Terre Hill Days events planned

"We have really tried to improve the event to make it more enjoyable," said John Styer, one of the organizers of the annual Terre Hill Days, a four-day community celebration that raises funds to benefit the Terre Hill Community Memorial Park. "All the entertainment is new (this year)."

Terre Hill Days will be held in the park, 210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill, on Thursday through Sunday, July 18 through 21. The event will open at 5 p.m. on July 18 and Friday, July 19, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20. On July 21, a church service and gathering will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Bringing quality entertainment to the venue had been a focus for the last few years. "Building on the success of last year's business sponsorships to upgrade entertainment, we have further enhanced daytime activities on Saturday," said Styer, who noted that afternoon activities will be held in shaded areas.

Thursday evening's activities will include rides, games, and bingo, along with face painting and a magic show by Mr. Sneakers. "Thursday, we have Rick K and the All Nighters," noted Styer, who added that the band is currently on a tour called Rick K: Road Trip. "They do a great, high-energy, fun, family, oldies show," he shared.

Friday's entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. with magic and puppets by McDade. The annual classic car cruise, which has no entry fee, will open at 6 p.m. rain or shine. At the same time, Dan Emery, a singer and songwriter from the area now living in Arizona, will perform on the main stage with a band made up of local musicians.

Saturday activities will open at 10 a.m. with an arts and crafts fair, which will run until 4 p.m. Also at 10 a.m., a chainsaw carving demonstration will be presented by representatives of Running A Landscaping in the shade toward the back of the park. A Dixieland band will perform on the side stage at 11:30 a.m., and Mountain Gospel Harmony will play at 2 p.m. Big Book of Wonder with Jenny Hill for children age 5 and up will be presented at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. "It will be a creative journey through a mysterious book of art, word play, and creative movement," reported Styer. The annual candy scramble, accompanied by a brief air acrobatics show, will be held at 3:30 p.m., followed by Nick DiSanto, a one-man band, at 4 p.m. Papa Tater will present his own special brand of magic on the side stage at 6 p.m.

Saturday's entertainment will feature the country sounds of Jack and Davis Reid, brothers from Virginia, who are the grandsons of the Statler Brothers. The evening will culminate with a fireworks presentation at 10 p.m.

The Sunday morning church service will be followed by a community picnic at noon. Free hot dogs and a beverage will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring a covered dish to share. The Bavarian Baron German Band from Manheim will play at noon.

"Terre Hill Days is always a nice family event with lots of activities and great food," commented Styer. "We are thrilled with the generosity of our businesses community (in sponsoring the event)," he added.

Readers who would like more information may visit http://www.terrehilldays.com or call 717-445-4581.