The Mount Joy community is invited to the ballpark on Saturday, July 16, when the Lancaster Barnstormers will host Mount Joy Night. The celebration of community members, businesses and organizations will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Barnstormers will take the field against the Charleston Dirty Birds at 6:30 p.m.

The event is a joint effort between the Barnstormers, the Borough of Mount Joy and the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce. "This is a way to bring the community together," said Mark Pugliese, borough manager. "It's an opportunity to showcase everything about Mount Joy."

The evening will begin with a variety of first responders outside the gate at the stadium, located 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. "We'll have a Mount Joy police cruiser and the Penn State Life Lion, as well as the Mount Joy fire department," Pugliese stated.

Inside the stadium, 24 tables will be set up throughout the concourse, each spotlighting a business, nonprofit or group from Mount Joy. "We have a really nice mix of participants," said Ashley Zell, Chamber executive assistant. "We wanted to get everyone involved in this, not just Chamber members." Pugliese worked with Main Street Mount Joy and Voyage Mount Joy to recruit businesses and groups for the tables. Nonprofit organizations will be spotlighted on the video screen between innings, and some of the tables will feature interactive games and giveaways.

Mount Joy resident Sandy Heisey will sing "God Bless America" before the game, and Mount Joy Mayor Tim Bradley will throw out one of the first pitches before giving opening remarks. Youths from the Mount Joy Athletic Association will take the field with the players during the national anthem, and the Donegal High School girls' softball team will also participate in the event. After the game, kids can run the bases, and fireworks will be featured.

Mount Joy's Santa will also throw out a first pitch. "He'll be dressed as 'Summer Santa,' and he'll be available for photos with kids that evening," said Kerry Meyers, executive director of the Chamber. The Mount Joy event coincides with Christmas in July at the ballpark, so the Chamber will also sell this year's Christmas ornament, representing the Good Ship Mount Joy. The Chamber will have tickets for its August chicken barbecue for sale as well.

Tate Weismandel, account executive for the Barnstormers, said community nights are a way for the team to thank and support local businesses and organizations. "We're doing this in appreciation of them and as a way to bring people together," he stated. "It's about community."

Discounted tickets are available for Mount Joy Night and may be purchased at https://fevo.me/mountjoy.