Farnsworth House debuting new attraction this weekend

Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? The Farnsworth House is hosting its grand opening of “Gettysburg’s Haunted Address,” Gettysburg’s only walk-through haunted attraction next to the inn at 415 Baltimore St. on Saturday.

Rene Staub, set designer and director of ACTS of Kindness Theatre Company, designed the attraction to not only scare, but educate with its elaborate settings that indicate customs and trends of the Civil War era, according to a news release detailing the opening.

Visitors will make their way through several detailed scenes complete with figures, sound and special effects. See a Civil War-era viewing parlor and a makeshift hospital. Witness an exorcism, poltergeist activity and a séance. Special effects create such experiences as a starlit sky of Devil’s Den to a hanging at Sach’s Bridge.

To make the attraction come to life, York theater technical director Joe Kress and his team used hydraulics and electronics. Think breathing bodies and floating objects. And New Oxford resident Lori Baker created Civil War dresses and outfits using historical patterns.

The grand opening takes place from 4-11 p.m. June 25. Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $5.25 for children 10 and younger.

Do you think you’ll visit this attraction? Let us know your impressions if you go!

The PA Road Show in Gettysburg This Weekend

A 53-foot tractor trailer containing exhibits featuring Pennsylvanians’ Civil War experiences is in Gettysburg through Sunday. This traveling museum, the Pennsylvania Road Show, is a major initiative of the Pennsylvania Civil War 150, a statewide effort to coordinate and promote events for the Civil War's sesquicentennial.

Explore the interactive exhibits and discover the stories of how Pennsylvanians were affected by the war--from the battlefield to the home front. The Road Show is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg; the exhibit is in parking lot 2.

For more information, call 717-334-1124, ext. 8023.

RabbitExpress offering new route from Gettysburg to Harrisburg

On Monday, June 6, commuters from Gettysburg to Harrisburg have another transportation option.

RabbitExpress, York County's public transportation system, is offering the service.

Stops include the Gettysburg Transfer Center, Gettysburg Gateway, the Route 234 park and ride lot (fire station)and a Park and Ride location in Dillsburg. The Gettysburg to Harrisburg option is offered weekdays. A one-way cash fare is $3.50, with discounted rates for passholders. View the fare chart at www.rabbittransit.org/express/pages/cashfarechart.html

The service includes WiFi access on the vehicles and an Emergency Ride Home Program that guarantees registered participants who commute to work at least twice a week a free ride home, up to six times per year, in case of an emergency. The service is a reimbursement program.

To see the complete schedule/route, visit www.rabbittransit.org/express/pages/fifteen.html

Do you think you might try out the new commuter service to Harrisburg?

Looking for some activities to do in May and June? Check out Experience Adams, our events calendar, both online and in the magazine. The online calendar is updated frequently with submissions too late to include in the print edition. Some highlights of the May/June calendar include:

Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra Concert, May 8

Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show, May 21

The Gettysburg Festival, June 10-19

GNMP Ranger Walks and Programs begin June 11

Gettysburg Fire Department Carnival, June 28-July 2

www.celebrategettysburg.com/localEvents.html

New Gettysburg Quarter

This January, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center has the honor of hosting and presenting the launch of the new Gettysburg Quarter.

This quarter is the sixth under the America the Beautiful Quarter Program, which was launched to pay homage to the nation’s national parks.

“We are very happy to be honored with this beautiful new quarter,” said Bob Kirby, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park. “The coin can be a daily reminder of the sacrifices made at Gettysburg and a great way to start a conversation about national parks, national heritage, and the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.”

The quarter ceremony, taking place at 11 a.m. January 25, will feature live music, special guest speakers and a free Gettysburg quarter for all attendees younger than age 18. There will also be appearances by the United States Mint mascot Peter the Mint Eagle, students from Lincoln Elementary School, Girl Scouts and a Civil War honor guard. Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are co-hosting the ceremony.

“We strongly encourage people to come to the visitor center and museum to participate in the festivities. It is such a deep honor to have this coin represent the Gettysburg battlefield and we hope everyone will share this opportunity of a lifetime with us,” said Gettysburg Foundation Vice Chair Barbara Finfrock.

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.

Be sure to check out these upcoming events:

December 18

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Class

Wentz Stained Glass Studio 48 York St., Gettysburg
Do you have a beautiful pendant that you would like to turn into wearable art? This class will teach wire-wrapping techniques to create jewelry with a pendant of your own or with one bought at the studio. No prior glass experience is required and all materials are included except for the pendant. 1-3 p.m. $. 717-334-0906. www.wentzstainedglass.com.

December 19

Home Wine Making Class

Adams County Winery
251 Peach Tree Road, Orrtanna
John the vintner will teach all of the tricks of the trade and each step of making wine from opening the box of juice, bottling, storing and, of course, enjoying your creation! Reservations are required as class size is limited. 1-3 p.m. $. 717-334-4631. www.adamscountywinery.com.

December 20

Look Good, Feel Better

LifeChanges Boutique
400 York St., Hanover
This free educational program is open to those receiving cancer treatment and would like assistance with wigs and applying make up. The class is held on every third Monday of the month and all services, wigs and supplemental materials are provided at no cost by the American Cancer Society. 1-2:30 p.m. 717-633-1111.

Check out the latest copy of Celebrate Gettysburg, available now!

Before going shopping for the season, be sure to look at our 2010 Gift Guide, which includes a variety of local establishments sure to have that perfect gift for anyone on your list.

This issue’s featured artisan is Lucy Cadwallader, one of the few artists today that specializes in creating the Victorian-era style of jewelry woven with human hair. During the height of its popularity, people would have hair of loved ones woven into jewelry that they would be able to keep as a physical memento. While this process lost fashion during the early part of the 20th century, artists such as Cadwallader keep this method alive through their strict adherence to detail.

Also in this issue, we profile the initiative that one former Gettysburg family has taken to honor their son Eric, a Marine who bravely lost his life in the War on Terror. Eric was remembered as a caring and energetic young man who was not afraid to step up in defense of his country. In honor of his service, his parents have started The Sgt. Mac Foundation in order to provide wreaths for the graves of American soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Many people fear the moment when they see a jury summons in their mailbox, but our guide to serving in a courtroom will help make your experience worthwhile. This issue includes an in-depth look at the court system in Adams County, with a close look at what to expect if you are summoned to serve. To complement the focus, retired judge Gerald Eak writes about the history of the legal system in Adams County, as well as the important cases and attorneys that the county has hosted over the years.

The holiday seasons are always a reminder of how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. We highlight three different organizations that are working to feed the hungry in Adams County: Campus Kitchens, Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen and Angel Food Ministries. A staggering number of Adams County families—nearly 30 percent—have difficulties accessing fresh food and rely on programs like these in order to put meals on their tables. If you would like to learn more, check out the latest copy of Celebrate Gettysburg for information on what you can do to help Adams County residents this holiday season.

Be sure to pick up your copy today to see all of these articles and more, or view a digital copy of our magazine here.