Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., will open its grounds to the community on Sunday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. for its summer ice cream social. Sponsored by the Ephrata Cloister Associates in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, this fundraising event will feature ice cream and brownie sundaes, scooped by local celebrities, including WIOV morning radio host Casey Allyn, author and journalist Larry Alexander, newspaper editor Andy Fasnacht, and Akron Mayor John McBeth.

The 2021 ice cream social will be the first in-person event held on the museum property since the site was shuttered in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The ticket fee will be discounted for members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center on the day of the event.

In addition to ice cream, admission to the property is included in the ticket price. Costumed guides will be stationed in the buildings to greet visitors and interpret the history of the historic structures. Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds of the Cloister, visit with KPETS therapy dogs, watch members of the Spinners and Weavers Guild in action, and enjoy live music. The museum store, featuring candles, cards, books on historical topics, and the work of local craftspeople, will also be open for browsing and purchases.

Proceeds from the event will support educational programming at the Ephrata Cloister, including the Ephrata Virtual Academy and Community Days for local elementary students, and the reinvigoration of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. The event will be held rain or shine. For updates, consult http://www.ephratacloister.org or call the Visitor Center at 717-733-6600.

Historic Ephrata Cloister is one of the historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Persons with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call in advance to discuss their needs.