Closely knit, traditional and family-oriented, New Holland is a community for all seasons. The local arts association's unofficial, unstated mission is to make 2026 the summer of New Holland.

"It's not just about the New Holland community, but New Holland itself is a very tight-knit community," said Sue Noll, the secretary and treasurer of the New Holland Summer Arts Association. "It's not just New Holland people who are coming to the park. It encourages people to come out and spend time with their neighbors and friends. We have a beautiful park in New Holland."

Located at 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland Park will serve as the venue for a host of community events sponsored by the arts association this summer.

Kicking off the warm-weather activities will be the art association's annual craft show, which will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the park. More than 85 vendors offering unique handmade, homemade and repurposed items like jewelry, original art works, crocheting, T-shirts, upscaled glass wares, painted gourds, dog treats, kids' items and yard ornaments will fill New Holland Park.

Food trucks serving hot and cold breakfast and lunch dishes will be on hand, and members of local Scouting America Troop 48 will be there to lend a hand. All proceeds from the craft show will benefit New Holland Park and the arts association.

"The vibe is always upbeat," said Noll. "We have a lot of foot traffic coming through the park. I think people look forward to the craft show every year."

Locals also look forward to the association's summer arts musical series, "Entertainment in the Park." This year's lineup will feature 22 bands, mostly from the area, performing in the band shell three nights a week, from 7 to 9 p.m. on every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

The musical series will begin on Wednesday, July 1, with a performance by Swingtime Dolls and conclude on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Fiddlers Picnic, which will feature the Jeff Dillard Bluegrass Band and the Summit Hill Bluegrass Band.

There will also be a special patriotic America250 performance by the New Holland Band on Saturday, July 4, that will include fireworks.

This year marks the 47th time that the arts association has conducted its annual summer musical series.

"I love the music," said Noll. "I like all kinds of music. Music just kind of brings people together. There's just something more special about live music. I enjoy watching the dancing and everyone enjoying themselves."

The 2026 "Entertainment in the Park" schedule will focus on a variety of musical genres, everything from pop, country, jazz and rock to big band, oldies, Irish/Celtic and high-energy dance. All of the performances, which will include intermissions, are free to attend, but freewill offerings will be accepted.

As many as 1,000 music aficionados will attend each concert. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, but there is some seating available in the park.

The New Holland Summer Arts Association has secured the support of 35 businesses and organizations to offset costs of the series. The association is overseen by a committee of 12 local individuals.

"I make sure we have a good mix of music," said Noll. "The music is very well received. We have people asking, 'Do you have that schedule ready yet?' They look forward to the next year."

The arts association is seeking volunteers to assist with the summer music series and craft show. Interested individuals can call 717-355-9795, email newhollandartsassoc@gmail.com, or go to https://newhollandsummerarts.com for additional information.