Things to do in May: Wookiees, Vikings, ducks and more
There is no shortage of things to do in and around Franklin County in May 2022. Here is a selection of events to add to your social calendar, listed in order by date:
Novel Reels ‘Star Wars’ showing
When: Friday, May 6, party begins at 5:15 p.m., film at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Brooks Science Center, Wilson College, 1015 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg
Cost: Free
Science-fiction aficionados can visit a galaxy far, far away on as Novel Reels offers a free showing of “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.”
All are encouraged to dress as their favorite character and practice their Chewbacca roars ahead of time for the costume and Wookiee-calling contests. There also will be free Mos Eisley Cantina fare and free age-appropriate Star Wars-themed books, courtesy of the Franklin County Library System.
The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the theater. Seating is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Novel Reels is sponsored by Franklin County Libraries and Ghost Writer LLC, with support from the Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
For more on the May 6 offering of Novel Reels, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/276960711278067/?ref=newsfeed.
Wilson College COVID-19 restrictions will be honored. Current restrictions may be found on the website www.wilson.edu
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Shalom Dutchfest 2022
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 6, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Shalom Christian Academy, 126 Social Island Road, Chambersburg
Cost: Free
Dutchfest begins Friday with food concessions — including BBQ sandwiches and homestyle Dutch foods, the craft show, sports auction and used book area. Saturday continues the food and fun and features the annual SCA 5K, Children's Fun Walk and chicken BBQ. There also are vendors, activities for kids — including tractor-pulled barrel rides, face painting, bounce houses and petting zoo — and an online auction.
For information, call 717-375-2223 or visit www.shalomdutchfest.com
Mercersburg Springfest
When: Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Mercersburg
Cost: Free
Springfest in Mercersburg is a large one-day festival, which attracts crafters, artisans, jewelers, food vendors, civic groups and local businesses. Downtown merchants and restaurants are also in full swing during the festivities.
The popular Amish Donuts will be featured again, as well as Cold Spring Hollow Distillery and Rough Edges Brewing, offering samplings and bottle purchases.
The James Buchanan High School Indoor Guard and Percussion will be present a program. The JBHS Music Boosters will be sponsoring the PA Farm Show Milkshake Machine.
For more information, contact Chris Ardinger, executive director of the Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce at 717-328-5827 or info@tachamber.org, visit www.tachamber.org, or www.mercersburgspringfest.com or on Facebook.
‘Across the Centuries’
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15
Where: Fort Loudoun Historic Site, 1720 Brooklyn Road North, Fort Loudon
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Over 2,000 years of history will come alive during the “Across the Centuries” timeline living history event at the Fort Loudoun Historic Site.
Romans and Greeks, Vikings, medieval archers and soldiers, wild Irish militia of the 1600s, Scottish Highlanders and a plethora of other military and supporting groups of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries will be on site. They’ll offer displays of weapons, armor, equipment, and vehicles, as well as demonstrations of their craft and skill.
Visitors can talk with abolitionist John Brown or John Harris Jr., frontier storekeeper, ferry operator and the founder of Harrisburg.
For more information, visit http://www.fortloudounpa.com/
Duck Derby
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Falling Spring Creek, Chambersburg
Cost: $5 per duck or $25 for a Quack Pack of six
Downtown Chambersburg Inc.’s ninth annual Duck Derby on Falling Spring Creek begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21. The ducks will swim down the creek and over the falls to the finish line near the bridge at Chambers Fort Park, which is just off Main Street at 40 Spring St.
The winning duck will earn $500 for its owner. Ducks who flow their way into second, third or fourth places will receive $250, $100 and $50, respectively. Even the slowest duck is worth something: $25.
People can purchase duck tickets for $5 each or $25 for a Quack Pack of six. They are available at Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop. Nonprofits that would like to sell tickets will earn cash worth 50% of the value of the ones they sell.
Proceeds support downtown revitalization efforts.
For more information about the Duck Derby, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/610666053548193.
Youth Festival
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where: Pine Hill Recreation Area, 12684 Mentzer Gap Road, Waynesboro
Cost: Free
Presented by The Institute and geared for kids of all ages Youth Fest features a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the day.
The featured entertainer is Ridiculous Nicholas Circus, with juggling, contortions and comedy from 2 to 3 p.m.
Waynesboro Children’s Theatre Troupe will perform “Summer Selects,” the Waynesboro Ceramic Arts Center will offer an activity and The Institute will lead the StoryWalk and a craft.
Other participants include the Early Learning Center of Waynesboro Area School District, Eyler’s Pelts & Critters, Alexander Hamilton Memorial Library, Blue Ridge Summit Library and Waynesboro.
There also will be ice cream from Antietam Dairy.
For more information, call 717-762-0373; email; info@natureandcultureinstitute.org; or visit The Institute's website natureandcultureinstitute.org
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Things to do in May in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
