Good morning, Lancaster County. The mid-70s are rolling in today - perfect weather to ease into a weekend packed with wildflower hikes, fire-company chicken, and a '90s-themed beer festival. Grab your coffee and let's get into it.
In today's Lancaster Local:
Two former Root chefs are bringing all-vegan fine dining back to the city with a new restaurant on Mulberry Street
Weekend events across the county - from a guided wildflower hike at Shenks Ferry to a food fest in New Holland
Fresh Brews of Mount Joy brings 50+ breweries and '90s costumes to East Main Street tomorrow
Sunday highlights include a free fun run, a plant exchange in Lititz, and English Country Dancing at Rock Ford
Community News
Root Alumni Revive Vegan Fine Dining on Mulberry Street
Tom Valentine and Ian Guyette - two former chefs from the beloved Root restaurant, which closed in December 2024 - are opening Lancaster Vegan at 306 N. Mulberry St. in the 25-seat space formerly occupied by Flora's. T
he restaurant is targeting an early May opening with an all-day breakfast option and a from-scratch menu featuring tofu scramble breakfast burritos, vegan pulled-pork soy curls, and mushroom "crab" cakes. For a city that mourned Root's closing, this is very welcome news.
EVENTS
The weekend calendar is stacked. Here's what's happening across the county.
🌸 Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve Guided Group Hike - Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve - Green Hill Road parking lot. Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. The nationally known preserve is at peak bloom, and Lancaster Conservancy volunteer Hope Odenwalt is leading a 2.3-mile out-and-back hike lasting about 2–2.5 hours. Organized by Uncharted Lancaster. More info →
🎖️ James Buchanan Wreath-Laying Ceremony - Woodward Hill Cemetery, 508 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. Free. Lancaster's annual commemoration of Pennsylvania's only U.S. president features the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, a 21-gun salute by the Lancaster Fencibles, and a keynote by Brigadier General Frank J. McGovern. Presented by LancasterHistory. More info →
🍺 The Fresh Brews of Mount Joy 2026 - East Main Street, downtown Mount Joy. Saturday, April 25, 2:00–5:00 p.m. (VIP at 1:00 p.m.). A '90s-themed beer festival with 50+ breweries, costume encouragement, a DJ set by DJ Caraby, and live music by Dave Gates. 21+ event. A portion of proceeds benefits the Donegal Athletic Club. Get tickets →
🍔 Taste of New Holland Food Fest - Garden Spot Fire Rescue Station 1, 339 E. Main St., New Holland. Saturday, April 25, noon–7:00 p.m. Ten food vendors, fire-truck displays, and open house. Kids Day runs 2–4 p.m. with a smoke trailer, bucket rides, a dunk tank, and face painting. More info →
🔥 Lincoln Fire Company Chicken Dinner - 38 S. Market St., Ephrata. Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. until sold out. Drive-thru takeout fundraiser featuring Big John Nolt's BBQ. Proceeds support a new $1.3 million fire engine, with a dedication and 175th-anniversary parade planned for October. More info →
🥧 Bareville Fire Company Chicken Pot Pie & Pulled Pork Sale - 211 E. Main St., Leola. Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (or until sold out). Takeout only - Classic PA Dutch fire-company goodness. Call 717-656-7554 to confirm. More info →
🛒 Bethany Presbyterian Indoor Yard Sale - 25 N. West End Ave., Lancaster. Saturday, April 25, 8:00 a.m.–noon. Two ground-floor rooms of goods, plus baked goods, hot dogs, hamburger BBQ, and chicken corn soup. Handicap accessible via rear ramp.
🌿 Annual Plant Exchange in Lititz - Mary Oehme Gardens behind the Lititz Museum, 137–145 E. Main St., Lititz. Sunday, April 26, 1:30 p.m. Bring your tagged and potted perennials, get a ticket for each one, and swap for something new. Categories include Sun, Shade, Exotic, Bulbs, Herbs, and Ground Cover. Rain or shine. More info →
💃 Social Dance at Historic Rock Ford - Rock Ford Barn, 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Sunday, April 26, 3:00–5:00 p.m. English Country Dancing in the Langmuir Education Room on the grounds of the 1794 General Edward Hand estate. More info →
Friday, April 24, 2026 - Sunshine and mid-70s to kick off the weekend. Enjoy it while you can - Saturday looks cooler with clouds rolling in, so today's the day to soak it up.
That's a wrap for this Friday edition. Whether you're planning a wildflower hike, grabbing a quart of chicken pot pie, or digging out your best '90s outfit for Mount Joy, there's no shortage of reasons to get out this weekend. Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.