Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., Ephrata, will open its grounds to the community on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. for its annual ice cream social. This fundraising event, a project of the Ephrata Cloister Associates in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, will feature ice cream and brownie sundaes scooped by celebrity dippers, including WIOV morning radio host Casey Allyn, Ephrata Mayor Tom Reinhold, journalist and novelist Larry Alexander, state Rep. Keith Greiner, and Blue Ridge's Cindy Mellinger. The event is sponsored by Blue Ridge. The New Cloister Restaurant will provide the ice cream.

A highlight of the event will be nature crafts and games under the tent in the meadow. Prizes will be awarded for the first 50 children who complete the Nature Scavenger Hunt. Children can make their own wooden necklaces and explore the nature trail along the Cocalico Creek. Attendees can learn more about the Historic Landscape Restoration Initiative that will transform the property into a natural habitat for local wildlife, flowers, and plants.

Guides in historical costumes will be stationed in the buildings to greet visitors and interpret the history of the 18th-century structures. The acoustic duo the Groove Slingers will perform from 1 to 4 p.m. in the new amphitheater. The duo plays a variety of blues, rock, jazz, country, bluegrass, and pop, as well as original music.

Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds of the Cloister, pet therapy dogs from Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS), and watch demonstrations by the Lancaster Spinners and Weavers Guild and Friends. Visitors will also be able to play Colonial games and try their hand at the art of Colonial printing on the reproduction printing press.

Event attendees may also learn more about charity in Ephrata and visit with representatives of local nonprofits.

The museum store will feature 18th-century reproduction toys, crafts, and souvenirs; books of historical interest; and local handmade arts and crafts. Visitors may also purchase cards, candles, pottery, sleigh bells, and chocolate in the store.

Tickets for the event will be available for purchase in the Visitor Center on the day of the event. There is a discount for members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates and youths ages 6 to 10, and children 5 and younger will be admitted free of charge.

Proceeds from the event will support educational programming at Historic Ephrata Cloister, including the Student Historians program and Community Days for local elementary students. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit

or call 717-733-6600.