There are good days, and there are bad days. There are long days, and there are short days. There are productive days, and there are recreational days.

Plain and Fancy Farm's Homestead Day is a day to celebrate what it means to be a Lancastrian and to be grateful for what all of that means.

"Homestead Days is about connecting Lancaster's heritage, both past and present," said Megan Weiss, director of marketing for Plain and Fancy Farm. "History is important because it helps us understand who we are, where we came from and how the places we call home became what they are today. It connects people to the land, the buildings, the food, the traditions, the stories and the values that shaped a community over time. For Lancaster County, history is especially important because so much of the county's identity is rooted in agriculture, faith, hospitality, skilled trades and cultural traditions. Preserving that history helps residents feel connected to their community and it helps visitors understand that they are experiencing a real place with deep roots, not just a destination."

Inspired by America's 250th anniversary, the 10-acre Plain and Fancy Farm, a destination that provides visitors with a peek inside the culture of Amish, Mennonite and the Plain Community, will conduct its Homestead Days on each third Saturday of the next four months. The initial installment of Homestead Days will be staged from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the historic farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand.

Homestead Days will also be presented at the same times on July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19.

Plain and Fancy Farm's Homestead Days are free to attend, but there are fees associated with some of the attractions.

"Homestead Days is really about celebrating the spirit of Lancaster, where history is still part of everyday life," said Tom Neely, CEO of Plain and Fancy Farm. "As we recognize America's 250th anniversary, we wanted to create something that honors the traditions, skills and values that shaped this community, while also bringing people together to experience the Lancaster County of today. Whether someone comes for the demonstrations, the food, the family activities or simply to spend time together on the farm, we hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for the heritage and hospitality that make this area so special."

Among the activities and programs that will be presented on most Homestead Days are blacksmithing, yard games, scavenger hunts for kids, horse washing, buggy safety, samplings of Lancaster County foods, tours, hands-on experiences, face painting, quilting and cigar rolling.

Plain and Fancy Farm was established in 1959.