One of the biggest challenges of attending the Lititz Rotary Craft Show is figuring out what to do with all the treasures you buy in one afternoon.
Do you carry that 6-foot-tall scarecat around all day? Spend the afternoon pointing people to where you found that tall antique sign? Or recruit a spouse to shoulder a wooden bench on the promise of a beer from Appalachian Brewing Company?
Package Drop and Go
For the August 2015 show, one local organization had an answer that delighted shoppers, especially those tasked with getting large, bulky items back to the car.
The Young Men’s Business League offered a “Package Drop and Go” service, storing craft show purchases for a $5 donation. Compared with what shoppers spend at the show, it was a minor expense, likely to save on chiropractic bills, and the money went to projects the league supports.
Where to find it
Purchases could be stored at 4 S. Broad St., a red brick building just south of Lititz Springs Park. Volunteers guarded items through the day, and a convenient rear entrance made loading a vehicle easy at the end of the day.
To get there, shoppers walked south from Lititz Springs Park past the Lititz Mutual Insurance building, crossed West Main Street and continued south on Broad Street. The drop was the second building on the right.
The league also offered pickup assistance by phone during the show at (717) 625-4800, and sold snacks.
The Lititz Rotary Craft Show
Held each August, the Lititz Rotary Craft Show is one of the largest craft shows in the region, with hundreds of vendors filling East Main Street, South Broad Street and Lititz Springs Park. The 2015 show featured more than 700 vendors and drew crowds from across the Mid-Atlantic. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club of Lititz service projects.
Tips for shoppers
Seasoned craft show visitors arrive early to find parking, since Main and Broad streets downtown are closed for the event. Bringing a cart, wearing comfortable shoes and carrying plenty of water are also smart moves on what is often a hot August day. In 2015, there was no shuttle from Bonfield Elementary due to construction, making a package drop even more valuable for shoppers parked far from downtown.
A good route covers East Main Street, South Broad Street and the park in a loop, visiting vendors on one side of the street on the way out and the other on the way back.
About the Young Men’s Business League
The Young Men’s Business League of Lititz is a longtime civic organization whose volunteers raise money for community projects. Its service at the craft show combined fundraising with a practical favor to thousands of shoppers.
Tips for craft show shoppers
- Arrive early. The best selection and the easiest parking come in the first hours.
- Bring cash. Many vendors accept cards, but cash can speed up purchases.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The show covers a large area of downtown.
- Plan your route. Take a few minutes to review the vendor map before you start.
- Use package drop services so you can keep shopping hands-free.
A boost for downtown
The Lititz Craft Show draws visitors from across the region, and the crowds also benefit downtown restaurants and shops. Many local businesses plan special hours and promotions around the show weekend.
Planning ahead
Traffic and parking are among the biggest challenges of the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to carpool, use shuttles where offered and allow extra time.
This article was originally published in August 2015.