When Roman Thomas was a child, his father, Kurt, was among the first organizers of the Intercourse Heritage Days event. "We had a food stand," recalled Roman, who recently became a member of the Heritage Days committee. "I remember the food tent at the old park," he said. "It rained, and there was like a river running down (through the event)."

Roman's memories actually date back to the Village of Intercourse anniversary celebration held in 2004. "In 2004, we had the 250th anniversary, and we dedicated the (new) Intercourse Community Park," recalled fellow committee member Mike Sensenig. "We decided to keep doing it, so the first Heritage Days was held in 2005. It's (been) 20 years." The 2025 Heritage Days celebration will be held in the Intercourse Community Park, 3730 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, beginning on Friday, June 20, with the opening of the food showcase at 5 p.m. The event will continue on Saturday, June 21, when the Intercourse Fire Company pancake and sausage breakfast for purchase starts the day at 6:30 a.m.

Both Roman and Sensenig are excited for the return of the fireworks display, which will close the event, on June 21 beginning at dusk. "We are very excited about the fireworks," pointed out Sensenig. "I think that will be a great show."

According to Sensenig, the food showcase has always been an important part of the event. "The vision from the beginning was local restaurants providing real food," he noted.

"It's a sampling of Lancaster County (flavors)," said Roman, who has lined up a number of local restaurants to present their specialties for purchase at the event. "Stoltzfus Meats has been there from the beginning," Roman noted, adding that the food maker is known for tasty sausage sandwiches. The village's own Immergut Soft Pretzels will have a stand, as will the Village Cafe, which will sell cheesesteaks and fries. In addition to a hearty breakfast, the Intercourse Fire Company will make barbecue brisket to sell at the event. Lapp Valley Farm Creamery will sell frosty treats, and Emma's Gourmet Popcorn will offer fruit crepes in addition to popcorn. Esh Foods will sell coffee and smoothies.

Sensenig expressed his appreciation for the smoothies. "It's all fresh fruit," he pointed out.

Evening entertainment on June 21 will include the Ironwood Drive Band, a local bluegrass group, playing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Heritage Display, which focuses on the history of the Village of Intercourse, will be available to peruse from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 21.

Last year, a pickleball tournament was added to the roster of events and held on the new pickleball courts. Teams of two are welcome to take part in the double-elimination tournament, which will begin at 8 a.m. on June 21.

A volleyball tournament, which has become a staple of the event, will begin on June 20 at 5 p.m., and it will continue at 9 a.m. on June 21. Generally, more than 70 teams take part. Teams may register at http://www.lancastertournaments.com/upcoming-events.

The cornhole tournament, organized by The Factory Ministries, will begin at 10 a.m. on June 21. The doubles tournament will offer a first-place prize of $500, a second-place prize of $300, and a third-place prize of $200. The event is sponsored by Prestige Painting and Lancaster Prefinishing. There is a cost per team to register. More information may be found at http://www.thefactoryministries.com under the Registration tab.

Fun for kids has always been part of the Heritage Days observance, with kids' activities kicking off at 5 p.m. on June 20. This year, children will be able to jump in a bounce house or take part in activities sponsored by the Intercourse Library in the grass near the gazebo. The fun will continue on June 21 beginning at 10 a.m. The Intercourse Library will hold cookie decorating at 11 a.m., and at noon, a candy drop will take place. Afternoon activities will include a fire truck demonstration and a variety of entertainment, including shows by Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, the DKers juggling team, and Marian & Friends.

Evening entertainment for members of the community of all ages will include the movable magic of Erick Hershey, balloon twisting, and the traditional Churchmen concert from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Readers who would like to learn more may visit http://www.intercourseheritagedays.com. Those with specific questions may call 717-768-8585.