourth of July in Lititz is one of the most photographed days of the year, from the children’s activities to the illumination of candles along Lititz Run to the fireworks over the park. The delay was a good reminder to check and charge camera batteries and to clear space on memory cards.
Residents were invited to share their photos of the day with neighbors and friends, adding to the community’s collective record of one of its signature celebrations.
5. Check out a new co-working space
The fifth suggestion was a look to the future. Imagine Coworking was exploring what might become Lititz’s first co-working space, a shared office where freelancers, remote workers and small businesses could rent desks and meeting rooms. Interested residents could learn more about the proposed location and express interest in reserving space.
Then head to the park
Once those tasks were done, it was time to grab a blanket, ponchos and shoes that could handle mud, and head to Lititz Springs Park. The full schedule of events for the day was published in advance, with updates promised if the weather forced any changes.
Despite the wet start, the 2015 celebration carried on with its familiar lineup of music, children’s games, the baby parade, the Queen of the Candles pageant, the Grand Illumination of Candles and a fireworks finale.
The Lititz Fourth has weathered plenty in its long history, and a morning of rain was not going to stop it. A rain delay simply gave residents a chance to plan, prepare and arrive ready to enjoy one of the town’s proudest days. Happy Fourth of July, Lititz.