Mount Joy is gearing up for a community celebration to mark two major milestones - the 250th birthday of America and the 175th anniversary of the town.

Stars, Stripes & Joy will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Grandview Park, 300 Orchard Road, Mount Joy. The festivities will feature the grand opening and tours of the new municipal building, food trucks, live music, games, historic displays and more.

"This is an opportunity to get the full Mount Joy experience," said Denny Brandt, a member of the event committee.

The celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting for the new building, including remarks by state Rep. Tom Jones and state Sen. James Malone. People may tour parts of the building, including the borough council chambers.

Guardian Barriers will provide two stages for entertainment. From 6 to 6:45 p.m., Phredd will perform, followed by local band the Kracker Beez, who will entertain from 7 to 9 p.m. Phredd, a local children's music artist, is known for his interactive and upbeat shows featuring his one-man band. The Kracker Beez is a three-piece band that plays classic party rock 'n' roll. A DJ will play music leading up to the event's finale, the first-ever drone show in Mount Joy. It will begin at 9:30 p.m.

"The drone show is provided by Open Sky," said committee member Allory Melhorn, who noted that the almost-15-minute show has been designed to highlight Mount Joy and its history. Drones will form images in the sky in the shape of the "Mountjoy" merchant ship for which the town is named, along with stars and other patriotic designs.

"We wanted to try something new," said committee chair Dave Eichler. "We didn't want to compete with our neighbors who do some great fireworks shows."

Children's activities at the event will include Lancaster Mini Golf, Razzle Dazzle Balloons, a bounce house and a booth with the Milanof-Schock Library.

Food trucks will include Noel's Cafe, Piper Belles BBQ, Reist Popcorn, Rita's Italian Ice, the Rotary Fry Wagon, Spud Muffin and The TacoRv.

Numerous civic organizations will participate in Stars, Stripes & Joy, including the American Legion Post 185, the Donegal Fish & Conservation Association, ECHOS, Friends of Donegal, Kiwanis Club of Elizabethtown-Donegal, the Mount Joy Chamber, the Mount Joy Lions Club, the Mount Joy Ministerium, RAISE28, VFW Post 5752 and Voyage Mount Joy.

Several participants will provide information about Mount Joy's history, including the Mount Joy Area Historical Society, which has created informational boards and will display relics from the town.

Fire Department Mount Joy will have apparatus on-site, and children will be invited to explore a fire truck.

"This is going to be a fun time for everyone to celebrate our country and Mount Joy's 175th birthday," said committee member Linda Eberly. "There's something for people of all ages."

Stars, Stripes & Joy is a chance to celebrate the Mount Joy community, reflect on the town's history and express national patriotism ahead of the July 4 holiday.

"Come out for a great time with food, fun, games and an awesome drone show," said Brandt.

For more information, search for "Stars, Stripes and Joy (175th Mount Joy Anniversary)" on Facebook.