Good morning, Lancaster County. Thursday is here, and it's bringing mild temperatures, low rain chances, and a full slate of things to do before the weekend kicks into gear. From a Lancaster founder earning national recognition to ghost tours, guided hikes, and a beer garden at Musser Park - we've got your week covered.

In today's Lancaster Local:

Your retirement is either on track or it isn't. Here's how to stop wondering.

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Stephen Evangelista, founder of HQ Water Solutions right here in Lancaster, has been named to ACHR News' prestigious Trades 40 Under 40 list - a national recognition drawn from more than 1,300 nominations across 44 states. The honor highlights Evangelista's commitment to skilled trades, customer service, mentorship, and local entrepreneurship. It's a well-earned spotlight for a Lancaster-rooted business making waves far beyond the county. Read more →

There's something for nearly every kind of Lancaster resident this week - art, history, mystery, and the great outdoors all have a place on the calendar.

🎨 Art as Liberation - Reservoir Park Pavilion - 832 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA. Running Wednesday, May 27 through Sunday, May 31, with a special "Meet the Artist" evening tonight (Thursday, May 28) at 6 PM. Presented by Friends of Reservoir Park and the African American Cultural Alliance, this community art exhibition celebrates African American heritage, culture, identity, and creative expression as part of the African American Cultural Fair. It's an open, welcoming gathering under the pavilion - come for the art, stay for the community. More info →

🍺 Lancaster Beer Gardens - Musser Park - 135 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PA. Tonight through Saturday, May 28–30, from 4 PM–10 PM each day. Lancaster Rec's beloved traveling Beer Gardens are back, transforming Musser Park into a lively neighborhood hub with local brews, food trucks, yard games, and live entertainment. Proceeds go directly to support Lancaster Rec programs, so every pint does a little good. More info →

👻 Ghost Tour of Lancaster - Departs from the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Penn Square (GPS: 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA). Tomorrow, Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM. A candlelight walking tour through downtown Lancaster's most haunted corners - ghost stories, local legends, and mysteries from the Red Rose City's past. The tour runs about 90 minutes and is family-friendly. Tickets are $28 general admission and $18 for ages 4–12, sold in advance. Get tickets →

🔍 DNA Doesn't Lie: True Crime & Family Mysteries - Southern Market Lancaster, 100 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA. Tomorrow, Friday, May 29, 7 PM–9 PM. Led by forensic genealogist Eric Schubert of ES Genealogy, this immersive interactive event puts attendees in the investigator's seat - working through DNA evidence, public records, and family-tree clues to help solve a real mystery. Only 36 tickets available, so this one will go fast. Get tickets →

🌿 Hike Lancaster County: Speedwell Forge - Speedwell Forge County Park, 480 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA. Saturday, May 30, 1 PM–2:30 PM. Join Lancaster County Parks Naturalist Stevie Kitching for a guided spring hike along a 2.5-mile moderate trail. You'll pick up plant identification skills, hiking tips, and nature activities along the way - a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon outside. Cost is just $3 per person. Register →

🌸 Pollinator Fest at Second Chance Plants - 1201 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA. Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31. Second Chance Plants' annual Pollinator Fest is a laid-back celebration of all things that grow and buzz - featuring pollinator-friendly perennials and garden plants that support butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and more. Hours vary by day (Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 8 AM–6 PM, Sunday 8 AM–4 PM), so plan accordingly. Great for gardeners, families, and anyone who wants to make their yard a little more alive this season. More info →

🗺️ Family Scavenger Hunt - Ewell Plaza / Lancaster Public Library - 151 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA. Saturday, May 30, 10 AM–12 PM. Pick up a map for $5 per child and follow a family-friendly route to four hidden locations within easy walking distance of the library. It's a low-key adventure that gets the whole family moving through downtown Lancaster - and proceeds support the Lancaster Public Library. More info →

Thursday, May 28 - A pleasant mid-70s day with just a slim 15% chance of rain - basically a green light to get outside. The rest of the weekend shapes up nicely too: Friday climbs to the upper 70s with clear skies, and while Saturday cools to the mid-60s, it stays dry. A great stretch of days to be a Lancaster County resident.

Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. Enjoy the Beer Gardens, catch a ghost or two on Friday, and make the most of the sunshine. If you found something useful here, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.