Lucy Reflects

Be sure to take advantage of some of the great events coming up in October and November in Lancaster. I found a handful that are either free or only cost a few dollars, happy autumn!

On Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-noon, Thaddeus Stevens hosts its FREE Children’s Street Fair. Families can enjoy games, prizes, food, bounce houses, and more. For more information, visit www.stevenscollege.edu.

This month at Lancaster County Park: Enjoy cider making with Johnny Appleseed (AKA naturalist Brandon Pentz) on Oct. 20 from 1-2 p.m., where guests prepare apple cider with an old- fashioned press, learn about the history of cider, and enjoy samples. Cost is $3 per person. On Oct. 25 from 6-7:30 p.m., the park will host a SuperNATURAL celebration with snacks, punch, and a hike. Oct. 26 from 1-2 p.m. is a scavenger hunt around the environmental center, where visitors can find acorns, twigs and more to decorate pumpkins. Cost is $2 per person and $2 per pumpkin. Later that evening, attend a campfire and wildlife history at the Vesta in Marietta. A tour of the Vesta building is also included. Cost is $3 per person. For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/151/Parks-Recreation.

Shops in Mount Joy are hosting a trick or treat Friday, Oct. 25 from 5-8 p.m. during Fourth Fridays, when kids can stop in at various businesses for treats. Crafter Hours LLC is hosting Trick or Treat in the Glow Room with free treats and painting sessions on canvas for only $5. For more information, visit www.mountjoyborough.com.

Lancaster Cupcake at 260 Granite Run, is hosting a Fall Festival at their store Oct. 26 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Guests can enjoy games, free cider, face painting and discounts on cupcakes. For a $12 fee, kids can paint pumpkins and decorate a cupcake. To pre-register, visit www.lancastercupcake.com.

Be sure to stop by the Ware Center on First Fridays for their free shows and check out their list of inexpensive family shows. Bea and I are stoked about the Muts Gone Nuts show we’re seeing at The Ware Center in November for only $15! For a calendar of events, visit www.artsmu.com.

Admission is free at the Science Factory during the evenings of First Friday. Check their website www.lancastersciencefactory.org for more information about special events.

Reminder that Nov. 7 is Thankful Thursday at the Choo Choo Barn, where admission is free if each guest brings a non-perishable food item. Visit their website www.choochoobarn.com for more info.

On Nov. 14 at 6 p.m., Lancaster Creative Reuse hosts an acrylic paint on wood event. Kids have the opportunity to create artwork on wood with LCR providing supplies. Price is TBD, but will likely only be a few dollars. Check their website closer to the event for more information (www.lancastercreativereuse.org).

Head to Columbia Crossing River Trails Center for pumpkin decorating on Oct. 26 from 10:30-3 p.m. All pumpkins and decorations are supplied and there is a suggested donation of only $2. They also host a monthly Tadpole Time for kids ages 2-5 for only $4 per child. Kids explore nature along the river, sing songs, stories, activities and more (registration required). If you haven’t been to Columbia Crossing, it’s an awesome little spot that overlooks the river and a great place to visit any day with the kids. For a list of events, visit www.susquehannaheritage.org.

We’d like to hear from you, what’s your favorite event in the fall?