The Shopping News of Lancaster County

The Shopping News of Lancaster County Community Newspaper Serving Over 34,000 Homes! The Shopping News of Lancaster County was first published on April 14, 1965 as a 24-page half-tab issue.

It was mailed to 10,000 homes in the area. Today, The Shopping News publishes a full-tab paper and is delivered to 37,000 homes each week in and around Ephrata, Adamstown, New Holland, Stevens, Terre Hill and more! During the early 1960’s there were no free papers covering Northern Lancaster County. Publisher John Hocking had been thinking about starting a free paper for quite some time. At the time, he was the founder and owner of Hocking Printing Co., Inc., which he began in 1953. The first location of his printing company was at 27 Lincoln Avenue Rear, Ephrata, in a small garage-type building. As the printing business expanded, John moved the business to his residence, at that time located at 119 E. Franklin Street, Ephrata. When that location proved too small, John purchased 24 E. Orange Street, Ephrata. It was at that location in 1965 that The Shopping News was first published. In 1972, John purchased the former East End Planing Mill on East Main Street in Ephrata. The building was renovated and was home to both the printing company and The Shopping News until 1986. On February 6, 1986, a fire completely destroyed the building. Due to the dedicated work of the employees and the help from friends and business associates, only one issue of The Shopping News was missed. The Shopping News has been recognized by a national free paper organization for its dedication to customer service and for printing a superior newspaper. Awards have been won in various categories few of the awards won from the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) and Mid-Atlantic Community Papers Association (MACPA) for many years. One of the most popular features of The Shopping News is the section that is produced each March called “Local Businesses, Professionals and Industries ... Meeting The Challenge.” This past year over 120 businesses were featured in the section with articles and photos of their businesses and employees. Visit our website at www.snews.com and view the current issue digitally! https://issuu.com/shoppingnews/docs

Loyal Christian Benefit Association Charity EventShopping News Photo by Donald ReeseThe local chapter of the Loyal Chris...
09/30/2026

Loyal Christian Benefit Association Charity Event
Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese

The local chapter of the Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA) Chapter 1557, is hosting a Cash & Gift Card Bingo on Oct. 18th at the Denver Fire Company, 425 Locust Street, Denver. Doors open at 12:00 noon with Bingo starting at 1:00 p.m. In addition to the twenty games, there will be special games, food for sale, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing.

In 2025, the local chapter of the LCBA has donated over $10,000 to a variety of local charities, including women’s shelters, fire companies, food pantries, libraries, organizations, and other community services that assist those in need. Donations were made possible with proceeds from card parties, Redner’s grocery receipt rewards, and matching funds awarded by LCBA’s home office.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, members also volunteer numerous hours to a variety of community groups to enhance the lives of others. The local branch’s motto is, “Love God. Embrace Others. Impact Community.” New members are always welcome. Meetings are held at The Udder Choice on the third Tuesday of each month. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m., with the business meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to reserve your place at the Bingo, phone 717-989-4555.

Shown in the photo, left to right, are Terry Marxen, Barbara Lilley and Edie Wenrich.

Apple Dumplings Save HistoryShopping News Photo by Donald ReeseApple Dumplings – those tasty apples wrapped in pastry an...
09/30/2026

Apple Dumplings Save History
Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese

Apple Dumplings – those tasty apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup – are returning to Historic Ephrata Cloister to help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund on Friday, October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or sold out, at 632 West Main Street, Ephrata.

Shown in the photo, from left to right, are Cindy Mellinger, Sue Fisher, Brad Smith (President) and Kerry Shoff.

Proceeds from this annual event allow the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made at the Cloister. Over the years, sales of apple dumplings have been used to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, rare music manuscripts, and the original 1739 deed to the historic site—more than 100 items since the creation of the fund more than 40 years ago. Last year the Back to the Cloister Fund purchased a Jacob Gorgas tall case clock that was made circa 1790-1795 in the Gorgas shop in Ephrata. The clock is displayed in the Visitor Center at the Cloister.

The apple dumplings, made by Achenbach’s in Leola, will be available for purchase at the drive-through tent beside the Museum Store at the Historic Ephrata Cloister. There is no guarantee supplies will last until the end of the day on Saturday, so plan to make your purchases early. Free delivery is offered for orders of 20 or more within 10 miles of the Ephrata Cloister. Delivery orders must be placed by Wednesday, October 7. Contact [email protected] to make arrangements. There are no online sales, but questions or special requests can be made by email to [email protected]. Rain or shine!

For more information about Apple Dumpling sales or to learn more about the historic site, contact the Ephrata Cloister at 717-733-6600 or check the website at www.EphrataCloister.org. Historic Ephrata Cloister is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with support from the Ephrata Cloister Associates.

