Good morning, Lancaster County.
A nonprofit that helps people with disabilities live independently throws a grand opening for its new Lancaster County office at Park City on Friday.
Plus a night of hymns inspired by Billy Graham's ministry, Mount Joy's Spooktacular and two fall markets this weekend.
In today's Lancaster Local:
A grand opening at Park City Friday, and everyone's invited
Hymns inspired by the ministry of Billy Graham, tonight in Ronks
Mount Joy's Spooktacular on Main Street Friday night
Two fall markets of handmade goods this weekend
COMMUNITY NEWS
A nonprofit that helps people with disabilities live independently celebrates its new Lancaster County office Friday.
Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living is throwing a grand opening for its new Lancaster County location, at 738 Park City Center in Lancaster, in the East Wing of Park City Mall.
The celebration is Friday, October 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. "Come meet our team, tour our new space, connect with community partners, and learn more about the services and resources Roads to Freedom has to offer!" the group says. "Everyone is welcome to help us celebrate as we officially open our doors in Lancaster County!"
Roads to Freedom is based in Williamsport.
It began there on October 1, 1995, as a satellite office of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, and became an independent center three years later.
Its mission is empowering people with all disabilities with the resources, options and services they need to obtain freedom in their lives.
Its services include assistive technology, employment help, life skills training, peer mentoring, home modifications and nursing home transition.
In a recent post, the group shared the story of James, who spent nearly a year in a nursing facility after a leg amputation.
On October 1, he moved into his own fully furnished apartment, and Roads to Freedom helped with his security deposit, first month's rent, household essentials and groceries. "Just look at that smile!" the group wrote.
The Lancaster office already hosts a Peer Connections Group on Fridays at 5:00 p.m., for people with disabilities in Lancaster and Lebanon counties to connect and share ideas.
Need a ride to the grand opening?
The group asks you to call or email its office at 570-327-9070 or [email protected].
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
EVENTS
🎶 Then Sings My Soul: Hymns & Songs Inspired by the Ministry of Billy Graham — The Barn at Paradise Station, 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks.
Thursday, October 22, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
An original musical program of more than 30 hymns, their histories and their connection to the life and ministry of Billy Graham, sung by professional vocalists from Lancaster County with live accompaniment.
Expect favorites like How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace and Because He Lives, plus a couple of old-fashioned hymn sing-alongs.
A portion of all proceeds goes to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tickets are $24.95 to $44.95.
🎃 Spooktacular 2026 — Main Street, Mount Joy.
Friday, October 23, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce's annual trick-or-treat event along Main Street, from Marietta Avenue to New Haven Street.
Mount Joy businesses and nonprofits sign up through the Chamber to take part.
🍂 Fall Market Day — Refreshing Mountain, 455 Camp Road, Stevens.
Saturday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Local vendors sell handmade products at the Pool Pavilion: treats, festive decor, wearables for your furry friends, jewelry and crochet blankets.
There are yard games, day-of deals on activities, a coloring contest and a giveaway, with prizes including a gift basket and experiences on Refreshing Mountain's Christmas light adventures.
The day begins to wind down at 4:30.
🧺 Fall Makers Market — The Barn at Paradise Station, 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks.
Sunday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Creatively Lancaster's fall market of thoughtfully made goods. "You might even see the train pass by," Creatively Lancaster says.
There are food trucks on site, as well as Casey Jones' Restaurant.
🧒 Annual Jack Frost Parade — Cocalico Valley VFW Post 3376, 141 South State Street, Ephrata.
Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 p.m. Rain date: Thursday, October 29.
VFW Post 3376's annual costume parade, with a small gift for all children, prizes for the best costumes, and a trunk-or-treat to follow.
🦁 Annual Strasburg Halloween Parade — Strasburg Jaycee Park, 218B Miller Street, Strasburg.
Thursday, October 29, 7:00 p.m.
Organized and sponsored by the Strasburg Lions Club.
The parade begins at Jaycee Park, travels east on Miller and West Main streets, through Center Square, and ends at the East Main Street and Shenk Avenue intersection.
Expect road closures during the parade.
Want to march?
No registration is required, and line-up begins at the park at 5:30 p.m.
🎄 The Christmas Rush — Bird-in-Hand Stage, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand.
Opens Friday, October 30, and runs through December 31.
A brand-new holiday musical from Blue Gate Musicals.
On the day before Christmas, the biggest department store in a small American town announces a Last-Minute Madness Sale.
Can the harried staff handle the onslaught?
Will the Santa in the lobby raise enough to save the town's soup kitchen?
And will recently widowed Alice and her daughter find what they're so desperately seeking?
Show-only tickets are $47 for adults and $18 for children.
Showtimes are on the Bird-in-Hand Stage website.
🎷 Fresh Takes on Jazz: Ava Preston — Mickey's Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Boulevard, Lititz.
Sunday, November 1. Doors at 2:30 p.m., show at 3:00 p.m.
Jazz and blues vocalist Ava Preston is just 21 years old.
This year she won the 2026 Ella Fitzgerald International Jazz Vocal Competition and earned her master's degree in jazz voice from Juilliard.
She's known for fresh arrangements of jazz standards by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and others.
Presented by Mickey's Black Box and Music For Everyone.
General admission is $23.40 plus fees, with $3 more on day-of-show purchases.
Student tickets are free, thanks to sponsors.
All ages.
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Sunny today, with a high near 67.
Tonight is mostly clear and down around 38.
Friday is sunny and 61.
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Have a good Thursday.
— The Lancaster Local