The Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) is opening the doors to its house, inviting citizens and residents in and encouraging them to discover what it's all about. You might be surprised by what you find inside.

"We really want people to come out and see the war memorial building," said Tim Chopp, president of ULTWMA. "No one really knows it's there. We want people to get an idea of what can be done there. We just want to see a little more community involvement. This building is for the community."

ULTWMA is holding an open house at its headquarters at 54. W. Main St., Leola. The welcoming community event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is invited.

ULTWMA's open house will offer five food trucks, free cotton candy and popcorn and information stations manned by local organizations, police departments, fire companies and first responders.

"Right now, it's a lot to maintain that old building," said Chopp. "We'd like to do a little more, and I'd like to see what the community says. We have a lot of ideas on the board."

Overseen by a 14-member board, ULTWMA's physical building features a handful of military displays, commemorative plaques and memorabilia donated by veterans. From November through April, the large main-floor space is home to the Leola Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of those months.

ULTWMA's location includes a fully functioning kitchen, making the place a perfect hall for special celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, receptions and fundraising events.

Built in 1949, the building was donated to ULTWMA. Over the last 70-plus years, the building has served the community in a variety of ways, including hosting a breakfast for veterans.

"This was dedicated for veterans in the community," said Chopp. "It was really a community center back then. They had dances, chicken barbecues, bowling and a library. I'd like to see us get a little more active. I don't think we'll ever see bowling again. But I'd like to see a food pantry there or maybe yoga."

As an organization, ULTWMA supports veterans and the community through sponsoring annual scholarships for Conestoga Valley High School students who are related to veterans, placing flags on the graves of veterans interred in local cemeteries on Memorial Day and hosting a Scouting America flag ceremony in September. ULTWMA's board meets monthly, and the group also conducts a yearly meeting for the public in June.

Chopp served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1994. Now he's a veteran helping veterans.

"I was a service guy," said Chopp. "There's a lot of sacrifice that goes on, even if you don't go to war. It's a lifestyle. I think we as an organization have to give back and help veterans out. You don't know day-to-day what your assignment is going to be. You're really dedicating your life to this. You sacrifice a lot."

For additional information, search for "Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association" on Facebook.