The Ephrata Review

07/10/2025

Ephrata Concert Band invites public to free concert

The Ephrata Concert Band will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13. The event will be held in Tom Grater Park, in the event of inclement weather, will be moved to the Ephrata Rec Center located at 130 S. Academy Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to either location.
This concert will feature traditional marches including “The Thunderer,” a medley featuring the songs from the musical “Annie” and a variety of styles of quality band literature.
The Ephrata Concert Band involves approximately 50 area musicians.

04/12/2025

Off-Broadway show coming to Akron next week:

THE MISTAKE by Michael Mears
Prior to its three-week run off-Broadway in New York City
APRIL 15, 2025 7 P.M. Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 South Mt.
Joy Street, Elizabethtown, PA. 17022
APRIL 16, 2025 7 P.M. Akron Mennonite Church, 1311 Diamond Street, Akron,
PA. 17501
When the decision is made to use the atomic bomb on Japan, Leo Szilard,
tormented by his role in creating it, must do everything he can to prevent the
catastrophe occurring.
When Shigeko Nomura, a young woman living in Hiroshima, survives her city’s
destruction she must use every last ounce of energy to reach and rescue her
parents.
Two actors, one British, one Japanese, enact the compelling stories of a brilliant Hungarian scientist, a daring American pilot and a devoted Japanese
daughter, in this gripping, moving and thought-provoking drama about the
‘mistake’ that launched our nuclear age.
Performed by Riko Nakazono and Michael Mears.
Directed by Rosamunde Hutt
Set design by Mark Friend
Sound design by Claire Windsor

02/27/2025

Friends of Ephrata Police Foundation event Crime Watch March 5.

08/09/2024

5th annual Patriots Ride set for this Saturday

The Ephrata American Legion Riders are hosting their 5th Annual Patriots Ride this Saturday, August 10 with registration starting at 11:00 a.m. and KSU at Noon. The Ride will be approximately 40 miles round trip and will include 6 covered bridges throughout Lancaster County. It will start and stop at the Ephrata American Legion 300 Cocalico Street Ephrata. There will be a buffet and beverages and raffles afterwards. The "donation" is $20/rider $10/passenger and will once again they are choosing to raise funds for Triangle Therapeutic Riding Center located in Reinholds, PA. Triangle Therapeutic has been serving veterans, children and adults in our community since 2005, helping persons to reconnect with themselves, others and meeting personal goals that enhance and support recovery by improving the body, mind and spirit. Their mission is to do this regardless of disability through equine assisted activities and therapeutic riding. While all instructors are certified riding instructors, they are also certified in the field of therapeutic riding and individuals with special needs and are all volunteers. All lessons are tailored to the individual's needs and goals and some of the students have even gone on to compete in horse shows and have done quite well. However, as we all know horses and their care takes a lot of time, care and money so that is why the Ephrata American Legion Riders have made Triangle Therapeutic Riding Center their beneficiary once again. This Ride is open to all motorcycles, trikes, Spyders, Jeeps, cars, trucks whatever. But if you just want to give a donation please feel free to send it to Ephrata American Legion Riders Chapter 429 300 Cocalico Street Ephrata PA 17522. Please feel free to reach out to Scott with any questions 717-572-5979.

07/31/2024

August is almost here!

📚✨ Just one week to go until our First Saturday "Back to the Books" event on August 3rd! Get ready for a day of community spirit, literacy, and back-to-school prep!

🗓️ Mark your calendars for First Saturday and join us for:

📕 A literary adventure downtown with "Llama Destroys the World" by Jonathon Stutzman and Heather Fox
📘 Free back-to-school supplies for kids
📙 Meet illustrator Heather Fox and get your book signed
📗 Live readings at Whistle Stop Plaza
🎨 Announcement of the Franklin Street Mural winner

Plus, enjoy local vendors, food trucks, drink vendors, and live music by Off Our Rockers from 4:30-8:00 pm at Whistle Stop Plaza!!

Check out our vendors for August --->
Beauty and Spirit Arts
Build-A-Balloon
Crafted from faith
Crafty Nonna Company
DonutNV Lancaster, Pennsylvania
E. Rae Crochet
Friends of Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park
Ephrata-Reading Elks Lodge #115
Fairytale Fragrance Co.
Fly Custom/Violet By She Craft
For His Glory Boutique
Greco's Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream
Hello Dia
JR’S BBQ Brisket
Kona’s Catty Creations
Lavender Acres Winery
Lorah's Handmade Chocolates
Old Broke and Beautiful
Old Republic Distillery Tavern Ephrata
Pour Man's Brewing Company
Raggamuffin Kitchen
Roni Hackman-Ryner Seaglass Jewelry
Share Your Gifts Studio
Sugarplum Country
Tacos el Gordo
Weathered Vineyards Ephrata Tasting Room & Wine Bar

The Franklin Street Mural Project is supported in part by the Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Back to the Books was made possible through partnerships with Pawsitive Pediatric Dentistry, Ephrata Public Library, and Ephrata Area Education Foundation. We could not have done it without your support! 👏📚

05/29/2024

The real competition begins tomorrow but fans were able to meet the players and get autographs today at the final U.S. Women’s Open practice round at Lancaster Country Club this afternoon.

