Good morning, Lancaster County. The clouds are clearing out just in time for the weekend, and we've got a packed few days of live music, yard sales, markets, and community fun on the horizon. Grab your coffee - here's what's happening.

In today's Lancaster Local:

Elizabethtown College Math Professor Named 2025–26 Kreider Prize Winner

Elizabethtown College has named mathematics professor Leyla Batakci the recipient of the 2025–26 Kreider Prize for Teaching Excellence - one of the college's most meaningful faculty honors. What makes the award stand out is how it's decided: nominations come directly from students, alumni, fellow faculty, and staff, making it a genuine reflection of the impact a teacher has on the people around them. Batakci's recognition is a reminder that great teaching doesn't just happen in a classroom - it echoes through the people who carry it with them long after graduation. Congratulations, Professor Batakci.

A big weekend is ahead for live music and community gatherings across the county. Here's what's on deck:

🎷 Electric Starlite (Vintage Jazz / Blues / R&B) - Southern Market - 100 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603. Friday, May 8, 7:00 PM. One of Lancaster's most atmospheric venues gets even better when Electric Starlite fills it with vintage jazz, blues, and R&B. Come for the music, stay for the mood. More info →

🎸 Kyle Hancock Trio (Pop / Rock) - Southern Market - 100 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, May 9, 8:00 PM. The Kyle Hancock Trio brings pop and rock energy to Southern Market's stage Saturday night - a great excuse to make a full evening of it downtown. More info →

🎶 The Nobles Band @ Marion Court Room - Marion Court Room, Lancaster. Friday, May 8, 5:30–9:00 PM. Kick off your Friday evening early with The Nobles Band at the Marion Court Room - a solid couple of hours of live music before the weekend really gets going. More info →

📚 Annual Book and Bake Sale - Friendship Church, a UM Congregation, New Holland. This weekend, 4-hour event (check Facebook for exact time). Friendship Church's beloved spring tradition is back - books for every taste and baked goods to match. It's a community staple and a great way to spend a weekend morning. More info →

🌸 The Big Bloom Mother's Day Market - 123 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. Sunday, May 10, 12:00–6:00 PM. Free. MiaCoral Design LLC is hosting a free outdoor Mother's Day market right in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Come browse, explore, and find something meaningful ahead of Sunday's celebration. More info →

🏡 The Willows Neighborhood Yard Sale - Willow Ridge, The Willows neighborhood. Saturday, May 8 & Sunday, May 9. More than 13 homes are participating in this community yard sale weekend, with kids' items and free finds among the highlights. A classic neighborhood event worth a leisurely stroll. More info →

👟 Healthy Kids Running Series - Lititz - John R. Bonfield Elementary, 101 N. Oak Street, Lititz, PA 17543. Sunday, May 10, 4:00 PM. This national program brings low-key, fun racing to young runners of all ability levels. The Lititz edition kicks off Sunday afternoon - a wonderful way for kids to get outside and feel the finish-line feeling. More info →

Thursday, May 7 - A mostly dry, mild day with a high of around 64°F and only a slight chance of rain - a pleasant bridge into the weekend. Saturday brings a better chance of showers (so plan accordingly for those outdoor yard sale stops), but Sunday is shaping up to be the star of the stretch with a high near 77°F and plenty of reason to get outside for that Mother's Day market.

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