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Music and fireworks at Celebrate Lancaster: Annual downtown event arrives June 22

(SOURCE: Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era)

“Music and food will fill downtown streets during the city’s 14th annual Celebrate Lancaster event on June 22.

“It launches at 11:30 a.m. with more than 20 food vendors, some new and some past favorites, lining North Queen Street.

“Local and regional bands will provide a variety of sounds throughout the evening, ranging from bluegrass and Latino to R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and more.

“‘All the entertainment is different’ from last year, said Jennifer Baker, director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

“Local singer and songwriter Jordan Rast will kick off events at the Penn Square stage with a diverse collection of original songs at 5 p.m.

“Celtic group Burning Bridget Cleary will follow at 6:30 p.m., and The Ragbirds will present a fusion of folk rock and pop hooks at 8:15 p.m.

“On the Binns Park stage, the Bright Side Baptist choir will open entertainment at 6 p.m. with an assortment of gospel music ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary beats.

“Rotimi Hundeyin & De Afrophonik Rhythms Crew will perform a blend of Afrobeat and folk music at 7 p.m., and Frankie Morales & Mambo of the Times Orchestra will follow at 8:30 p.m. with an assortment of Latin jazz.

“The Happy Wanderers will offer German-style entertainment a various times at the Lancaster Square pub and in front of Isaac’s. The MFE Community Chorus will provide multilingual performances in front of Isaac’s from 6 to 6:30 p.m.”All entertainment is free.”Two beer and wine pub areas will be part of the event: one next to the Penn Square stage and one across from the main stage at Binns Park.”Tamanend Winery will sell locally crafted wine. Organizers have not yetnamed the beer vendor.”The event that draws the most visitors, however, is ‘definitely the fireworks,’ Baker said.”The popular display will shoot off from the top of the Duke Street Parking Garage at 10 p.m.

“City residents can expect crowds the day of the event. In recent years, Celebrate Lancaster has drawn about 15,000 people.

“‘Events are just a great way in general to bring people to the city,’ Baker said.

“In the end, bringing people to the city to celebrate Lancaster’s urban life is exactly the goal of Celebrate Lancaster.

“‘It’s a cultural event for the city,’ Baker said.

“The following streets will close June 22 in preparation for the festivities:” To continue reading this Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era article, click here

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