Annual event to support NHSAP

With the return of summer each year, the New Holland Summer Arts Program (NHSAP) endeavors to bring music to the park three evenings a week. This season, organizers have lined up 20 concerts, with nine musical acts that are new to the park venue. According to volunteer Sue Noll, performances will be held in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, located in the 400 block of Jackson Street in New Holland. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. with one exception. On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Mitch and the Mood Swings show will begin at 6:30 p.m. "(Mitch) says he has too much music to get it all in in two hours," said Noll.

The 2024 series will kick off on Wednesday, July 3, with The SwingTime Dolls, a group reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters that will offer a journey back to the days of Glenn Miller. The series will conclude with the annual Labor Day Fiddler's Picnic on Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Funds to help support NHSAP are raised by the annual craft show sponsored by the organization. This year's show will be held in the park on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Noll said organizers have lined up nearly 90 vendors for the rain-or-shine event. Among the vendors will be those selling crocheted items, jewelry, engraved wood, ceramic garden art, clothing, bags, soaps, tie-dyed items, towels, stuffed animals, mugs, wooden signs, seaglass items, wreaths, handmade gnomes, vintage silverware, illustrated art, handcrafted boomerangs, gourmet cookies, hiking sticks, and homemade puzzles.

Coordinators have scheduled Daily Brew Coffee, W Donuts, and Spud Muffin to sell food items, and Lickity Split will sell ice cream on-site.

Concerts lined up for this summer will include The 4 Daves on Wednesday, July 10; Studio Two - an early Beatles tribute band, on Saturday, July 13; The Fabulous Greaseband on Wednesday, July 24; Servant Stage on Sunday, July 28; and The New Individuals on Saturday, Aug. 3. More information about NHSAP and a full concert schedule are available at http://www.newhollandsummerarts.com.

Noll noted that a variety of food trucks will be present at the concerts this year. "We will have at least one food truck and one ice cream vendor here every night," she stated, adding that the Garden Spot Fire Rescue food trailer will be at the park during the Wednesday night concerts.

NHSAP always welcomes volunteers and donations. Readers who have questions may email newhollandsummerartsassoc@gmail.com or call 717-355-9795.