Jacob Loucks, 6, of Jacobus pedals during a kids tractor pull at the 2009 Labor Day Street Fair in Jacobus (Bill Kalina photo)
The 30th annual Labor Day Street Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6, on Main Street in Jacobus.
Dozens of booths will feature food, arts and crafts, antiques, games and more. Although the festival won’t feature a car show this year, it will have a flea market, live music, chain saw carving and a children’s tractor pull.
Proceeds benefit Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1.
For more details, call the fire company at (717) 428-1436.
First Friday offers delights for all ages; the hardest part is picking which fun activity to try next. (Susquehanna Photographic photo)
Bring on Play is once again teaming with Downtown Inc to present a First Friday celebration for kids and families in downtown York City.
The festivities last from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, on North Beaver Street and in the nearby Cherry Lane Park. (Remember, free street parking at York City meters starts at 5 p.m.)
This month’s celebration includes live music from Steven Courtney and a Bounce House for kids on Beaver Street.
Head into the JustBrenda Studio at 22 N. Beaver St. for folk music during the second annual Hootenanny from 5 to 9 p.m., or wander east to Cherry Lane Park between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. for the Mini Art Festival with art and music.
Shops on North Beaver Street and in Central Market will offer refreshments and discounts during First Friday hours.
For more details, visit the Downtown Inc website (direct to pdf here) or call (717) 849-2331.
Dick Boyd of Shrewsbury Township measures a carp during the fishing derby at the 2009 Labor Day Festival at Kiwanis Lake. Children 15 and under can try their luck Monday, Sept. 6. (Bill Kalina photo)
If hosting a cookout is a hassle and staring blindly at the TV for hours doesn’t appeal, the fifth annual York City Labor Day Festival at Kiwanis Lake is the distraction for you.
Events kick off with a flea market at 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, for the early risers and close with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
In between, kids can take part in the fishing derby from 7 a.m. to noon, explore a fire engine from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet reptiles from 1 to 2 p.m., watch a puppet show from 4 to 5 p.m. and more.
The parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by Mayor Bracey’s official welcome at 11:30 a.m.
Live music includes the Little Ivory Blues Band at noon, the Calvary Chapel of York‘s Christian rock Worship Band at 3 p.m., the jazzy Dave Winter Band at 5 p.m. and classic rock from Cheap Sneakers at 8 p.m.
The adjacent Noonan Park along Parkway Boulevard will host an American Indian powwow throughout the day.
The festival will also feature food, rides and games.
Admission is free.
For more on the festival, read reporter Eyana Adah McMillan’s feature story or visit the York City website.
Just a quick mention for readers looking to travel farther than down the block for Labor Day weekend fun: Here are three events hoping to draw you out to Lancaster or Harrisburg.
Long’s Park Art and Craft Festival
The 32nd annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 6, at the park at 1441 Harrisburg Pike (from York, take the Park City Center shopping mall exit off Route 30).
Two hundred artisans will feature jewelry, paintings, glasswork, clothing and more. Fine wine and craft beers will be sold, and free music will be offered every day. Children can create their own artistic works for free.
Proceeds benefit the Long’s Park Summer Music Series.
Admission is $10 per day or $12 for a multi-day pass for adults and free for children 12 and under. Leave the pets at home.
For all the details, visit the festival website.
If you’re looking for a more casual artsy environment, trek up to Harrisburg for the Kipona festival.
The Artfest lasts from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6, in Riverfront Park between Market and Vine streets near Shipoke Park (from York, take Interstate 83 north and follow the split east over the river to Exit 43).
About 150 artists will have works for sale. Demonstrations will be going on each day.
In addition, the full Kipona festival spreads through downtown Harrisburg from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.
It’s chock-full of good eats, rides, games, activities for kids, live music and specialty events including karate and soccer tournaments, a canoe race, a chili contest, an American Indian powwow and a fireworks display.
Admission to Kipona is free, although individual events can have their own fees. Artfest, for example, is $5 for a weekend pass for adults and free for children under 16. Leave the pets, bikes and skateboards at home.
For more details, check out the complete schedule of events on the Kipona website.
Looking for less art and more music? The third annual 4&3 Music Fest offers dozens of bands at two venues Sunday, Sept. 5, in the Harrisburg area.
The family-friendly fun will be at The Champ, 52 Market St., Lemoyne. It features two stages with more than 20 bands from 2 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit The Champ’s website for a list of performers.
Ages 21 and up can visit The Dragonfly, 234 N. Second St., Harrisburg, for three stages of music from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit the Dragonfly’s website for a list of performers.
Don't miss the Hanover Chili Cook-off -- but avoid the Guatemalan Insanity Peppers. (Hanover Chili Cook-off photo)
The chili is heating up just as the weather is cooling down to make Sunday, Sept. 5, a perfect day for the 15th annual Hanover Chili Cook-off.
The festival lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Good Field Complex along North Forney Avenue in Hanover.
Expect to taste some top-notch chili from dozens of cooks. Three categories — red chili, chili verde and salsa — will be judged for the International Chili Society‘s state championship titles.
Food and beverages beyond chili will be sold, too, in case you get tired of chili.
The entertainment includes a wandering magician, clown and juggler and three bands on stage: the Kelly Bell Band, 6 Cents and Flat Top.
Admission is $4 in advance and $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under and active military members with ID get in free. Leave the coolers, alcohol and pets at home.
Proceeds benefit the Hanover/Adams Rehabilitation and Training Center, Guthrie Memorial Library, the Hanover Area Council of Churches, the Friends of Codorus State Park and others.
For more details, visit the official chili cook-off site or its Facebook page.
