Community MediaCelebrating Community

The Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission would like to announce that the 159th Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will be held on Monday May 25, 2026. This is a great way to remember and honor those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Gettysburg is one of the oldest continuing ceremonies in the country. Ceremonies in the past have featured keynote speakers, such as past presidents of the United States and Pennsylvania governors.

The Memorial Day parade will begin at 2 p.m. at Lefever Street in Gettysburg and head northeast to East Middle Street; turn west on East Middle Street and south on Baltimore Street to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.

The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at the Rostrum in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The Keynote Speaker will be Colonel (Ret) Frank Hancock of the Harrisburg area who served during Desert Storm.

The Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission consists of veterans’ organizations in Gettysburg: Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War – Gettysburg Camp #112; American Legion Post #202; Marine Corps League Detachment #705; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #15 and AMVETS Post #172.

If you have questions regarding the parade and ceremony, please contact the commission at: GettysburgMemorialDayGJVMDC@gmail.com. Consider making a contribution to help offset costs of the parade and ceremony by sending a check to: Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission, P.O. Box 3722, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Additional information on the parade and ceremony will be posted on the Commission’s facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GettysburgMemorialDay.

Hanover, PA —The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hanover Area YMCA have announced that two of Hanover’s most popular community events, Snack Town Fall Fest and Snack Town Run Fest, will join together this year for a single, expanded celebration at a new location — the Long Arm Reservoir.

The newly combined event is set to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., bringing together runners, families, food lovers, and community members for a full day of racing, food, music, and fall fun. The day will begin with the Snack Town Run Fest races at 8:00 a.m., setting the pace for a vibrant lineup of festivities to follow.

By combining these two signature events, organizers aim to create a larger, more impactful community celebration that highlights Hanover’s identity as “Snack Town, USA” while promoting health, recreation, local businesses, and community connection.

“This collaboration allows us to bring together two already successful events and create something even bigger for the Hanover community,” said Jake Taylor, Executive Director of the Hanover Chamber. “By combining fitness, food, entertainment, and community engagement in one beautiful location, we’re creating a day that truly has something for everyone.”

“Everything we do centers around connection, belonging, and helping people live healthier lives,” said Cami Bisch, CEO of the Hanover Area YMCA. “This event brings all of that to life in such a meaningful way. It’s a chance for families, runners, and the community to come together, be active, and celebrate everything that makes Hanover so special.

With more space, more activities, and more opportunities to connect, the Hanover Chamber and Hanover Area YMCA are looking forward to welcoming the community to a reimagined celebration at the Long Arm Reservoir this fall.

About Snack Town Fall Fest

Snack Town Fall Fest, presented by Utz Brands, is a one-day festival celebrating the flavors, creativity, and spirit of the Hanover community. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, artisan and craft vendors, live music, and interactive activities for kids and families.

With its new home at the Long Arm Reservoir, the festival will offer an inviting outdoor setting perfect for gathering, exploring, and enjoying the best of the season.

Vendor applications will be opening soon. Stay up to date by following Snack Town Fall Fest on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their site at snacktownfallfest.com for up-to-date information.

About Snack Town Run Fest

Snack Town Run Fest, presented in partnership with Utz Brands and WellSpan Health, is an inclusive race event designed for participants of all ages and experience levels. Race options include a half marathon, 5K, 10K, and a Kid’s Fun Run for children ages 4–12.

Whether participants are seasoned runners aiming for a personal best or families looking to enjoy a fun and active morning together, Snack Town Run Fest offers a welcoming and energetic environment for all.

Registration is now open. Click here to sign up and secure your spot in this year’s race.

Hanover, PA — Downtown Hanover will once again come alive with creativity on Friday, May 1, from 5:00–8:00 PM, as the First Friday Art Walk returns with a vibrant lineup of regional artists and participating businesses.

Organized and hosted by Little Fox Coffee & Books and proudly sponsored by Main Street Hanover, First Friday Art Walks are a monthly celebration of local art and community. On the first Friday of each month, downtown Hanover businesses transform into gallery spaces showcasing rotating artists and exhibits, inviting visitors to explore, connect, and enjoy an evening of art, culture, and small-town charm.

Launched in August 2025, the Art Walk was created to highlight local talent while encouraging residents and visitors to discover new favorite shops and gathering places. The event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.

This month’s Art Walk will feature a diverse collection of artists and interactive experiences throughout downtown:

• Aldus Brewing will host local artist Pennie Highlands, a Hanover native and creator behind Sea Pennie. Using resin, shells, sea glass, and other natural materials, Pennie creates stunning beach-themed artwork that brings the beauty of the shore to life.
• At the Gallery at the Old Post Office, visitors can explore forty vibrant works featured in the “Bold” exhibit, highlighting saturated, deep, and eye-catching colors. In addition, Andy Smith will have his clay monoprint studio open in the postmaster’s office, where guests can browse a wide variety of prints.
• Fat Bat Brewing will feature the work of artist Sharon Benner, whose richly colored oil paintings are designed to evoke peace and capture the beauty of light across the landscape. Sharon’s loose, impressionistic style uses brushes and palette knives to create texture and movement in each piece.
• The Hanover Area Arts Guild will celebrate both Art Walk and Give Local York with a special party from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests 21 and older can enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment while exploring the Guild’s Annual Spring Show. The Hanover String Quartet will perform from 6 to 8 p.m., and weather permitting, the courtyard will also be open for visitors.
• At Little Fox Coffee & Books, guests can enjoy the work of local photographer Aimee Myers and potter Alecia Achimovich. Aimee’s photography captures meaningful moments in nature, people, and unexpected places, preserving memories through her lens. Alecia, a potter from Mechanicsburg, creates functional pottery with a range of decorative techniques, from folk-inspired hand-drawn illustrations to playful forms finished with vibrant glazes.
• Sacred Heart Tattoo will host Crystal Hartlaub, a local artist whose watercolor, acrylic, and pour paintings explore the intersection of abstraction and nature. Her textured works balance intention and spontaneity, with both originals and prints available for purchase.
• At The Serpent’s Key, the community is invited to celebrate Beltane by creating and sharing original spring-inspired artwork. Guests are encouraged to bring a piece to add to the community Art Altar at 5 p.m., enjoy food and shopping, explore the Downtown Art Walk, and then return at 7 p.m. for a Beltane Ritual Circle, celebrating the height of spring with flowers, fellowship, and creativity.
• Warehouse Gourmet will host Sandra Desrosiers, an internationally award-winning classical artist and Signature Member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. Sandra’s work, created in the tradition of the Old Masters through multiple layers of thin oil paint, reflects remarkable detail and realism. Her portfolio includes still lifes, portraits, florals, and landscapes, and her award-winning work has been exhibited in galleries across the country.

