Good morning, Lancaster County. Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave everything so we could have mornings like this one - neighborhoods full of neighbors, communities full of pride, and a county that still knows how to come together. Whether you're heading out to a parade, a ceremony, or simply a backyard with the people you love, we've got everything you need to make the most of Memorial Day.

In today's Lancaster Local:

Smith-Wade-El Students Run Past Their Fundraising Goal

The Race for Education is back - and Lancaster's Smith-Wade-El Elementary (formerly Buchanan Elementary) made it count. Students from every grade level hit the Wheatland Middle School track this spring for the school's annual fundraiser, earning stamps on their arms, hands, and yes, even faces with each completed lap. Principal Amy Martz turned it into a teachable moment on the spot: four laps equals one mile, so how far did you go? Students and families answered that question enthusiastically, raising $7,721 - surpassing the Family Teacher Organization's $6,000 goal by nearly $1,800. The funds go directly toward supplies, activities, and experiences for students.

Memorial Day is Lancaster County's chance to show up for the people who showed up for all of us. From small-town ceremonies to full parade routes, here's where to find the community today.

🎺 Lititz Memorial Day Parade - Lititz, PA. Today, 10:45 AM. Sponsored by American Legion Post 56, the parade steps off at West Lincoln Avenue and Warwick Street, travels east on West Lincoln Avenue, south on North Broad Street, and east on East Main Street before concluding at Church Square. A remembrance service follows at Moravian Cemetery. More info →

🥁 Strasburg Memorial Day Parade & Service - Strasburg, PA. Today, 9:00 AM. The Strasburg Area Sertoma Club leads the parade west to east down Main Street, finishing with a memorial service at Strasburg Cemetery. In case of rain, services move indoors to the Presbyterian Church. More info →

🚁 Schoeneck Veterans Memorial Association Memorial Day Program - Schoeneck Fire Company, 125 N. King St., Denver, PA & Schoeneck Park, 140 W. Queen St., Stevens, PA. Today, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. The Schoeneck Veterans Memorial Association hosts a full program with a parade, memorial service, and a special appearance by Liberty Warbirds - including a Huey helicopter flyover and static display. More info →

🎷 Marietta Memorial Day Parade - Downtown Marietta, PA. Today, 11:00 AM. Marietta's parade steps off at Division Street, winds through downtown, and finishes at the Marietta American Legion on South Gay Street. A classic small-town send-off for the holiday. More info →

🚂 Maytown Memorial Day Parade - 1 Town Square, Maytown, PA. Today, 4:00 PM. Cap your Memorial Day with Maytown's evening parade featuring marching bands, themed floats, antique vehicles, and community entries. A great reason to linger a little longer. More info →

Out and about in Lancaster County

🎸 Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour - American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA. Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 PM. Blippi and Meekah bring their interactive live show to AMT with music, dancing, surprises, and fan-favorite songs. If you've got little ones who know every word to "The Excavator Song," this one's for them. More info →

🍷 Wine by the Vine on the Deck with Matt Hostetter - Grandview Vineyard, 1489 Grandview Road, Mount Joy, PA. Friday, May 29, 5:00–9:00 PM; live music 6:00–8:30 PM. The deck season is open at Grandview Vineyard, with wine, local beer, cocktails, and live acoustic music from Matt Hostetter set against the vineyard views. A perfect way to ease into the weekend. More info →

🤠 Lee Brice with Special Guest Payton Smith - American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA. Friday, May 29 at 8:00 PM. Country star Lee Brice brings hits like "Hard to Love," "I Don't Dance," and "One of Them Girls" to AMT with opener Payton Smith. Tickets run $99–$139. Get tickets →

🎤 Lou Gramm: The Voice of Foreigner - American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA. Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 PM. The original voice behind "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Cold as Ice," and "Hot Blooded" takes the AMT stage for a night of classic rock. Tickets start at $59. Get tickets →

🍷 Wine by the Vine on the Deck with Jesse Eisenbise - Grandview Vineyard, 1489 Grandview Road, Mount Joy, PA. Saturday, May 30, 5:00–9:00 PM; live music 6:00–8:30 PM. Grandview keeps the music going Saturday night with Jesse Eisenbise on the deck. Wine, local beer, cocktails, and a vineyard sunset - the weekend doesn't end until you say so. More info →

Monday, May 25 - A 70% chance of showers is in the forecast today with a high near 71°, so if you're heading to a parade, it's worth having a rain layer handy. The good news: Tuesday clears out nicely and the rest of the week runs warm and dry into the holiday weekend.

Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. Today especially, take a moment - at a parade, a ceremony, or just a quiet one at home - to remember why we get to have days like this. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.