05/24/2024

MT. GRETNA SUMMER CONCERTS 2024 SEASON
Mt. Gretna Summer Concerts, Pennsylvania’s Home for Popular Music, gets underway on
Saturday, May 25 at the Tabernacle in Mt. Gretna. Thanks to generous donors and a freewill collection before intermission at each show, this non-profit series is a pay-what-you-want
affair. All shows are held at the 700-seat Tabernacle. This amazing
venue under the trees has a roof but is open on the sides, allowing for all shows to take place rain or shine.
For the schedule of shows, directions, parking, dining, lodging, and general information, check out the website at MtGretnaSummerConcerts.org.
Here are the shows for this season:
May 25: Revisit the '70s and '80s with the Maxwell Project
July 13: Beach Bash and Parrothead Party
July 20: The Greatest Hits of Broadway
July 27: The Ultimate '70s Collection
Aug. 24: The music of Fleetwood Mac and ABBA with Blend
Aug. 31: The music of the Supremes and Temptations
There are no tickets or reservations necessary. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis but you can also bring a lawn chair and sit around the outside perimeter. All shows start at 7:30 p.m.

With a five-piece horn section, three strong lead vocalists, and a driving rhythm section, The Maxwell Project (TMP) is best known for its c...

05/01/2024

Spring concert for the Ephrata Cloister Chorus
Come experience the unique music of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus at its spring concert this Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m.
The concert will take place in the historic 1741 Saal (Meetinghouse). Admission is free. A free will offering will be taken during the performance.
Mark Herr is the director and Juliet Mitton will be the accompanist.
Seating for this event is limited and operates on a first come, first served basis.
The Historic Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 W. Main St., in Ephrata.

04/03/2024

Supporting downtown Ephrata

Downtown businesses launch
the Ephrata Discount Card

The Ephrata Property & Business Owners’ Association, a downtown initiative of Mainspring of Ephrata, is pleased to offer customers a chance to enjoy discounts at 16 participating businesses with the Ephrata Discount Card.
The discount card runs for one month and expires April 30.
How Does It Work?
Customers can pick up the card at any participating business or at the Mainspring of Ephrata office located in the train station, 16 E. Main St.
The discount card can also be accessed at mainspringofephrata.org/downtown-ephrata-discount-card/
The card can be used multiple times before the expiration date. The card must be presented at time of purchase. Discounts on the card are not valid with any other offers or specials, and limited to one card per person.
The participating businesses include:
Harmony’s Treasures
Liberty Tax
Laura, the Cookie Lady
Pour Man’s Brewing Company
Griddle & Grind
Revive
Abundant Treasures Consignment
Ephrata Cloister Museum Store
Sheldon’s Gallery
CJ’s Ephrata Pizza
Scratch Bakes Café
Ephrata Pharmacy
For His Glory Boutique
Three Sisters Park
Rios Final Touch Barber Shop
Mentzer Repair Shop
Cocalico Valley VFW (discount listed on website)
“The Association participants discussed ways to support and promote each other while offering customers the opportunity to learn what is available downtown and to shop these businesses using the discounts,” said Joy Ashley, executive director of Mainspring of Ephrata.
They all chose to launch the discount card program on a month-long basis and will discuss the success of the project at the next Association meeting.
Mainspring of Ephrata formed the Ephrata Property & Business Owners’ Association in 2023 as a resource for business and commercial property owners located within the organization’s designated Main Street Program area.
The purpose of the meetings is for participants to discuss the unique challenges of operating on Main Street, create a network of support, learn from experts to improve, and stay current with what is happening within the borough.
The association meets on the 2nd Tuesdays of every other month. Business and commercial property owners located within the designated area are encouraged to participate.

These discounts can be used multiple times before the expiration date. Card must be presented at time of purchase. (physical card or digital) Get your physical card at any participating businesses or at the Mainspring of Ephrata office, located at the Welcome Center/Train Station in Downtown Ephrata...

03/31/2024

Fantastic time last night as The Southend Boys were Back in Town! Joel Grenfell is THE MAN! Kevin Morrissey Sr.

03/16/2024

Crossroads – A Community Homeschool will be hosting its 3rd Annual Spring Fundraiser at the Iron Spire Complex in Adamstown, PA on March 21. This large-scale event includes a meal provided by Yoder Catering, dessert made by Crossroads’ students, a silent auction, and features entertainer Boston Barchert’s juggling, circus arts, illusion, comedy and a compelling gospel presentation of how God has changed his life while growing up with Tourettes.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the continued growth of Crossroads Community Homeschool and its mission to provide a Bible-based, immersive, hands-on educational experience that encourages learning, collaboration, and innovation while nurturing a growing, personal relationship with Jesus. Crossroads, a hybrid homeschool initiative built on an unapologetically Bible-believing foundation, offers a unique approach to education, partnering with families to combine in-home and community classroom-style learning. Classes are held three-four days a week at their Ephrata campus in the former Ephrata Mennonite School building, which offers a unique environment and opportunities for students to learn responsibility and practical life skills by actively participating in indoor and outdoor learning and homesteading projects. Crossroads Community Homeschool exists to provide an educational roadmap to help navigate a successful homeschool journey while establishing partnerships with families.

The silent auction showcases many great items to bid on courtesy of generous local businesses such as Sight & Sound, Steffy Concrete, Reamstown Truck & Auto, Reading Phillies, Mister Carwash, Fashion Cents, Tin Roof Café, Long Meadows Market, Longwood Gardens and Twin Valley Coffee, as well as vacation getaways, a designer purse, gift cards, home decor baskets and much more. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6, followed by the show at 7 p.m. Limited tickets are on sale now to the general public for $45 each. Reserve your seats today by emailing [email protected] or calling 223-264-0517.

03/15/2024

The date for the Ephrata Lions Club’s 44th annual Sports Card Show and Auction was incorrectly printed in the March 13 issue of The Ephrata Review. It will be held Saturday, March 23 at the Ephrata Rec Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss your opportunity to get an autograph from Penn State and Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham, who will be signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The live auction will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. featuring cards, complete sets, publications, autographs, photographs and other memorabilia.