Visitors can download and print the Art Walk map and learn more at:
https://mainstreethanover.org/1stfriday/

First Friday Art Walks offer a welcoming experience for all ages, whether you’re strolling downtown with a coffee, meeting artists in person, or exploring Hanover’s growing arts scene one stop at a time.

Businesses and artists are encouraged to participate. For information on hosting or exhibiting in a future Art Walk, contact Kiki Page at Little Fox Coffee & Books at hello@littlefoxbooks.co.

About Little Fox Coffee and Books

Set in a 1847 church, Little Fox Coffee & Books is a cozy bookshop that offers espresso drinks, matcha, and teas with housemade syrups. Add a gluten-free waffle, a vegan toastie, or a local sourdough chocolate chip bagel. Browse a curated collection of new releases with a focus on BIPOC and queer books or go treasure hunting through our used books in the loft. Open late Wednesday through Saturday, check the calendar for their community-driven events and book clubs!

Municipal partners across the Hanover area are joining communities nationwide to plan a full slate of special events under the banner America250 | HANOVER!, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The America250 | HANOVER! committee has already organized a number of pre-celebration events throughout the month of June, including downtown history walks led by local historians Dr. Marc Charisse and Matthew Jackson, as well as “Pennsylvania Day” at the Guthrie Memorial Library, where children of all ages can visit information stations to learn more about Pennsylvania’s role in the formation of the nation. Activities will culminate on July 4, when music from Six Whiskey Revival and the Hanover Symphony Orchestra, food vendors, and a cornhole tournament will take place throughout the day, followed by a fireworks extravaganza in the evening. (Fireworks will take place off Gateway Drive/Wilson Avenue in north Hanover.)

The committee is seeking information about additional community events being held in conjunction with the nation’s anniversary. Organizations interested in sharing their events are encouraged to contact Valerie Meyers at the Borough of Hanover at VMeyers@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. Events will be featured on the official America250 | HANOVER! landing page at www.hanoverboroughpa.gov/375/America250-HANOVER.

For more information, contact the Borough of Hanover at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov or call 717-637-3877.

Borough of Hanover Vision Statement

“We envision a thriving, welcoming community appealing to individuals, families and businesses where best-practices shape delivery of exceptional municipal services and citizen engagement. By providing efficient, high-quality services, we support a clean and safe environment, inclusive recreation, and a vibrant, drug-free downtown for all.”

About the Borough of Hanover

The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.

Gettysburg, Pa. —The Gettysburg Foundation and the Blue & Gray Hospital Association will co-sponsor and present the Civil War Medicine Symposium Saturday, May 2, 2026. This special programming will focus on the effort to save lives behind the lines of battle and will take place in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

With check-in starting at 7:45 a.m. and presentations commencing at 8:15 a.m., the symposium will feature a full day of expert-led presentations exploring the realities of care, recovery and medical innovation during and after the American Civil War. A continental breakfast will be provided during registration, and attendees will be on their own for lunch from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. On-site dining options are available.

Barbara Franco opens the program with “Gettysburg Surgeons,” highlighting groundbreaking research identifying more than 1,200 Union and Confederate surgeons who treated the wounded in 1863. Franco’s work challenges long-held stereotypes, revealing a highly trained and adaptive medical community whose shared experiences advanced the practice of medicine during and after the war.

Robert Hicks follows with “Wounded for Life: The Post War Journey of Two Union Soldiers,” examining the postwar experiences of two veterans whose injuries permanently shaped their lives. Through their stories, the presentation explores how soldiers rebuilt identity, family life and purpose after enduring lasting physical and emotional trauma.

Kevin Pawlak’s “Shepherdstown: One Vast Hospital” shifts focus to the civilian experience, recounting how Shepherdstown was transformed during the 1862 Maryland Campaign into a massive, makeshift hospital. Pawlak’s talk reveals the scale of suffering and the critical role of both surgeons and civilians in caring for the wounded.

In the afternoon, William Campbell will present “Hospital Stewards of the Civil War,” shedding light on the often-overlooked individuals who managed hospital operations. Campbell’s session examines their qualifications, selection, responsibilities and essential role within the military medical system.

The symposium concludes with Chris Gwinn’s “Life and Death at Camp Letterman,” an in-depth look at the largest field hospital established following the Battle of Gettysburg. Attendees will gain insight into the daily realities faced by patients and medical staff who lived and worked at this vast and now-vanished site.

A wrap-up session offering attendees the opportunity to engage with presenters in a dialogue on Civil War medicine and its legacy will conclude the symposium from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Registration & Member Discount

Reservations are required by April 22, 2026, for both in-person and virtual attendance. Blue & Gray Hospital Association members and Friends of Gettysburg receive special discounted rates. To register, call 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436 or visit GettysburgFoundation.org.