7/1/2010

 

 

(Lancaster, Pa.)  The heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a splendid place to both celebrate Independence Day and get your historical fix all summer long.

 

From one of the country’s oldest Fourth of July celebrations in Lititz to the traditional concert and fireworks at Long’s Park, Lancaster County has a wide range of ways to celebrate our nation’s birthday!

 

Independence Day festivities in Lititz are perhaps our signature item on the Fourth, with a celebration that’s 193 years young this year. Journey to Lititz Springs Park for a full day of activities, including the evening’s Grand Illumination of Candles along the Lititz Run creek within the park that incorporates more than 7,000 candles of varying size.

 

But our history goes well beyond a single day and a single celebration.

 

America’s story parallels the strains of freedom that have coursed through the towns and countryside of Lancaster County for centuries, from the religious freedom enjoyed by our Amish community and the 18^th century residents of the Ephrata Cloister, to the political freedom within our Revolutionary War and Civil War heritage, to the human freedom safeguarded by our role in the Underground Railroad.

 

Learn about our Amish neighbors at the Amish Experience, Amish Farm & House, and Amish Village. Or discover our beginnings with Lancaster Roots 300, the year-long tri-centennial celebration of Lancaster’s first settlement in 1710, with various heritage events centered ‘round the Hans Herr House.

 

Freedom of faith is also a large part of our story. Featuring a complex of well-preserved and unique European-style buildings, the Ephrata Cloister details one of America's earliest religious communities, founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Experience our history of faith in a new way at Sight & Sound Theatres® this summer, as Joseph takes flight on an inspirational family story about the power of forgiveness, told with upbeat music, live animals, fantastic sets, and dazzling effects like Joseph “flying” over the audience. 

 

Or bring the past to life along Pennsylvania's Civil War Trails. Tread the same historic path in the Dutch Country Roads region of south central PA that led to Gettysburg. Learn about the heroes beyond the soldiers at various Story Stops and from periodic appearances by costumed Pennsylvania Past Players, in Lancaster County and elsewhere throughout the region. Make reservations with program partners Avis and Amtrak, and start planning your Civil War Trails road trip adventure today!

 

Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch CVB is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life - with galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music - or explore surrounding towns & villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us at www.discoverlancasterpa.com. Lancaster is also part of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.

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