What's going on this weekend?

Out of all the fun stuff this weekend we have decided to do some market shopping and pop over to Dutch Wonderland. I know not a big exciting weekend to most but for us it's the best time ever. Market shopping used to be going to Giant and picking out the weeks meals. Now that we live so close to so many Amish markets and homemade items we take a different route. It's not just us, lots of people taste the difference in fresh local foods compared to grocery store choices. Even the out of season produce is from the USA still and is up to the standards of the farm stands. Our favorite farm stand is on New Holland Pike in Lancaster. The Riverside Farm Market is Amish owned and run. This means no Sunday sales of course. The girls help clean and put out the produce while the older boys help Dat (Amish for dad) with the chicken BBQ. The younger boys help with the money and even assist those who need help to their car. It's a clean and bountiful stand. Last week we got two pints of strawberries there and by time we got to our next destination one pint was gone. They also have their own jams and jellies they can themselves as well as a popular Amish cusine Chow Chow. It's a delight getting a closer look into the lives of these families that choose a simpler life in the name of God. Bridget is determined to live Amish but there is a lot of sacrifice living the "plain" life. I am happy to be able to show my daughter another way of living through a shopping trip. On these market days I will feature one of our favorite shopping destinations that is off the beaten path but a must for anyone looking to expereince life in Lancaster County.
             

If you don't need any strawberries this week check out the other events happening around the town.
June 17th and 18th Chester County will have their annual Balloon Festival in Coatesville, PA. Friday night is the balloon glow and Saturday night there are fireworks. They play host to over 20 balloons each year and feature 80 plus vendors. They do ask for a $5 donation for parking but the festival is free. Don't forget to bring you lawn chair as well for a good seat.

June 18th is the 11th Annual Pennmar Irish Festival at The Markets At Shrewsberry located at 12025 Susquehanna Trail. They are opened from 11am to 7pm. Admission is $10 at the gate and anyone 12 years of age or younger is free. I always want to go to the festival but the admission is a bit steep for us. They do have some amazing bands playing as well as some irish step dancing groups from the area.

BEWARE June 18th to June 28th is Day Out With Thomas at the Strasburg Railroad. I say beware because we did do this once and it was horrible. First of all it gets super hot waiting in line with your little tike. You need to wait in line so far in advance because these other parents are pushing for the best seat in the train. I mean hello, it's a train. Aren't all the seats good seats? The train ride is around $18 but the ride is super short. Thomas The Tank Engine does indeed pull the train but there is no other difference to the ride. It's not as if you can see Thomas when you are riding on the train.  When the ride is over they do allow pictures as the train gets watered for the next run. There is exactly 15 minutes between runs so they have to accomadate the whole train of passengers with pictures. You may take your own but be fast because they will force you to keep moving if there is a long line, which there will be. The pictures that they do take are expensive and may I just say the photographers are just kids taking on a summer job so not the best pics in the world. There are other events happening there but you will need a ticket to show the staff before they let you take part in it. Look up the times as well because we got there for the last ride and thought that they would leave the stands and activites open a hour or so after that ride but everything was closed when we got off the train. Your best bet if you want to see Thomas is to visit the Red Caboose Motel down the street from Strasburg Railroad. The train runs right in front of the restaurant there and you can get some great photos of Thomas there. Plus I think my kid enjoyed seeing Thomas on the tracks more then the train ride itself. Just be careful out there everybody. Protect your young from the other mothers and fathers pushing and cutting in lines to get that great seat.



The view of Thomas at the Red Caboose Motel.



I would also like to add something for the week ahead. On June 22 it will be Duke the Dragon's birthday party at Dutch Wonderland. I am uncertain of his age but he has the moves of a younger dragon on the dance floor. It is a surprise though so don't tell Duke if you see him. The party is a annual event that is held at Duke's Lagoon, the waterpark for Dutch Wonderland. Now that the park is under new managment I am unsure of what will be happening. Usually I love this event because there are local vendors that come out and give free samples of ice cream, chips, etc. away. Also it's tons of fun with all the local mascots that show up for their friend. In past years we have met all the Hershey characters, ZooAmericas animal mascot, Silo from the Lancaster Barnstormers, and of course Yummie from Kitchen Kettle Village has shown up to surprise their favorite dragon. We are very excited to celebrate Duke's birthday this year again despite the forecast calling for 90degree weather. Thank goodness it's in a waterpark!

I hope whatever you decide to do this weekend you have a great time with your family. I heard last night on a radio program that you can spell love T-I-M-E. Spending time with your family is a key part in making your life a happy one. It may seem like a day wasted at the amusment park or taking a train ride but to your children it's one more day to spend time with you. Before you know they will be grown up and these moments will be past you so take the time now to be with your children. Happy weekend everyone!