Jan’s Circle Of Friends 5K Daisy DashShopping News Photo by Donald ReeseJan’s Circle of Friends is busy preparing for it...
09/30/2026

Jan’s Circle Of Friends 5K Daisy Dash
Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese

Jan’s Circle of Friends is busy preparing for its 13th Annual Daisy Dash 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 10 at 9:00 a.m. at Cocalico Football Stadium. This event is for runners/walkers of all ages, and the course is stroller and wheelchair accessible. At 7:45 a.m. registration begins, the 5K Run/Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. and the Award Presentation at the track will be held at 10:00 a.m. Awards given will be: Overall Male & Female – Medal & Prize. Medals will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, and a prize presented to 2nd place male and female in age brackets: 14 & under, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years and 80+ years.

Proceeds from this race will benefit Jan’s Circle of Friends, assisting children in the community affected by domestic violence or parental loss. Jan’s Circle of Friends is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Shown in the photo, from left to right, are Stacey Smith, Katie Unruh Vang, Melanie Byers, Marta Hummer and Gwen McKinney.

For more information, contact Gwen McKinney at [email protected].

Community Hive Announces Bigger And Better 3rd Annual BBQ BashShopping News Photo by Donald ReeseCommunity Hive will hos...
09/29/2026

Community Hive Announces Bigger And Better 3rd Annual BBQ Bash
Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese

Community Hive will host its 3rd Annual BBQ Bash on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Ephrata-Reading Elks. The event will feature great food, live music, family activities, raffles and more, with proceeds supporting Community Hive’s programs and services throughout the Northern Lancaster Community.

Shown, left to right, are the Hive Bee, Tiff Burkhart, Beth Wolfe, Robin Boyer, Cindy Mellinger and Casey Ellis.

This year’s event includes several new additions thanks to generous community sponsors. Heck Construction is sponsoring a new Half a Steer Raffle. The winner will receive approximately 300 pounds of meat. Raffle tickets will be sold separately from Event Tickets and can be purchased outside of the event by contacting the office.

Families can also enjoy the Denver Cool Kid Zone, sponsored by Denver Cold Storage, featuring pumpkin painting, face painting, hair tinsel and more. Live music will be provided by Danny and the Do-Overs.

Proceeds from the BBQ Bash support Community Hive programs, including the Hand-Up Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Community Support Services and Builders of Hope Transitional Housing.

“We are incredibly grateful for the businesses, people, and organizations that continue to invest in our mission,” said Casey Ellis, Executive Director of Community Hive. “Their support allows us to bring our community together for a fun day while making an even greater impact for our neighbors. Together, we are proof that when neighbors help neighbors, real and lasting change can happen.”

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at www.community-hive.org. Community Hive encourages the community to purchase tickets early and join them for the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

Look in this week's issue for our Fall Home, Lawn & Garden supplement!
09/29/2026

Look in this week's issue for our Fall Home, Lawn & Garden supplement!

Ephrata Fair Celebrates 107th Anniversary In Spectacular Fall FashionShopping News Photo by Donald ReeseThe weather fore...
09/29/2026

Ephrata Fair Celebrates 107th Anniversary In Spectacular Fall Fashion
Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese

The weather forecast for this year’s fair looked quite bleak several days before the event, but with the ever-changing weather, we were blessed with autumn weather in spectacular fashion. Shown in the collage, starting top left, going clockwise, are sisters Elisabeth, Selah and Eve Shenk and their friend Abbi Rutt, showing off their amazing face paint; next, in what can only be described as a light show and amusement ride, is a two second exposure as it whips around; next, Ephrata’s Remi takes in the fashionable goats; the group from Crowns and Corsets is ready to enjoy the parade; Kelly Czyzewski creates beauty on her loom; 3 teens busy washing livestock for competition; Akron Lions Jeff Shirk on the grill, along with Bob Hoffman, finish chef in the middle, prepare to give Club President Michael Morris food for waiting customers; and finally, the Ephrata Marching Band heads down Main Street during the parade. The other photos represent the many other happenings at the Fair during the week!

Click the link below to read this week's issue online NOW!https://issuu.com/shoppingnews/docs/09.30.26_issueFeaturing:• ...
09/29/2026

Click the link below to read this week's issue online NOW!
https://issuu.com/shoppingnews/docs/09.30.26_issue
Featuring:
• Fall Home, Lawn & Garden Supplement
• Hometown Flavors Recipes
• Do You Know?
• The Dutch Column
AND MUCH MORE!!

The Shopping News of Lancaster County

50 Years Ago!
09/29/2026

50 Years Ago!

Address

615 East Main Street, PO Box 456
Ephrata, PA
17522

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17177381151

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Shopping News of Lancaster County posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category